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Apprentice Freight Car Repair Jobs in California

Perform all freight car repairs inspect, repair, rebuild and service railroad freight cars in accordance with all AAR, FRA and Railroad rules with minimal supervision. This is accomplished through ...

Location Supervisor/Manager JOB TYPE: Full-Time * Perform all freight car repairs inspect, repair, rebuild and service railroad freight cars in accordance with all AAR, FRA and Railroad rules with ...

Maintenance Mechanic - Richmond, CA

Richmond, CA · On-site

$28.75 - $36.75/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Maintain and repair production equipment, including but not limited to ... freight car management services to the North American rail industry. TTX's pool of railcars is ...

Serving freight and tank car fleets across multiple industries, we are committed to safety, compliance, quality, and reliable service. The Railcar Repair Technician conducts all aspects of repair and ...

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Apprentice Freight Car Repair information

What does an apprentice freight car repair do?

An Apprentice Freight Car Repair works under the supervision of experienced railcar mechanics to learn how to inspect, maintain, and repair freight train cars. Their duties include learning to identify wear and damage, replacing or repairing components such as brakes, wheels, and structural parts, and ensuring all work meets safety standards. Apprentices receive hands-on training and gradually take on more complex repairs as they gain experience. This role is essential for keeping freight trains safe and operational.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice freight car repair?

To thrive as an Apprentice Freight Car Repair, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and potentially OSHA certifications are important for this role. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn help apprentices excel in both independent and team-based repair tasks. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient maintenance of freight cars and contribute to reliable railroad operations.

What are some common challenges faced by an apprentice freight car repair, and how are they typically addressed?

Apprentice Freight Car Repair workers often encounter challenges such as learning to safely handle heavy equipment, troubleshooting mechanical issues on various railcar models, and adapting to outdoor work in all weather conditions. These challenges are addressed through comprehensive on-the-job training, close supervision by experienced mentors, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Teamwork is emphasized, as apprentices regularly collaborate with seasoned repairers and other rail yard staff to ensure efficient and safe repairs.

What is the difference between Apprentice Freight Car Repair vs Apprentice Locomotive Repair?

AspectApprentice Freight Car RepairApprentice Locomotive Repair
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, repair shops, outdoor settingsRail yards, repair shops, outdoor settings
Industry UsageFreight rail companies, maintenance facilitiesRailroad companies, maintenance facilities
Common Search IntentRepair, maintenance, certification, entry-levelRepair, maintenance, certification, entry-level

Both Apprentice Freight Car Repair and Apprentice Locomotive Repair roles involve hands-on maintenance in rail industry settings, requiring similar certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in the specific equipment: freight car repair focuses on freight cars, while locomotive repair centers on engines. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates choose the right career path within the rail industry.

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Freight Car Repair jobs in California?

For Apprentice Freight Car Repair jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Freight Car Repair jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Freight Car Repair jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Freight Car Repair jobs?

Cities in California with the most Apprentice Freight Car Repair job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Freight Car Repair job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Railcar Repairman (Carman) - Stockton, CA

Stockton, CA • On-site


TTX

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 175 rated vehicle equipment hire

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Management has the discretion to change or modify the duties and essential functions at any time in accordance with operating needs.

Frequency of essential functions, marginal functions, machine/equipment/tools used, physical requirements, and working conditions may change somewhat due to the type of railcar, weather, and location operating restriction, but ALL MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS perform basically the same work.

1. Repairs, modifies, and upgrades rail cars.

2. Rebuilds car components: bolsters, side framers, hitch heads, and box car doors.

3. Welds (30% of time), fabricates, and uses cutting torch.

4. Performs mechanical labor (frequently - 95% of time).

5. Repairs and maintains railcars, according to blueprints and other specifications, using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments. Inspects machines and equipment visually by touch, special knowledge and training, to locate causes of trouble.

6. Operates forklift to move, align, and set in place parts in place.

7. Measures, cuts and threads pipes and replaces air lines using hand tools.

8. Assembles subassemblies, major components, and equipment. Checks function to test for proper operation.

9. Repairs broken parts using hand tools and welding equipment.

10. Enters car repair information via electronic keyboard system.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
1. Maintains a clean work environment.
2. May set up and operate metalworking tools, such as welder or grinder.
3. All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
1. Must perform each job to specified time standards.
2. Work must be done to the customer requirements (AAR, FMO, FRA, TTX, etc., standards).
3. Must comply with all work rules.
4. Must work safely and not cause a threat to the health and safety of self and others.

MACHINE/EQUIPMENT/TOOLS USED:
1. Circular saw.
2. Air impacts 1/2", 3/4", 1"; Air grinders 4", 7", 9"; Air or hydraulic porta power pump and ram used regularly.
3. Various hand tools used frequently.
4. Cutting torch used for cutting frequently; heating torch used while bending regularly; side grinder used for grinding regularly; hoist used for lifting regularly; winch used for pulling regularly.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Steel toe shoes, hard hat, ear plugs, safety glasses, welding shield, burning goggles, grinding shield, and proper clothing (long sleeve shirts and long pants while welding).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Physical abilities (approximate times - vary slightly by location): standing, hearing, and seeing for 8 or 10 hours; handling for 6 hours; walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fingering for 5 hours; reaching below waist, twisting, and feeling for 2 hours; sitting, climbing, balancing, crawling, reaching over head, and talking for 1 hour. Frequently: standing, kneeling, stretching, reaching, gripping tools or objects, and bending at the waist. Regularly: walking, crouching, and twisting while standing. Occasionally: sitting, crawling, and twisting while sitting for 1 hour or less.
2. Lifting: car parts from 1-80 lbs. throughout the day (lifting 10-25 lbs. frequently; 25-50 lbs. regularly; over 50 lbs. occasionally).
3. Wrenches weighing up to 10 lbs. to tighten bolts (occasionally - 4 hours).
4. Pulling: 10-25 lbs. frequently; 25-50 lbs. regularly; over 50 lbs. occasionally; carrying 50-75 lbs.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Knowledge: mechanical skills.
2. Skills: welding and cutting.
3. Mental factors: decision-making and reasoning; intermediate (such as determining when parts should be repaired); planning and scheduling - limited; compiling/classifying/gathering information - intermediate short-term memory - intermediate.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Working environment: Requires outdoor work (8 or 10 hours/day; exposure to heat, cold/humidity; working at heights regularly; working around moving machinery occasionally.
2. Environmental Conditions: Exposure to welding and burning fumes, odors, dust, gases, and uncomfortable noises from welding and burning (10 hours/day); working in hot temperatures regularly; working in cold temperatures occasionally; driving automotive equipment occasionally; working with oil and grease regularly; working with vibrations regularly; and working alone occasionally.
3. Hazard Exposure: Mechanical from tools; electrical from welders; and radiant energy from torches frequently (10 hours/day).

WORKING SCHEDULE:
8 to 10 hour shifts; work hours and rest days may change regularly.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to line supervisor or work group supervisor.

TTX Company is a leading provider of railcars and related freight car management services to the North American rail industry. TTX's pool of railcars is ideal for supporting shippers in the intermodal, automotive, paper & forest, metals, machinery, wind energy and other markets where flatcars, boxcars and gondolas are required. 

TTX's generous Total Rewards package includes Paid Time Off, Health, Dental and Vision benefits, and 401(k) with company match.  This position participates in Railroad Retirement.

TTX Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.


What we do:

Provide reliable, cost effective an innovative railcar solutions for the markets we serve.

  • Ensure an injury-free work place.
  • Build and develop a highly capable team of subject matter experts and leaders at every level in our organization.
  • Bring new product and process innovation to the rail car industry.
  • Continuously improve our products, processes and systems in a cost effective manner by using modern design techniques and data analytics. 
  • Achieve, maintain and support cross company alignment with the TTX company mission statement.

What TTX Company employees say

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