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Internship Rail Car Inspector Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Carmen Journeyman - 90340524 - Seattle

Seattle, WA

$43.08/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... of our railroad is due to our employees. Are you ready to join our team? Our values of 'Do the ... Performs inspection, testing and maintenance in accordance with 49CFR regulations and Amtrak ...

Carmen Journeyman - 90340524 - Seattle

Seattle, WA

$43.08/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... of our railroad is due to our employees. Are you ready to join our team? Our values of 'Do the ... Performs inspection, testing and maintenance in accordance with 49CFR regulations and Amtrak ...

Carmen Journeyman - 90340524 - Seattle

Seattle, WA

$43.08/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... of our railroad is due to our employees. Are you ready to join our team? Our values of 'Do the ... Performs inspection, testing and maintenance in accordance with 49CFR regulations and Amtrak ...

Carmen Journeyman - 90340524 - Seattle

Seattle, WA · On-site

$43.08/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... of our railroad is due to our employees. Are you ready to join our team? Our values of 'Do the ... Performs inspection, testing and maintenance in accordance with 49CFR regulations and Amtrak ...

Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

When you live in a world of one-tap car rides, instant meal delivery, and unlimited streaming, why ... Internships, co-ops, and meaningful open-source contributions count. * Solid grasp of data ...

Internship Rail Car Inspector information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$13

$23

$36

How much do internship rail car inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship rail car inspector in Federal Way, WA is $23.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship rail car inspector do?

An Internship Rail Car Inspector assists in examining rail cars to ensure they are safe and compliant with regulations. This includes checking for mechanical defects, inspecting brakes, wheels, and couplings, and documenting any issues found. Interns may also learn how to use specialized inspection tools and work alongside experienced inspectors to understand maintenance procedures. The role provides hands-on experience in rail safety and maintenance, ideal for those interested in a career in the railroad industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship rail car inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Rail Car Inspector, you need a basic knowledge of mechanical systems, safety protocols, and rail industry standards, often supported by coursework or training in engineering or transportation. Familiarity with inspection tools, diagnostic equipment, and computerized reporting systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring rail car safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient maintenance operations.

What are some common challenges faced by an internship rail car inspector, and how can they be overcome?

As an Internship Rail Car Inspector, one common challenge is quickly adapting to the technical standards and safety protocols required for rail car inspections. Interns may also find it challenging to learn how to identify defects and interpret inspection checklists accurately under supervision. These challenges can be overcome by actively seeking guidance from experienced inspectors, participating in hands-on training sessions, and thoroughly reviewing industry regulations. Building strong communication skills will also help interns collaborate effectively with maintenance teams and supervisors.

What is the difference between Internship Rail Car Inspector vs Rail Car Inspector?

AspectInternship Rail Car InspectorRail Car Inspector
CredentialsTypically pursuing relevant certifications or trainingHigh school diploma, certifications, and experience
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, rail yards, and maintenance facilitiesRail yards, inspection stations, and on-site locations
Employer & IndustryRail companies, transportation agencies, training programsRailroads, freight companies, transit authorities

The Internship Rail Car Inspector role is a training position designed to develop skills in rail car inspection, often requiring ongoing education and certifications. In contrast, a Rail Car Inspector is a full-time professional responsible for inspecting rail cars for safety and compliance. The internship provides hands-on experience, while the inspector role involves independent work and decision-making.

Infographic showing various Internship Rail Car Inspector job openings in Federal Way, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,463 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Metals Inspector reports to the Stockpiling Supervisor, the Shredder Operations Supervisor, or the Terminal Operations Manager. The Metals Inspector is responsible for observing and monitoring the delivery of material to verify conformance to quality and quantity specifications, while ensuring that all of his/her efforts are compliant with the company Health, Safety, and Environmental standards. Duties may include assisting with daily production operations, as well as receiving and stockpiling of materials and products. The Metals Inspector should possess knowledge of raw materials, production processes, and other techniques required for maximizing the receipt and transfer of quality product.
This position operates under flexible parameters. The primary goal of this position is to achieve excellence in all facets of the position. Providing the highest quality product safely, effectively and efficiently decreases accidents and errors and increase profits.
Essential Functions
Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S)
  • Strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
  • Provides a safe environment for all employees, customers and visitors.

Operational Performance & Best Business Practices
  • Inspect shipments of scrap metal received via truck, rail car, or ship to ensure material meets specifications and is free from environmental hazards in accordance with scrap acceptance policy.
  • Correctly identify and record inspection data such as weight, grade, content, and quantity of scrap metal.
  • Notify operations and commercial supervisors of problems and assist in recommending remedial procedures to correct violations or issues encountered during inspection.
  • Collaborate with commercial department concerning quality and consistency of customer deliveries.
  • Direct the unloading of vehicles delivering scrap to ensure safe and orderly traffic flow within the facility.
  • Provide backup or assistance throughout the yard as needed or assigned.

Equipment & Maintenance
  • Report all equipment deficiencies or malfunctions requiring maintenance or repair to the proper supervisor.

Internal Control Responsibilities
Supports the Company's Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business.
Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.
Interpersonal Contacts
Direct contact with Stockpiling Supervisor, Shredder Operations Supervisor, or Terminal Operations Manager, operations production employees, and customers. Face-to-face and radio communication required daily.
Job Conditions
This position is regularly exposed to all weather conditions. Physical hazards such as noise, fumes, and dirt are present due to the equipment, machinery, and scrap as would be found throughout the scrap yard. Safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, face shields, and additional personal protective equipment as needed, must be worn to eliminate the risks associated with these hazards. Travel is not required for this position.
Handling multiple issues regarding safety and maintenance increases pressure. Work load may be unpredictable and pressure can be substantial during peak times. Critical deadlines require considerable adaptability. Disturbances of work flow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Extra hours may be required, sometimes on weekends, weekdays, and holidays.
Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions
Ability to: sit rarely; stand and walk frequently on uneven ground and throughout the yard; lift and carry up to 50 pounds consistently; push and pull occasionally when moving materials; crouch or bend at the knees consistently to move or access materials or equipment; stoop or bend at the waist consistently to move materials; reach at arms length and overhead frequently; twist and turn at the neck and trunk continually; climb occasionally when obtaining items; manual dexterity required as the Metals Inspector will handle, grasp, and manipulate materials constantly; communicate by speech and hearing continually. Visual acuity needed for close detail work and documentation. Mental dexterity needed as the Metals Inspector will work independently while demonstrating attention to detail and continuous awareness.
Qualifications
  • High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent experience in a similar role preferred.
  • Ability to develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with customers and other employees required.

This position offers competitive pay along with a variety of benefits including medical, dental and vision plans for both you and your dependents; 401k with company match, paid time off which starts with your first check, and paid holidays.
PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
All U.S. applicants must be 18 years of age or older and all Canada applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
Radius Recycling participates in e-verify for all U.S. new hires.
An offer of U.S. employment by Radius Recycling or any of its subsidiaries is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen and background check.
All new hires must review and sign an Arbitration Agreement. This applies to all U.S. non-union employees.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Radius Recycling does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, marital status, disability status, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, age, prior industrial injury, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status under local, state or federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.