Union Welding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description 

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork-which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in mechanical maintenance and contribute to the reliability of our rolling stock, we invite you to explore the Freight Car Repairer Trainee role. 

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in freight car maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars to ensure safe and efficient operations across our network. 

What Should You Know 

• This is a seniority-based union position. 

• You must be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

• Extensive travel for training may be required. 

• Union membership is required within 60 days of establishing seniority. 

Training 

Training includes both classroom and field instruction: 

• Classroom Training: Mechanical Safety Orientation and craft-specific training in welding and fabrication. 

• Field Training: Hands-on experience in car repair shops and yards. 

• Duration: Approximately 7 weeks (1 week safety orientation + 6 weeks craft training). 

• Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Inspect, repair, and maintain freight cars in compliance with FRA and AAR standards.  

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations. 

• Perform welding and cutting operations (SMAW and FCAW processes in 2F, 3F, and 4F positions). 

• Operate forklifts, cranes, and car-moving equipment.  

• Operate various vehicles and may be required to obtain a CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck. 

• Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as grab irons, ladders, and sill steps. 

• Remove and replace defective components including wheels, couplers, brake equipment, air brake valves, yokes, and draft gears. 

• Rerail cars and locomotives using rerailing equipment. 

• Complete and enter information in computer systems regarding car components, destination, lading, repair records, bad orders, and car releases 

• Work safely to prevent accidents and injuries and wear required protective equipment (hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots). 

• Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations. 

Qualifications - Required 

• High school diploma or GED. 

• 18 years of age or older. 

• Valid driver's license. 

• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards. 

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor. 

• Must pass background screening and post-offer medical examinations, including drug tests. 

Qualifications - Preferred 

• One or more years of welding and fabrication experience. 

• Mechanical experience or Carman apprenticeship. 

• Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2141, 91B, 91H, heavy equipment mechanics). 

Skills and Abilities 

• Mechanical aptitude. 

• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. 

• Ability to understand oral and written communication and provide clear instructions 

Physical and Mental Job Requirements 

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. 

• Must maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy, moving equipment. 

• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, climb, and walk long distances over uneven terrain. 

•  Ability to meet FRA medical requirements: 

• Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses). 

• Hearing-no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid). 

Work Conditions 

• Shop and outdoor environments. 

• Shift work across all three shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

• Union membership required. 

• This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Pay Progression: 

• 1st 40 Working Days: $21.26 (50% of Full rate)   

• Next 204 Working Days: $31.89 (75% of Full rate)   

• Next 244 Working Days: $34.01 (80% of Full rate)   

• After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $42.52 (100% of Full Rate) 

Benefits include: 

• Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire. 

• Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one. 

• Dental and vision coverage after one year of service. 
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