Inspector - Rail

Summary: 

To perform in-bound inspection and prepare shop work orders and customer estimate sheets, outlining repairs and/or modifications needed that meet customer, AAR/FRA, and VLS requirements. Randomly inspect in-process cars to ensure that high quality standards are met. Review completed work being released from internal departments or from location performing a completed out-bound audit to ensure car has been repaired, modified, or coated per initial write-up and meets AAR/FRA, customer and VLS requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the safety of himself and others in the shop.
• Know and understand AAR/FRA requirements.
• Can reference and understand customer requirements.
• Is familiar, understands and can operate VLS estimating system (Railcar).
• Competent in railcar repair and modification estimating.
• Communicates with customers on individual car needs, problems areas, and estimated ship dates.
• Reads and understands Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Interprets VLS instructions, customer requirements, and AAR/FRA Field Manual guidelines.
• Performs all work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Continually looking and suggesting ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall operation.
• Instructs and aides in the training of new employees in the repair or inspection function.
• Keeps supervisor informed of any problems identified on estimates or potential problems that could affect completion time on cars being worked.
• Responsible for housekeeping and orderly storage of gauges used in the inspection function.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED: A minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Rail Car Inspector Certification:  Must possess valid certification in rail car inspection or be willing to obtain certification within the specified time frame.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Proficiency in identifying mechanical problems and using inspection tools effectively.
• Knowledge of Regulations:  Familiarity with safety standards and regulations related to rail car inspection, including AAR (Association of American Railroads) and FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) guidelines.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in rail car inspection or a related field.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail in identifying potential issues or safety hazards.
• Valid Driver’s License: Must possess a valid driver’s license to travel to various rail yards.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Certifications:  Additional certifications such as NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) or Welding certifications.
• Technical Training:  Completion of vocational or technical courses related to mechanical systems, railway engineering, or related fields.
• Experience with Multiple Rail Car Types:  Experience inspecting a wide variety of rail car types (e.g., tank cars, boxcars, flat cars).
• Strong Communication Skills:  Ability to clearly report findings and collaborate with maintenance and operations teams.
• Computer Literacy:  Familiarity with inspection software, data entry, and report generation.

Physical Demands & Work Conditions:

• Must pass a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screening
• Able to stand for long periods of time with limited breaks
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds 
• Work in extreme temperatures and elements for an extended period of time
• Must be able to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and smell
• Must be able to work in confined spaces
• Must be able to work at elevated heights
• May encounter fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration
• Work near moving mechanical parts and in a loud environment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus