Freight Railcar Mechanical Carman Technician

Role Snapshot Picture your day: you start with a safety huddle, review work orders, and step onto the track to bring railcars back to life. You’ll diagnose issues by sight, touch, and training; rebuild critical car components; and verify every repair against stringent rail industry standards. By the end of your shift, you’ll have logged precise repair notes via an electronic keyboard system and seen the direct impact of your craftsmanship on North America’s freight network. What You’ll Do Repair, modify, and upgrade freight railcars to spec. Rebuild key components, including bolsters, side framers, hitch heads, and boxcar doors. Weld, fabricate, and use a cutting torch (welding up to 30% of your time; hands-on mechanical work approximately 95%). Use blueprints and technical specifications to perform mechanical repairs with hand and power tools and precision measuring instruments. Inspect equipment by visual checks and tactile assessment using your specialized knowledge and training to pinpoint root causes. Operate a forklift to move, align, and position components accurately. Measure, cut, and thread pipe; replace air lines using appropriate hand tools. Assemble subassemblies and major components; function-test to ensure proper operation. Repair broken parts using hand tools and welding equipment. Enter repair details and codes via an electronic keyboard system. Also Part of the Job Keep the work area orderly and clean. Set up and operate metalworking tools (e.g., welder or grinder) as needed. Pitch in on other tasks assigned by your supervisor. Performance & Quality Benchmarks Meet established time standards for each task. Deliver work that meets customer and governing requirements (AAR, FMO, FRA, TTX, etc.). Follow all work rules and procedures. Work safely at all times to protect yourself and your team. Tools & Equipment You’ll Use Circular saw. Air impacts (1/2", 3/4", 1"); air grinders (4", 7", 9"); air or hydraulic portable power pump and ram (regular use). Common hand tools (frequent use). Cutting torch (frequent cutting); heating torch for bending (regular); side grinder for grinding (regular); hoist for lifting (regular); winch for pulling (regular). Required PPE Steel-toe shoes, hard hat, earplugs, safety glasses, welding shield, burning goggles, grinding shield, and proper clothing (long-sleeved shirt and long pants while welding). Physical Demands Approximate activity times (vary slightly by location): standing, hearing, and seeing for 8–10 hours; handling for 6 hours; walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fingering for 5 hours; reaching below waist, twisting, and feeling for 2 hours; sitting, climbing, balancing, crawling, reaching overhead, and talking for 1 hour. Frequent: standing, kneeling, stretching, reaching, gripping tools/objects, bending at the waist. Regular: walking, crouching, twisting while standing. Occasional: sitting, crawling, twisting while sitting for 1 hour or less. Lifting railcar parts from 1–80 lbs throughout the day (10–25 lbs frequently; 25–50 lbs regularly; over 50 lbs occasionally). Use wrenches up to 10 lbs to tighten bolts (occasionally—up to 4 hours). Pulling forces: 10–25 lbs frequently; 25–50 lbs regularly; over 50 lbs occasionally; carry 50–75 lbs. Work Environment Outdoors 8–10 hours/day with exposure to heat and cold/humidity; regular work at heights; occasional work near moving machinery. Frequent exposure to welding/burning fumes, odors, dust, gases, and elevated noise (up to 10 hours/day); regular hot temperatures; occasional cold; occasional driving of automotive equipment; regular exposure to oil/grease and vibration; occasional solitary work. Hazards include mechanical (tools), electrical (welders), and radiant energy (torches), frequently up to 10 hours/day. Schedule & Training 8–10 hour shifts; work hours and rest days may change regularly. Flexibility to work shifts, nights, …

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