Railcar Repair Technician Lead

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Cathcart Rail, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading freight rail services and transportation company. We employ more than 800 employees in over 100 locations across 26 states and operate the largest railcar services network in the industry, comprising 11 large railcar repair facilities and more than 75 field services locations, plus a rail services division that operates three short line railroads and a dozen contract switching and transloading sites.

We are currently seeking an experienced journeyman/carman lead technician. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of three years of rail industry experience, including inspection, repair, and maintenance in accordance with FRA standards. Candidates must have a safety and quality mindset, enjoy hands‑on work in year‑round outdoor conditions, and possess leadership competencies to train and mentor others.

• Perform railcar repairs in compliance with FRA and AAR interchange rules and provide oversight to colleagues performing similar work.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑inspection of all assigned railcars.
• Comply fully with all safety protocols, including in‑house and OSHA rules, and ensure all colleagues are doing the same.
• Comply fully with the Company’s quality program by conforming to in‑house processes and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations.
• Keep work area clean and orderly to comply with Cathcart Rail, OSHA, and environmental rules and regulations.
• Follow written and verbal directions and provide similar directions to others on the team.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Possess a thorough understanding of railcar components, shop work orders, and related processes.
• Understand inventory control.
• Assist in disassembly of damaged railcars and help less senior members perform similar tasks.
• Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, basic mechanics, grinding, and touch‑up painting and decaling on various railcar types, including tank cars, and assist less senior members with these tasks.
• Set up and operate various hand and power tools, including air arc, plasma cutting, Huck and welding machines, and oxy‑fuel processes, and train others safely.
• Meet the requirements of AWS D15.1 for freight cars utilizing GMAW (Hardwire), FCAW (Flux Core), and/or SMAW (Stick) welding on carbon steel, as well as internal welding technology training and examination.
• Train, instruct, and mentor others in all aspects of railcar repair.
• Provide occasional direct supervision in the absence of a Supervisor or Manager.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have a minimum of three years of experience in the rail industry or a similar industrial environment.
• Be skilled at railcar inspection, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Hold welding certification.
• Demonstrate the ability to serve in a lead capacity, providing training, mentorship, and guidance to less senior members of the team.

The work requires employees to operate both indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, wet, humid, dry, dusty, and high‑and low‑precarious conditions. Employees must work in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, and confined spaces. The role is heavy, hands‑on mechanical work that involves frequent pushing, pulling, and lifting. Tools such as car jacks, impact wrenches, ladders, cutting torches, and welding equipment are used frequently.

Personal protective equipment appropriate to the environmental conditions is required.

Mid‑Senior Level

Other

Engineering and Information Technology

Rail Transportation

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