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Freight Car Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wabtec

Mechanical Engineer

Wilmerding, PA · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Wabtec Freight Car Products is a leader in the design and manufacture of freight car pneumatic ... Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology or ...

Mid-America Car, Inc.

Automotive Painter

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$27 - $32.59/hr

Mid America Car Inc. - Locomotive is currently seeking a Locomotive and Railroad Freight Car ... Must have previous experience using mechanical hand-tools. * This is strenuous work requiring good ...

TTX

Production Mechanic 1

Slaton, TX

$22.25 - $27/hr

PRODUCTION MECHANIC FLSA Status: Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY Repairs, modifies, and upgrades rail cars ... TTX Company is a leading provider of railcars and related freight car management services to the ...

TTX Company

Production Mechanic 1

Slaton, TX · On-site

$22.25 - $27/hr

PRODUCTION MECHANIC FLSA Status: Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY Repairs, modifies, and upgrades rail cars ... About Us TTX Company is a leading provider of railcars and related freight car management services ...

Sasser

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, Union Leasing, CF ... The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts; fumes or ...

Sasser

Inspection Specialist

Meridian, MS · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, Union Leasing, CF ... The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts; fumes or ...

TTX

Maintenance Mechanic 1

Jurupa Valley, CA

$30.42 - $37.04/hr

Knowledge: mechanical skills * Skills: welding and cutting * Mental factors: Decision making and ... freight car management services to the North American rail industry. TTX's pool of railcars is ...

Sasser

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, CF Rail Services ... The Mechanical Railcar Repair Technician role is responsible for the repair of various types of ...

TTX Company

Maintenance Mechanic 1

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$30.42 - $37.04/hr

Knowledge: mechanical skills * Skills: welding and cutting * Mental factors: Decision making and ... freight car management services to the North American rail industry. TTX's pool of railcars is ...

Sasser

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, CF Rail Services ... The Mechanical Railcar Repair Technician 1 role is responsible for the repair of various types of ...

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All JobsFreight Car Mechanic Jobs

Freight Car Mechanic information

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How much do freight car mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight car mechanic in the United States is $24.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freight Car Mechanic vs Locomotive Engineer?

AspectFreight Car MechanicLocomotive Engineer
CertificationsASE certifications, specialized train car repair licensesEngineer certification, locomotive operation licenses
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, rail yards, maintenance facilitiesLocomotive cabs, train yards, on-track operation
Industry UsageRailroad maintenance, freight companiesTrain operation, freight and passenger services

Freight Car Mechanics focus on repairing and maintaining railcars in repair shops and yards, ensuring safety and functionality. Locomotive Engineers operate trains, controlling movement and safety during transit. While both roles are essential in rail transportation, Freight Car Mechanics handle maintenance, whereas Locomotive Engineers are responsible for train operation.

What are some common challenges faced by freight car mechanics and how can they be addressed?

Freight car mechanics often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and diagnosing complex mechanical issues. Staying up to date with safety protocols and regularly attending training sessions can help address these challenges. Collaborating closely with team members and communicating effectively with supervisors is essential to ensure safe and efficient repairs. Proactively maintaining tools and equipment can also minimize downtime and improve work efficiency.

How much does a rail car mechanic make?

A freight car mechanic typically earns between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled mechanics with certifications and experience in repairing and maintaining rail cars can earn higher wages and may work in shifts or specialized environments.

What is the highest paid car mechanic job?

The highest paid car mechanic jobs are often in specialized fields such as diesel mechanics, automotive master technicians, or those working in luxury or high-performance vehicle repair. Experienced mechanics with certifications like ASE Master Technician and skills in advanced diagnostics tend to earn the highest salaries, especially in metropolitan areas or specialized service centers.

How to become a locomotive mechanic?

To become a locomotive mechanic, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a technical training program or apprenticeship in locomotive or diesel engine repair. Certification from organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) can enhance job prospects, and hands-on experience with locomotive systems and tools is essential for proficiency in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freight Car Mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freight Car Mechanic, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, welding, and blueprint reading, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with specialized tools, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and compliance with safety standards such as FRA regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient maintenance and repair of freight cars, minimizing downtime and supporting overall rail operations.

What are Freight Car Mechanics?

Freight Car Mechanics are skilled technicians responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad freight cars to ensure their safe and efficient operation. They examine parts such as brakes, wheels, and couplings, and perform both routine maintenance and emergency repairs. These mechanics often work with specialized tools and equipment, and must adhere to strict safety standards set by the rail industry. Their work is essential for preventing accidents and keeping freight transportation reliable.

Can a mechanic make $200,000 a year?

A freight car mechanic can potentially earn $200,000 annually with extensive experience, specialized skills, overtime, and working in high-paying regions or companies. However, this level of income is above the typical salary range for most freight car mechanics, whose median wages are generally lower. Achieving such earnings often requires advanced certifications and a combination of factors beyond standard job duties.
More about Freight Car Mechanic jobs
What states have the most Freight Car Mechanic jobs? States with the most job openings for Freight Car Mechanic jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freight Car Mechanic jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Car Mechanic jobs are:
Freight Car Mechanic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Car Mechanic job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,988 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Wabtec

Wilmerding, PA • On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Job Description
Who will you be working with?
Wabtec Freight Car Products is a leader in the design and manufacture of freight car pneumatic brake equipment and corresponding automated test equipment. Products are used globally and typically governed by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Developmental work is completed in-house through use of our wide range of resources including; various software packages, test facilities, Model Shop and Materials Lab.
How will you make a difference?
In this role you will utilize your engineering experience and expertise to solve problems and develop solutions which will impact short-term and long-term business goals. This position will develop products from concept through production. This position will also provide engineering support services for: research activities, field applications, sourcing efforts and manufacturing requests. The goal is to design and make railway freight brake components that are innovative and of the highest quality.
What do we want to know about you?
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology or equivalent field.
  • At least three (3) additional years of relevant experience in mechanical design, including 3D CAD, and product validation testing.

Desired Characteristics:
  • Strong technical aptitude, including applicable engineering tools and systems
  • Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively describe concepts, designs, and analysis to a broad audience
  • Strong competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project
  • Working knowledge of Labview, Ansys, Creo, Windchill & AutoCad a plus.
  • Experience or interest with electrical control (solenoids, transducers, PLCs, etc.) for automated test equipment a plus
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems
  • Ability to multi-task and to adjust and be flexible with shifting priorities
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work well with cross-functional teams.
  • Some travel may be required to support projects.

What will your typical day look like?
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Work independently or with a small team to design and development new products, and improvements to existing products, using sound engineering principles and adhering to business standards, practices, procedures and product requirements.
  • Prepare documentation required by the product development process such as design requirements, validation plans, 3D models/drawings and test reports.
  • Perform 3D detailed model development using Creo (formally Pro-E) to create drawings and schematics.
  • Perform failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
  • Coordinate part procurement and build prototype product.
  • Plan, develop and execute product validation test plans.
  • Specify, acquire and set up instrumentation including data acquisition systems as required for various tests.
  • Analyze test data and generate test reports to determine if design meets performance, reliability, and safety requirements; recommend changes/improvements as needed.
  • Provide engineering support to manufacturing, quality, sourcing and sales & marketing on existing products and product lines.
  • Create customer interfacing documents, such as: presentations, parts catalogs and operation/maintenance instructions.
  • Write engineering change documentation consistent with engineering policies and procedures.
  • Provide timely communications on significant issues or developments.
  • Other duties as assigned

#LI-PROMOTEDJOBS
Qualifications
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $62100-85300 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at ;br>
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We're building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we've got you.

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