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Fra Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines * Following general safety rules, perform diagnostics, installation, and repair of locomotive ...

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Fra Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$24.3K

$54.5K

$98.2K

How much do fra inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fra inspector in Virginia is $54,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $63,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FRA inspector?

A FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) Inspector is responsible for ensuring railroad safety by inspecting tracks, equipment, and operations for compliance with federal regulations. They conduct routine and accident investigations, identify safety hazards, and enforce laws related to railroad operations. FRA Inspectors work with rail companies to improve safety standards and prevent accidents. Their role is critical in maintaining safe and efficient rail transportation across the country.

What are the primary daily responsibilities of an FRA inspector?

As an FRA Inspector, your typical day involves conducting inspections of railroad tracks, equipment, signals, and operations to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations. You will investigate accidents or incidents, review maintenance records, document findings, and may issue citations or advisories for violations. The role often involves travel within an assigned territory, working both independently and alongside railroad staff or other regulators. By compiling detailed reports and providing guidance, you help maintain a safe and compliant rail environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the FRA inspector position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an FRA Inspector, you typically need strong attention to detail, thorough knowledge of federal rail safety regulations, and relevant experience in transportation safety or engineering, often accompanied by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, reporting systems, compliance checklists, and certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are commonly required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and sound judgment help inspectors collaborate with railroad personnel and document findings accurately. These skills ensure compliance, minimize safety risks, and promote the safe operation of rail systems.

How much does a Fra inspector make?

A FRA inspector typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They inspect and ensure compliance with federal safety standards in the railroad industry, often working full-time with some overtime requirements.

How to become a freight rail inspector?

To become a freight rail inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in railroad operations or safety. Certification from industry organizations and knowledge of safety regulations, inspection tools, and reporting procedures are also important for this role.
Infographic showing various Fra Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,468 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Composite Mechanic - WWR

OmniTRAX

Gore, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Composite Mechanic performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components. Ensures work activities are in conformance with Federal Railroad Association (FRA), company, and customer specifications.
The Composite Mechanic demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that result in OmniTRAX's continued success.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation, and the Federal Railroad Association (FRA)
  • Under direction of immediate supervisor, perform required inspections, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance: ensure locomotive mechanical, electrical and air systems conform to specifications and operate properly within design limits and intentions
  • Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines
  • Following general safety rules, perform diagnostics, installation, and repair of locomotive components to ensure proper operation and compliance with required federal and company specifications
  • Accurately read, comprehend, interpret, and comply with diesel engine manuals, locomotive schematics, service bulletins, maintenance instructions and other craft related documentation for locomotives
  • Test, install and repair system components including, but not limited to: pumps, radiators, power assemblies, compressors, air brake repair and change, brushes replacement, commutator repair, panel lighting, circuit breakers, regulator repair and change; ensure all function and equipment conform to required specifications for a locomotive
  • Regularly examine and verify: flow and pressure measurements, installation and alignment of rotating equipment, control points, relays, and wiring; adjust or replace defective parts as needed
  • Conduct operational qualification of mechanical, electrical and air control systems; verify conformance to specifications on locomotives using a variety of test equipment and procedures i.e.: gages, dial indicators, manometers, meters, insulation break-down test devices, specialized tooling, and live system measurements
  • Read and adhere to FRA and company rules, specifications, and guidelines; legibly document items of non-compliance
  • Analyze and correct faults related to inspection, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and installation of locomotive equipment
  • Perform maintenance and repairs to company vehicles as required
  • Perform CDL work to meet qualifications of the FMCSA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart B: Qualification and Disqualification of Drivers and other regulations as applicable, including but not limited to, Part §391.11

OTHER DUTIES
  • Assist in all other repairs and maintenance as required
  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
  • Wear required protective equipment such as: hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses
  • Maintain DOT qualifications
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
  • Perform other duties and projects as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • 1-3 years of experience in the mechanical or electrical field, and/or diesel engines
  • Operate hand-tools appropriately
  • Operate power tools including: drills, grinders, and air impact wrenches properly for intended use
  • Read, comprehend, and comply with instructions provided in written, oral and schedule form, published rules, procedure and manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operation and maintenance instructions, memos, and other work-related information
  • Working knowledge of FRA, AAR, OSHA, and EPA rules and regulations specific to Locomotive
  • Write legibly to complete reports and other work documents
  • Professional integrity and accountability
  • Work in fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Basic computer skills

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
  • Valid State Driver's License - CDL (or attain one within 90 days); pass medical certification and Drivers Qualification File, pass DOT Drug & Alcohol testing
  • D15.1 welding qualification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industries
  • 6 months to 3 years of job-related work experience
  • Knowledge and skills in locomotive or general mechanical, electrical and air repair, and maintenance
  • Read and interpret manuals, blueprints, service publications, wiring diagrams and flow diagrams
  • Operate various testing equipment such as: micrometer, dial indicator, gages, insulation test devices, voltmeters, ohm-meters

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
  • None

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including snow, rain, heat, and sub-freezing temperatures; loud noise, petroleum-based products, and odors, moving mechanical parts, high pressure compressed air and occasionally live mechanical systems and/or high voltage electrical systems

TRAVEL
  • As business requires, to other locations in another state and/or country for several days to assist other OmniTRAX managed companies with repairs and maintenance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Strength
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
Side
Height From
Height To
Lifting - Tools, Components and Parts
X
35 lb
Two Hands
0 in
60 in
Lifting - Knuckle
X
85 lb
Two Hands
0 in
46 in
Strength
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
Side
Height
Rotation
Pushing - Pallet Jack Two Locomotive Jacks
X
72.5 lb
Two Hands
49 in
Pronated
Pushing - Wheel Set
X
75.8 lb
Two Hands
29 in
Pronated
Pushing - Boxcar Truck Set
X
98.8 lb
Two Hands
25 in
Pronated
Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch Push to Lock
X
133.7 lb
Two Hands
35 in
Neutral
Pulling - Wheel Brake Box Car
X
81.3 lb
Right
23 in
Neutral
Pulling - Ergo Bow Switch Unlock
X
75.1 lb
Two Hands
35 in
Neutral
Pulling - Pin Lifter
X
86 lb
Two Hands
25 in
Neutral
Pulling - Barrel Dolly
X
97.5 lb
Two Hands
59 in
Pronated
Pulling - Pallet Jack Two Locomotive Jacks
X
104.6 lb
Two Hands
Waist
Pronated
Pulling - Boxcar Truck Set
X
140.4 lb
Two Hands
25 in
Pronated
Grip & Pinch
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
Side
Rotation
Grip Setting/Type
Hand Grip - Cut Metal Banding from Pallet
X
19.1 lb
Either
Neutral
3
Hand Grip - Ground Clamp
X
26.6 lb
Either
Neutral
2
Hand Grip - Cut Large Gauge Car Wire
X
43.2 lb
Either
Neutral
3
Hand Grip - Couple Air Hoses
X
47 lb
Right
Neutral
3
Hand Grip - Couple Air Hoses
X
47 lb
Left
Neutral
3
Upper Body
Occ
Freq
Cons
Description
Reaching - Below Knee
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) below the level of the knee.
Reaching - Over Shoulder
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) above shoulder level.
Reaching - Knee to Shoulder
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) between knee and shoulder level.
Handling - Both
X
Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands.
Fingering - Fine Motor Manipulation
X
Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers.
Cervical Flexion/Extension
X
Flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine.
Rotation - Cervical
X
Rotating at the cervical spine.
Rotation - Thoracic & Lumbar
X
Rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Lower Body
Occ
Freq
Cons
Description
Sitting
X
Remaining in a seated position.
Standing
X
Remaining on one's feet in an upright position without moving about.
Walking
X
Moving about on foot.
Climbing
X
Ascending or descending between two points.
Balancing
X
Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
Stooping
X
Bending body forward by bending spine at the waist.
Kneeling - Two Knees
X
Bending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees.
Crouching/Squatting
X
Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
Crawling - Belly
X
Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
*Occ = Occasional; defined as 1-33% of a usual and customary workday.
*Freq = Frequent; defined as 34-66% of a usual and customary workday.
*Cons = Constant; defined as 67-100% of a usual and customary workday.
** Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.
Physical Requirements
% of Work Time
Auditory and visual acuity: interpret color; depth perception, focus, near and far sight
100%
Speak and hear clearly to communicate with employees and business associates
100%
Continuously stand or walk on level or uneven ground
60%
Bend, crouch, kneel at waist or knees while loading and unloading
30%
Lift, push, pull and carry up to 70lbs.
10%
Exert strength up to 125lbs.
75%
Exert strength up to 150lbs.
50%