Lead Railcar Operator

simsmetalm•Lower Makefield Township, PA

54d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Rail Car Operator oversees all rail movements within the scrap yard, ensuring safe and efficient switching, loading, and staging of rail cars containing ferrous and non-ferrous materials. This role leads the yard rail crew, coordinates daily operations, and works closely with the scale house, shipping, and production teams to maintain accurate car placement and timely rail service. The Lead ensures strict compliance with safety policies due to the high-risk environment of heavy equipment, scrap piles, and material handling.

Requirements

Experience operating rail cars, locomotives, or track mobile equipment in an industrial or scrap yard environment
Prior leadership experience or lead operator role preferred
Strong understanding of rail yard safety and OSHA regulations
Familiarity with scrap metal materials, loading methods, and weight limits
Ability to read switch lists, car numbers, and shipping documents
Strong communication and crew-coordination skills
Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather and around heavy machinery
Must be able to climb rail cars, walk uneven ground, lift 50+ lbs, and work within a loud, dusty environment

Responsibilities

Lead daily rail operations, including switching, spotting, coupling/uncoupling, and coordinating inbound/outbound scrap rail cars.
Operate rail equipment such as locomotives, track mobiles, and air brake systems to safely move cars throughout the yard.
Direct and assign tasks to crew members, ensuring rail cars are positioned correctly for loading, unloading, and inspection.
Oversee loading operations of shredded scrap, bundles, and other metal grades to ensure proper weight, distribution, and securement.
Conduct inspections of rail cars for structural integrity, contamination, proper ID numbers, and readiness for service.
Work closely with scale house and logistics teams to verify weights, car numbers, and shipping details.
Coordinate with heavy equipment operators (material handlers, loaders, magnets, grapples) to ensure safe clearances and smooth workflow.
Maintain accurate documentation, including daily switch lists, movement logs, load sheets, and inspection reports.
Enforce all safety protocols, including PPE, radio communication procedures, track protection, and hazard awareness around scrap piles.
Identify and report hazards such as derailment risk, damaged track, debris, or unsafe loading conditions.
Support emergency response for incidents involving rail cars, equipment, or yard hazards.