Tank Car Repair Technician I

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.

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 skills and relevant experience.  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 rules
• Learn and adhere to all Cathcart Rail safety procedures
• Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner so as 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 and tank car, components and/or shop work order
• Understand inventory control
• Assist in disassembly of damaged railcars and tank cars
• Apply FRA, AAR Interchange Rules when repairing railcars and tank cars
• Maintain a high level of quality with an understanding of Cathcart Rails Quality Assurance Program.
• 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 oxy fuel operation in heating and cutting processes
• Comply with company's Safety Program by following all in-house and OSHA rules, regulations and procedures
• Comply with company's Quality Program by following all in-house quality processes and procedures and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations as well as any client specific procedures
• Complete documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, manlift, crane, backhoe, skid loader, hoist or hydraulic boom
• Meet the requirements of AWS D15.1 for freight car and MSRP C-III Appendix R & W for tank car utilizing GMAW (Hard wire), 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 equivalent
• Prior experience in an industrial or heavy manufacturing environment
• Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals and blueprints
• Must be able to write routine report 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 full pass a 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 used upon qualification of 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