Inspector, Engineering, Maintenance Technician ​/ Mechanic

About VLS!

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.