Railcar Structural Repair & Welding Specialist (Carman)

Role summary

Execute structural and mechanical repairs on freight railcars, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient return to service.

Primary responsibilities

• Repair, modify, and upgrade railcars per blueprint/specification to AAR, FMO, FRA, and TTX standards.
• Rebuild critical assemblies: bolsters, side frames, hitch heads, and boxcar doors; verify function through testing.
• Perform welding/fabrication (up to 30%); utilize cutting and heating torches appropriately.
• Carry out mechanical labor frequently (about 95% of time) using hand tools, power tools, and precision gauges.
• Diagnose faults by visual inspection, touch, and specialized training to isolate root causes.
• Operate forklifts to move, align, and position parts and subassemblies.
• Measure, cut, and thread pipe; replace air lines using proper tooling.
• Assemble major components and subassemblies; conduct operational checks.
• Repair broken components using hand tools and welding equipment.
• Document all work in an electronic keyboard entry system.

Additional duties

• Keep the work area clean and organized.
• Set up and run metalworking tools (welder, grinder) as needed.
• Perform other tasks assigned by supervision.

Performance criteria

• Meet or beat time standards for assigned work.
• Deliver to customer and industry specifications (AAR, FMO, FRA, TTX, etc.).
• Adhere to all work rules and procedures.
• Commit to safe work practices without exception.

Tools/equipment

• Circular saw.
• Air impacts 1/2", 3/4", 1"; air grinders 4", 7", 9"; air or hydraulic portable power pump and ram used regularly.
• Variety of frequently used hand tools.
• Cutting torch (frequent), heating torch for bending (regular), side grinder for grinding (regular), hoist (regular lifting), winch (regular pulling).

Safety gear (PPE)

• Steel-toe shoes, hard hat, earplugs, safety glasses, welding shield, burning goggles, grinding shield, and appropriate clothing (long sleeves/pants while welding).

Physical requirements

• Standing, hearing, seeing: 8 or 10 hours; handling: 6 hours.
• Walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, fingering: 5 hours.
• Reaching below waist, twisting, feeling: 2 hours.
• Sitting, climbing, balancing, crawling, reaching overhead, talking: 1 hour.
• Frequent: standing, kneeling, stretching, reaching, gripping tools/objects, bending at waist.
• Regular: walking, crouching, twisting while standing. Occasional: sitting, crawling, twisting while sitting for 1 hour or less.
• Lifting car parts 1–80 lbs (10–25 lbs frequently; 25–50 lbs regularly; over 50 lbs occasionally).
• Occasional use of wrenches up to 10 lbs to tighten bolts (about 4 hours).
• Pulling 10–25 lbs frequently; 25–50 lbs regularly; over 50 lbs occasionally; carrying 50–75 lbs.

Work environment

• Outdoor work 8 or 10 hours/day with heat/cold/humidity; regular work at heights; occasional proximity to moving machinery.
• Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, gases, and high noise for up to 10 hours/day; hot temps regularly; cold temps occasionally; occasional driving of automotive equipment; regular exposure to oil/grease and vibration; occasional solitary work.
• Frequent exposure to mechanical (tools), electrical (welders), and radiant (torches) hazards up to 10 hours/day.

Schedule and training

• 8–10 hour shifts; hours and rest days may change.
• Flexible availability for shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Mandatory 4-week training program post-hire.

Reporting structure

Reports to the line supervisor or work group supervisor.

Compensation

The pay rate for the Railcar Repairman position begins at $28/hour. Pay rate is determined based on Carman/Journeyman status.

Qualifications & proficiencies

• Mechanical knowledge and troubleshooting capability.
• Welding and cutting skills.
• Decision-making/reasoning at an intermediate level; limited planning/scheduling; intermediate information gathering/classifying; intermediate short-term memory.
• Proficiency in: heavy equipment repair; mechanical troubleshooting; pneumatics troubleshooting; routine maintenance and repair; lift truck repair & maintenance; diesel & heavy equipment systems; equipment diagnostics & troubleshooting; mechanical systems & component repair; equipment repair & maintenance; automotive manufacturing systems; automotive repair & service systems; aircraft maintenance.

About TTX & benefits

TTX Company provides railcars and freight car management services across North America, supporting intermodal, automotive, paper & forest, metals, machinery, wind energy, and other markets with flatcars, boxcars, and gondolas. We offer Paid Time Off, Health, Dental, and Vision benefits, and a 401(k) with company match. This position participates in Railroad Retirement.

Team commitments

• Zero-injury culture.
• Developing experts and leaders at every level.
• Driving product and process innovation.
• Continuous improvement through modern design and data analytics.
• Alignment with the TTX mission in daily work.

Notice

Management may modify or adjust duties and essential functions at any time based on operational needs. Frequency of functions, tool usage, physical requirements, and working conditions can vary by railcar type, weather, and site-specific constraints; core responsibilities remain consistent for all Maintenance Specialists.

Equal Opportunity

TTX Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.