Mechanical Field Inspector
About The Position
The Mechanical Field Inspector is a technical and regulatory authority responsible for ensuring freight car construction, repair, modification, and maintenance performed by contracted facilities and railroads comply with applicable AAR, DOT (FRA, PHMSA, TSA), and Transport Canada standards. The role’s primary focus is field inspection, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and safety validation to determine fitness for service as designed. This position partners closely with Asset Management, Commercial, and Operations teams to support repair execution, lease returns, fleet acquisitions, and customer issue resolution. While the role contributes to cost awareness and documentation, primary responsibility for cost approval and program financial management remains with Asset Management.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 5 or more years of freight car inspection and maintenance experience.
- Thorough knowledge of AAR Field and Office Manuals and AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (Sections C–S).
- Familiarity with AAR Open Top Loading Rules.
- Strong background in freight car construction and repair shop operating practices.
- Knowledge of and ability to properly use all AAR and manufacturer gauges and measurement devices.
- Strong knowledge of freight car component reconditioning requirements.
- Experience with all freight car types, including tank cars.
- Military service with honorable discharge is a plus.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license required.
- Valid passport required; must be able to travel to Canada and Mexico without legal or other restrictions preventing entry.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and web-based applications.
- Ability to comprehend and interpret industry rules and regulations.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and drawings related to fabrication, repair, and welding of freight cars.
- Ability to create repair estimates and project future maintenance costs.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ability to learn new software quickly.
- Strong work ethic; self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both office and field settings.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to track, manage, and prioritize multiple concurrent projects.
Nice To Haves
- AAR Qualified Mechanical Inspector (QMI) certification or equivalent.
- Ability to work on-site at our Lake Oswego, Oregon office; remote work from other locations may be considered based on business needs.
Responsibilities
- Perform physical inspections of freight cars at repair facilities, yards, manufacturing plants, and storage locations to determine condition, serviceability, and compliance.
- Conduct joint lease return inspections and allocate maintenance responsibility according to lease terms.
- Lead and support contract repair shop audits for regulatory and quality compliance.
- Ensure all inspected work complies with AAR, FRA, BOE 6000, AWS D15.1, and applicable Transport Canada standards.
- Support customer issue resolution related to mechanical or regulatory findings.
- As automation and digital tools evolve, this role is expected to focus increasingly on high judgment inspection activities, regulatory interpretation, and technical decision making.
- Performs inspections, audits, and regulatory compliance reviews under established procedures.
- Serves as a regional or program authority; leads complex inspections, shop audits, customer escalations, and provides technical guidance to cross functional teams.
- Provide technical input to Asset Managers regarding repair scope, feasibility, and regulatory requirements.
- Support Enspire program setup by providing inspection findings, scope definitions, and technical clarification; coordinate with assigned Asset Managers to resolve technical questions.
- Support estimate and invoice review for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance, in partnership with Asset Management.
- Assist with program and lease return coordination by providing inspection findings, scope definitions, and documentation.
- Maintain inspection documentation and reports to support lifecycle decision making.
Benefits
- Reasonable accommodations in the application and hiring process for individuals with known disabilities
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
