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Railroad Car Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VLS Environmental Solutions

Inspector

Victoria, TX

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 ...

GK client

Quality Control Inspector

Brooklyn, NY

$23 - $33/hr

Perform inspections on rail car parts, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies to ensure compliance with quality standards and engineering requirements * Conduct visual inspections and dimensional ...

Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX · On-site

$19.42/hr

Safely transfer bulk product to/from Railroad tank cars to/from tanker trucks. * Inspects the ... Conducts daily inspections of basic safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, safety showers ...

ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN RAILROADS

Carman

Pueblo, CO · On-site

... car equipment. * Assist in maintaining a safe and clean work environment. * Works with staff to ... Conduct inspections to identify defects. * Perform maintenance on rail cars. * Have extensive ...

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Railroad Car Inspector information

What does a Railroad Car Inspector do?

A Railroad Car Inspector is responsible for examining railway cars to ensure they are safe and meet regulatory standards. Their duties include checking for structural damage, inspecting mechanical systems like brakes and couplers, and identifying any wear or defects that could pose safety risks. Inspectors use specialized tools and follow strict guidelines to assess each car before it is cleared for service. Their work is crucial in preventing accidents and maintaining the reliability of rail transport.

What are some common challenges faced by Railroad Car Inspectors on the job?

Railroad Car Inspectors often work in outdoor environments and must be prepared to handle varying weather conditions and physically demanding tasks, such as climbing ladders and crawling under railcars. A key challenge is ensuring thorough inspections while working under time constraints, as railcars must be cleared quickly to keep operations running smoothly. Inspectors also need to stay up-to-date with regulatory standards and safety protocols, requiring ongoing training and attention to detail. Additionally, effective communication with maintenance crews and other railroad personnel is vital to address any issues found during inspections and to ensure safe, compliant rail operations.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Car Inspector, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, safety regulations, and inspection standards, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with inspection tools, diagnostic equipment, and reporting software is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that railcars meet safety standards, minimizing accidents and supporting efficient rail operations.
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Railroad Car Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Car Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Inspector

Inspector

VLS Environmental Solutions

Victoria, TX

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Summary:

To perform in-bound inspection and prepare shop work orders and customer estimate sheets, outlining repairs and/or modifications needed that meet customer, AAR/FRA, and VLS requirements. Randomly inspect in-process cars to ensure that high quality standards are met. Review completed work being released from internal departments or from location performing a completed out-bound audit to ensure car has been repaired, modified, or coated per initial write-up and meets AAR/FRA, customer and VLS requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the safety of himself and others in the shop.
  • Know and understand AAR/FRA requirements.
  • Can reference and understand customer requirements.
  • Is familiar, understands and can operate VLS estimating system (Railcar).
  • Competent in railcar repair and modification estimating.
  • Communicates with customers on individual car needs, problems areas, and estimated ship dates.
  • Reads and understands Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  • Interprets VLS instructions, customer requirements, and AAR/FRA Field Manual guidelines.
  • Performs all work in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Continually looking and suggesting ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall operation.
  • Instructs and aides in the training of new employees in the repair or inspection function.
  • Keeps supervisor informed of any problems identified on estimates or potential problems that could affect completion time on cars being worked.
  • Responsible for housekeeping and orderly storage of gauges used in the inspection function.
  • Performs 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:

  • Advanced Certifications: Additional certifications such as NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) or Welding certifications.
  • Technical Training: Completion of vocational or technical courses related to mechanical systems, railway engineering, or related fields.
  • Experience with Multiple Rail Car Types: Experience inspecting a wide variety of rail car types (e.g., tank cars, boxcars, flat cars).
  • Strong Communication Skills: Ability to clearly report findings and collaborate with maintenance and operations teams.
  • Computer Literacy: Familiarity with inspection software, data entry, and report generation.

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

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