Railcar Repair Technician 1

Guardian Rail, LLC•Fort Smith, AR

8d•$19 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Guardian Rail is hiring a Railcar Repair Technician 1 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The role repairs various types of railcars and tank cars, using mechanical skills to inspect and repair equipment so it meets customer and industry specifications and maintains mechanical and operational integrity. Candidates should have a safety- and quality-focused mindset and enjoy hands-on work in year-round outdoor conditions. The position offers a $1,500 sign-on/retention bonus paid over the first 12 months and a competitive pay scale based on relevant skills and experience. The work involves performing railcar repairs under FRA and AAR rules, completing inspections, maintaining a clean work area, and following company, OSHA, environmental, and quality requirements. Duties also include disassembling damaged railcars; carrying out mechanical repairs, grinding, painting, decaling, and interior cleaning; and operating hand and power tools and equipment. Employees complete documented training to operate or drive equipment such as forklifts, man-lifts, cranes, backhoes, skid loaders, hoists, or hydraulic booms. Welding work must meet AWS D15.1 requirements for freight cars using GMAW, FCAW, and/or SMAW processes on carbon steel, along with the company’s internal welding training and examination. The position requires heavy, hands-on mechanical work both indoors and outdoors in varied weather and environmental conditions. Work may take place near moving machinery and vehicles, at heights or low precarious locations, and in confined spaces. Frequent physical activity and use of hand tools, powered tools, ladders, cutting torches, and welding equipment are part of the job.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and blueprints.
Basic mechanical knowledge and experience with hand and power tools, including heavier air- and electric-powered tools and cutting torches.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and communicate effectively.
Basic math skills and ability to understand simple mathematical concepts.
Reasoning ability to solve practical problems.
Ability to pass a fitness-for-duty examination, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings.
Ability to work outdoors and perform physical, hands-on work involving frequent standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
Ability to work in confined spaces.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a Carman or Railcar Repair Technician is highly desirable.
Certified E7018 welder preferred.
Rail industry or other heavy industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly.

Responsibilities

Repair various types of railcars and tank cars in compliance with FRA and AAR interchange rules and customer specifications.
Conduct pre- and post-repair inspections of assigned railcars.
Follow safety protocols, OSHA rules, company procedures, and the company quality program.
Maintain a clean and orderly work area in compliance with company, OSHA, and environmental requirements.
Follow written and verbal directions and work effectively in a team environment.
Understand railcars, their components, shop work orders, and inventory control.
Assist with disassembly of damaged railcars.
Perform basic mechanical repairs, grinding, touch-up painting, and decaling as required.
Set up and operate hand and power tools and equipment, including air arc and plasma cutting tools, Huck and welding machines, and oxyfuel equipment for heating and cutting.
Perform interior railcar cleaning.
Complete documented training to operate or drive equipment such as forklifts, man-lifts, cranes, backhoes, skid loaders, hoists, and hydraulic booms.
Perform welding on carbon steel freight cars using GMAW, FCAW, and/or SMAW in accordance with AWS D15.1 and company training and examination requirements.
Use personal protective equipment as environmental conditions require.