Inspector - Rail

Job Summary

To perform inbound 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 locations performing a completed outbound audit to ensure the car has been repaired, modified, or coated per the initial write‑up and meets AAR/FRA, customer, and VLS requirements.

• 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, problem 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 looks and suggests ways to improve the overall operation's effectiveness and efficiency.
• Instructs and helps train 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.

• High School Diploma or GED: A minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Rail Car Inspector Certification:
  Must possess a 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 and FRA 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.

• Advanced
  
  Certifications:
  
  Additional certifications such as NDT 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.

• 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.

At VLS our employees are the core of our business. As such, we value our employees' physical, mental, and financial wellbeing by providing first‑class, high‑value benefits and resources centered around a proper work‑life balance.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance – Various…