Railcar Repair Technician Lead

Compass Rail Services•Chicago, IL

23d•$28 - $33

About The Position

Find your Path and Navigate your future at Compass Rail! At Compass Rail, we are dedicated to providing top-tier solutions for railcar repair and transloading. With an experienced team and a commitment to excellence, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients in the rail transportation industry. Position Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and safety-driven Railcar Repair Tech Lead to join our team. This role is ideal for a certified technician with advanced knowledge of railcar systems, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to operational excellence. The Tech Lead will oversee repair operations, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and serve as a mentor to junior technicians.

Requirements

Air Brake Test Certification
Weld Plate Certification
Proven experience in railcar repair and team leadership
Strong understanding of regulatory standards (AAR, FRA, DOT)
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Safety-first mindset with attention to detail

Responsibilities

Perform railcar repairs independently with minimal oversight
Lead and facilitate daily safety briefings with employees and railroad/customer safety personnel
Interpret inbound car health reports and yard track maps accurately
Communicate effectively with railroad personnel and customers regarding switching operations and car accessibility
Ensure safety compliance and enforce Blue Flag protection standards
Identify close clearances and maintain fluent knowledge of AAR, FRA, and DOT regulations
Order materials and manage tooling and PPE requirements for safe task execution
Train and mentor team members in repair procedures and safety protocols
Maintain good attendance, attitude, and performance standards
Demonstrate advanced understanding of field and office manuals, Rule 1, and Rule 1 gauges
Certified in Air Brake Testing and Weld Plates