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Railroad Coupler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S. transcontinental railroad was completed. With facilities in Pittsburgh and Kutztown, PA, McConway has proudly supplied high-quality coupler products to the rail industry for over 150 years. As the ...

Railcar Repairman

Dayton, TX · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Harbor Rail Services has been in the railroad business since 1986 and is a leading provider of ... Remove and replace defective components on rolling stock (trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, air ...

Railcar Repairman

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Harbor Rail Services has been in the railroad business since 1986 and is a leading provider of ... Remove and replace defective components on rolling stock (trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, air ...

Railcar Repairman

Cantonment, FL · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Harbor Rail Services has been in the railroad business since 1986 and is a leading provider of ... Remove and replace defective components on rolling stock (trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, air ...

Loader/Bander

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

... railroad industry products. As McConway is the original designers of the first standard automatic coupler, continued innovation and craftsmanship have and has led to a product line that includes ...

Industrial Electrician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$26 - $33.50/hr

... railroad industry products. As McConway is the original designers of the first standard automatic coupler, continued innovation and craftsmanship have and has led to a product line that includes ...

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Railroad Coupler information

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$27K

$280.6K

$400K

How much do railroad coupler jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad coupler in the United States is $280,558.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad coupler?

Railroad couplers are mechanical devices used to connect railway cars together, allowing them to form a train. They are designed to securely join cars while also enabling easy separation when needed. Couplers must be strong enough to handle the stresses of train movement, including starting, stopping, and traveling over uneven tracks. Different types of couplers exist, such as the Janney (or knuckle) coupler, which is commonly used in North America. Proper maintenance and inspection of couplers are important for safe railroad operations.

What are common safety challenges faced by railroad couplers, and how can they be addressed?

Railroad Couplers frequently work in environments with heavy equipment, moving trains, and variable weather conditions, which can pose safety risks such as pinched fingers, slips, or falls. To address these challenges, Railroad Couplers are trained to strictly follow safety protocols, use personal protective equipment, and communicate clearly with team members when coupling or uncoupling cars. Routine safety briefings and adherence to established procedures help minimize accidents. Teamwork and vigilance are vital for ensuring everyone’s safety during daily operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a railroad coupler?

To thrive as a Railroad Coupler, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, physical stamina, and attention to safety protocols, often supported by on-the-job training or prior experience in rail yards. Familiarity with hand tools, radio communication devices, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient train assembly and minimizing risks in a physically demanding, safety-sensitive environment.

What is the difference between Railroad Coupler vs Railroad Car Mechanic?

AspectRailroad CouplerRailroad Car Mechanic
Primary RoleConnects train cars by attaching couplersInspects, repairs, and maintains train cars and equipment
Required SkillsMechanical skills, safety procedures, basic maintenanceMechanical skills, troubleshooting, repair techniques
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, outdoor settingsMaintenance shops, rail yards, outdoor and indoor
CertificationsSafety training, possibly CDL or rail-specific certificationsMechanical certifications, safety training

While a Railroad Coupler focuses on attaching train cars, a Railroad Car Mechanic performs maintenance and repairs on train cars. Both roles require mechanical skills and safety knowledge, but the coupler role is more about connection tasks, whereas the mechanic handles repairs and diagnostics.

More about Railroad Coupler jobs
What cities are hiring for Railroad Coupler jobs? Cities with the most Railroad Coupler job openings:
What states have the most Railroad Coupler jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Coupler jobs include:
Infographic showing various Railroad Coupler job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, and 28% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $280,558 per year, or $134.9 per hour.

System Engineer - Doors / HVAC / Coupler / Gangway

Siemens

Lexington, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Siemens rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 440 rated engineering


Job description

Pioneering in America, from the first mile to the last. This is what drives us.
For more than 160 years, Siemens has been an integral provider of infrastructure, electrification, and transportation solutions in the United States. Automation's impact on the railway industry is second only to the effects of digitalization. Combine them and the results are transformative! We work at the leading edge of this movement, applying our proven expertise in digitalization to rail infrastructure and automation. Our innovative solutions deliver greater safety, punctuality, reliability, and sustainability across the line, all while reducing costs for mass transit and freight transportation systems. We are continuously developing new answers for rail automation - often to questions that haven't been asked yet.
Join the growing team at our world-class passenger railcar manufacturing facility in Lexington, NC! Siemens Mobility, Rolling Stock Division is the North American market leader in the production of passenger coaches, locomotives, and light rail vehicles.
We're proud to be Great Place to Work® certified-a reflection of our commitment to creating an environment where innovation thrives and every voice matters. Apply today and be part of shaping the future with us!
The Systems Engineer - Doors / HVAC / Coupler / Gangway reports to the Doors and HVAC Engineering Manager in Sacramento, CA, and works under the close supervision and guidance of the respective System Architects for each system. This is a full time, in person (not remote) role located in Lexington, North Carolina. You will be the on-site subject matter expert responsible for supporting engineering activities involved in the manufacturing of passenger coach rail vehicles for the Doors (Including Movable Steps, Gap Fillers, Trap Doors and Lifts), HVAC, Coupler, and Gangway systems.
Position Overview:
  • Provide systems engineering level support to production related topics impacting the manufacture and test of passenger rail vehicles for the HVAC, Doors, Coupler, and Gangway systems
  • Work under the guidance and supervision of the System Architects for the respective systems
  • Troubleshoot, investigate and provide solutions and direction to production engineers in the resolution of production issues
  • Ensure that internal and external interface, contractual, and regulatory requirements are met in the as-manufactured condition
  • Collaborate regularly with internal and external partners both within the United States and in Europe
  • Be familiar with the design review documentation and CDRL's for the HVAC, Doors, Coupler, and Gangway systems
  • Be familiar with the mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces for the HVAC, Doors, Coupler, and Gangway systems as well as the requirements for installation ensuring successful integration in the as-manufactured condition
  • Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers
  • Work collaboratively with management and other departments to ensure targets are met
  • Manage assigned tasks independently with consideration of both time and associated cost
  • Travel up to 10% including regular travel within the United States, and Europe

Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience
  • BS degree in Mechanical + 5 years of relevant experience; or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering + 2 years of relevant experience; or PhD in Mechanical Engineering + 1 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience using 3D cad software for the design and integration of mechanical systems (preferably PTC Creo)
  • Experience in the successful integration of complex electro-mechanical systems
  • Working knowledge of interpretation of electrical schematics
  • Experience in the manufacturing of complex systems
  • Qualified applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States. Qualified applicants will not require employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future for employment in the United States.
  • Experience communicating complex technical topics to internal and external audiences through written and verbal means

Preferred Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience
  • Rolling Stock Engineering experience and the vehicle platforms they are derived from.
  • Working knowledge of typical railway Heavy Rail design standards applicable to HVAC, Doors, Couplers, and Gangways
  • Familiarity with the design and integration of HVAC, Door, Coupler, and Gangway equipment for passenger heavy rail vehicles
  • PE License, Mechanical Engineering

Why you'll love working for Siemens!
  • 11 paid holidays, 18 days of PTO
  • 401K - 6% company match
  • Freedom and healthy work-life balance- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, HSA/FSA, Commuter Benefits - starting Day 1!
  • Solve the world's most significant problems - Be part of exciting and innovative projects.
  • Engaging, challenging, and fast evolving, pioneering technological environment.
  • Competitive total rewards package.
  • Opportunities to contribute your innovative ideas and get paid for them! Please take advantage of our Tuition Reimbursement program, Mentor Programs, and your development through online learning.
  • Employee perks and discounts in addition to our 401k match and generous Paid Time Off

Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States without needing current or future employer-sponsored work authorization.
Siemens offers a variety of health and wellness benefits to employees. Details regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.benefitsquickstart.com/siemens/index.html. The base salary range for this position in Lexington, North Carolina is $83,640 to $98,328. The salary may be higher or lower depending on the budget and the candidate's experience, knowledge, skills, and qualifications.
You'll Benefit From
Siemens offers a variety of health and wellness benefits to our employees. Details regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.benefitsquickstart.com/siemens/index.html
The pay range for this position is $83,640 - $98,328 annually. The actual wage offered may be lower or higher depending on budget and candidate experience, knowledge, skills, qualifications, and premium geographic location.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Siemens is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.
EEO is the Law
Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any characteristic protected by Federal or other applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing a job application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please fill out the accommodations form by clicking on this link Accommodation for disability form. If you're unable to complete the form, you can reach out to our AskHR team for support at 1-866-743-6367. Please note our AskHR representatives do not have visibility of application or interview status.
Pay Transparency
Siemens follows Pay Transparency laws.
California Privacy Notice
California residents have the right to receive additional notices about their personal information. To learn more, click here.
Criminal History
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local and state laws.

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