Freight Car Repairer - Linwood, NC 2026

Norfolk Southern Corp.

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in mechanical maintenance and contribute to the reliability of our rolling stock, we invite you to explore the Freight Car Repairer Trainee role. This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in freight car maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars to ensure safe and efficient operations across our network.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
18 years of age or older.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
Must pass background screening and post-offer medical examinations, including drug tests.
Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, or safety-toe boots
Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
Must pass all required assessments
Must pass a background screening
This position is governed by a union agreement and membership is required
Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test
18 years of age or older
High school diploma or GED
Mechanical experience

Nice To Haves

One or more years of welding and fabrication experience.
Mechanical experience or Carman apprenticeship.
Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2141, 91B, 91H, heavy equipment mechanics).
One or more years of welding and fabrication experience
Carman apprenticeship
Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to apply. Military roles that often transition well to this position (but not limited to): 2141, 91B, 91H and heavy equipment mechanics are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Inspect, repair, and maintain freight cars in compliance with FRA and AAR standards.
Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations.
Perform welding and cutting operations (SMAW and FCAW processes in 2F, 3F, and 4F positions).
Operate forklifts, cranes, and car-moving equipment.
Operate various vehicles and may be required to obtain a CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.
Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as grab irons, ladders, and sill steps.
Remove and replace defective components including wheels, couplers, brake equipment, air brake valves, yokes, and draft gears.
Rerail cars and locomotives using rerailing equipment.
Complete and enter information in computer systems regarding car components, destination, lading, repair records, bad orders, and car releases
Work safely to prevent accidents and injuries and wear required protective equipment (hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots).
Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.
Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations
Inspect car components for compliance with AAR and FRA standards.
Obtain information from computer regarding car components, destination, lading, and repair records and/or to file data such as repair information, bad orders, and car releases.
Able to proficiently use cutting torch in all positions.
Must qualify in SMAW and FCAW welding processes that include 2F, 3F and 4F positions.
Operate forklifts, light cranes, and car moving equipment.
Operate various vehicles, maybe required to obtain CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.
Rerail cars and locomotives by using rerailing equipment and perform other work associated with wreck service on the railroad.
Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as: grab irons, handholds, ladders, ladder brackets, and sill steps.
Repair, remove, or replace defective components such as wheels, safety appliances, truck and brake equipment, couplers, yokes, draft gears, and air brake valves, weld broken parts or secure new parts.

Benefits

Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire.
Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one.
Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.
Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)
80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
Union Benefits
Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)
$20K Life Insurance
401 (K) First Day of Employment
After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision