Railcar Repair Technician 1

Summary Description

Cathcart Rail, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading freight rail services and transportation company. We employ nearly 1,000 employees in more than 100 locations in 33 states and operate the largest railcar services network in the industry, encompassing 18 large railcar repair facilities and more than 75 field services locations in addition to a rail services division that operates three short line railroads and a dozen contract switching and transloading sites.

We currently have multiple Repair Technician positions available.  Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to customer and industry specifications.  A limited number of entry level trainee positions are available, but we seek candidates with rail industry or other industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly.

We offer a sign on/retention bonus of $1,500, payable over the first 12 months of employment and a competitive pay scale based on relevant skills and experience. 

Responsible for the repair of various types of railcars and/or tank cars.  Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to industry and customer specifications.  Candidates must have a safety and quality mindset and enjoy hands-on work in year-round outdoor conditions. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform railcar repairs in compliance with FRA and AAR interchange rules
• Conduct pre and post inspection of all assigned railcars
• Comply fully with all safety protocols including in house and OSHA rules, regulations and procedures
• Comply fully with the Company's quality program by conforming to in-house processes and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations
• Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner to comply with Cathcart Rail, OSHA, and environmental rules and regulations
• Follow written and verbal directions
• Work effectively in a team environment
• Possess a thorough understanding of railcar, components, and/or shop work order
• Understand inventory control
• Assist in disassembly of damaged railcars
• Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, basic mechanics, grinding, and touch-up painting and decaling on various types of railcars or tank cars as required
• Set up and operate various hand and power tools such as, but not limited to, air arc, plasma cutting, Huck and welding machines and processes, and oxyfuel operation in heating and cutting processes
• Perform interior railcar cleaning
• Complete documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, man-lift, crane, backhoe, skid loader, hoist, or hydraulic boom
• Meet the requirements of AWS D15.1 for freight cars utilizing GMAW (Hardwire), FCAW (Flux Core), and/or SMAW (Stick) welding on carbon steel as well as our internal welding technology training and examination

Qualifications

• High-school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
• Prior experience as a Carman or Railcar Repair Technician highly desirable
• Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals and blueprints
• Must possess basic mechanical knowledge and experience with hand & power tools, including heavier air and electric powered tools and cutting torches
• Must enjoy outdoor, physical, hands on work with frequent standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling and lifting required
• Certified E7018 welder preferred
• Must be able to write routine reports and correspondence and speak and communicate effectively
• Must possess basic math skills and work and understand simple mathematical concepts
• Must possess reasoning ability to solve practical problems
• Must be able to fully pass the fitness-for-duty examination, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings

Physical Demands & Work Environment

With the exception of clerical, administrative, and some management positions, which require indoor work, the physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid, and dusty conditions. The environment requires working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, in high and low precarious places, as well as in confined spaces.

The work type is best described as heavy, hands-on mechanical work. Work is very physical, and without proper work planning can result in out-of-position pushing, pulling, and lifting. Proper body mechanics, positioning, and lifting techniques can be very important. Employees are urged to seek help when needed with heavier tasks and to use lifting equipment when and where necessary. The positioning of the work being performed can change very frequently.

Various heavier air and electric-powered tools such as car jacks, impact wrenches, and grinders are used daily. Work also requires frequent use of hand wrenches, hammers, chisels, socket wrenches, and ladders. Cutting torches are also used with welding equipment upon qualification of the employee.

• Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, smelling, and visual acuity, with color and depth perception
• Ability to work in a confined space
• Required to use personal protective equipment as environmental conditions dictate