Railcar Estimator & Oubound Inspector

Summary: 

The Rail Car Inspection is responsible for inspecting inbound rail cars and ensuring repairs, modifications, and maintenance meet AAR, FRA, customer, and VLS standards. This role prepares shop work orders and repair estimates, supports quality assurance through in-process and outbound inspections, and serves as a technical resource for rail car repair operations.
In addition to inspection responsibilities, the Inspection Advisor supports special projects and new business opportunities by assisting with project scoping, estimating, and technical evaluations for future client work. This position works closely with operations, sales, and management to review potential projects, evaluate rail car repair requirements, and develop accurate cost estimates and work plans

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the safety of themself and others in the shop.
• Inspect inbound rail cars to identify repairs, modifications, or maintenance required.
• Prepare shop work orders and customer estimate sheets outlining required repairs or modifications.
• Ensure work meets AAR, FRA, customer, and VLS requirements.
• Conduct random in-process inspections to verify quality standards are being met.
• Review completed work and perform outbound inspections to confirm repairs, modifications, or coatings meet specifications.
• Utilize the VLS estimating system to prepare accurate repair and modification estimates.
• Assist in evaluating and estimating special projects and potential future customer work.
• Support operations and leadership with technical assessments related to new project opportunities.
• Communicate with customers regarding rail car condition, repair needs, and estimated completion timelines.
• Read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Interpret VLS procedures, customer specifications, and AAR/FRA Field Manual guidelines.
• Identify opportunities to improve shop efficiency, repair processes, and inspection procedures.
• Assist with training and mentoring employees in inspection and repair processes.
• Notify supervisors of issues affecting repair estimates, timelines, or project completion.
• Maintain proper housekeeping and organization of inspection tools and gauges.
• Perform 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:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid rail car inspection certification or willingness to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in rail car inspection, repair, or related rail industry work.
• Strong understanding of AAR and FRA regulations related to rail car inspection and repair.
• Experience identifying mechanical issues and using inspection tools and gauges.
• Ability to prepare and review rail car repair estimates.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify potential safety hazards.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel to rail yards when needed.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with operations, customers, and management.
• Computer proficiency with estimating systems, inspection software, and reporting tools.

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