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Railroad Car Inspector Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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?

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.

How to become a railroad car inspector?

To become a railroad car inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Some positions require certification or licensing, such as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certification, and strong knowledge of safety standards, inspection procedures, and mechanical systems is essential.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Car Inspector jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Railroad Car Inspector jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Car Inspector jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Car Inspector jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Railroad Car Inspector jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Railroad Car Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Railroad Car Inspector job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Railcar Repair Technician 1

Guardian Rail, LLC

Lakeville, NY

$22.50 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary Description

Guardian Rail is proud to operate one of the country’s leading freight rail services and transportation companies with a large network of freight and tank car repair facilities, a nationwide network of running repair agents, and a rail services division that operates short line railroads and contract switching and transloading sites.

We currently have Repair Technician positions available in the Lakeville area.  Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to customer and industry specifications.  We seek candidates with rail industry or other heavy industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly.

We offer a sign on/retention bonus of $1,500, payable over the first 12 months of employment and a competitive pay scale based on relevant skills and experience. 

Responsible for the repair of various types of railcars and/or tank cars.  Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to industry and customer specifications.  Candidates must have a safety and quality mindset and enjoy hands-on work in year-round outdoor conditions. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform railcar repairs in compliance with FRA and AAR interchange rules
  • Conduct pre and post inspection of all assigned railcars
  • Comply fully with all safety protocols including in house and OSHA rules, regulations and procedures
  • Comply fully with the Company's quality program by conforming to in-house processes and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations
  • Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner to comply with Guardian Rail, OSHA, and environmental rules and regulations
  • Follow written and verbal directions
  • Work effectively in a team environment
  • Possess a thorough understanding of railcar, components, and/or shop work order
  • Understand inventory control
  • Assist in disassembly of damaged railcars
  • Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, basic mechanics, grinding, and touch-up painting and decaling on various types of railcars or tank cars as required
  • Set up and operate various hand and power tools such as, but not limited to, air arc, plasma cutting, Huck and welding machines and processes, and oxyfuel operation in heating and cutting processes
  • Perform interior railcar cleaning
  • Complete documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, man-lift, crane, backhoe, skid loader, hoist, or hydraulic boom
  • Meet the requirements of AWS D15.1 for freight cars utilizing GMAW (Hardwire), FCAW (Flux Core), and/or SMAW (Stick) welding on carbon steel as well as our internal welding technology training and examination

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Qualifications

  • High-school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
  • Prior experience as a Carman or Railcar Repair Technician highly desirable
  • Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals and blueprints
  • Must possess basic mechanical knowledge and experience with hand & power tools, including heavier air and electric powered tools and cutting torches
  • Must enjoy outdoor, physical, hands on work with frequent standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling and lifting required
  • Certified E7018 welder preferred
  • Must be able to write routine reports and correspondence and speak and communicate effectively
  • Must possess basic math skills and work and understand simple mathematical concepts
  • Must possess reasoning ability to solve practical problems
  • Must be able to fully pass the fitness-for-duty examination, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Our physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid, and dusty conditions. The environment requires working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, in high and low precarious places, as well as in confined spaces.

The work type is best described as heavy, hands-on mechanical work. Work is very physical, and without proper work planning can result in out-of-position pushing, pulling, and lifting. Proper body mechanics, positioning, and lifting techniques can be very important. Employees are urged to seek help when needed with heavier tasks and to use lifting equipment when and where necessary. The positioning of the work being performed can change very frequently.

Various heavier air and electric-powered tools such as car jacks, impact wrenches, and grinders are used daily. Work also requires frequent use of hand wrenches, hammers, chisels, socket wrenches, and ladders. Cutting torches are also used with welding equipment upon qualification of the employee.

  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, smelling, and visual acuity, with color and depth perception
  • Ability to work in a confined space
  • Required to use personal protective equipment as environmental conditions dictate