Job Description
At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in mechanical maintenance and contribute to the reliability of our rolling stock, we invite you to explore the Freight Car Repairer Trainee role.
This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in freight car maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars to ensure safe and efficient operations across our network.
What Should You Know
This is a seniority-based union position.
You must be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Extensive travel for training may be required.
Union membership is required within 60 days of establishing seniority.
Training
Training includes both classroom and field instruction:
Classroom Training: Mechanical Safety Orientation and craft-specific training in welding and fabrication.
Field Training: Hands-on experience in car repair shops and yards.
Duration: Approximately 7 weeks (1 week safety orientation + 6 weeks craft training).
Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement.
Job Responsibilities
Inspect, repair, and maintain freight cars in compliance with FRA and AAR standards.
Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations.
Perform welding and cutting operations (SMAW and FCAW processes in 2F, 3F, and 4F positions).
Operate forklifts, cranes, and car-moving equipment.
Operate various vehicles and may be required to obtain a CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.
Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as grab irons, ladders, and sill steps.
Remove and replace defective components including wheels, couplers, brake equipment, air brake valves, yokes, and draft gears.
Rerail cars and locomotives using rerailing equipment.
Complete and enter information in computer systems regarding car components, destination, lading, repair records, bad orders, and car releases
Work safely to prevent accidents and injuries and wear required protective equipment (hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots).
Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.
Qualifications – Required
High school diploma or GED.
18 years of age or older.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
Must pass background screening and post-offer medical examinations, including drug tests.
Qualifications – Preferred
One or more years of welding and fabrication experience.
Mechanical experience or Carman apprenticeship.
Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2141, 91B, 91H, heavy equipment mechanics).
Skills and Abilities
Mechanical aptitude.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to understand oral and written communication and provide clear instructions
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy, moving equipment.
Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, climb, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
Ability to meet FRA medical requirements:
Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
Hearing—no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).
Work Conditions
Shop and outdoor environments.
Shift work across all three shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Union membership required.
This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay Progression:
1st 40 Working Days: $21.26 (50% of Full rate)
Next 204 Working Days: $31.89 (75% of Full rate)
Next 244 Working Days: $34.01 (80% of Full rate)
After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $42.52 (100% of Full Rate)
Benefits include:
Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire.
Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one.
Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.
Company Overview
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agri...