Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Railway Technician

💰 $55,000 - $90,000+ (DOE)

Skilled TradesTransportationMaintenanceEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on problem solver with a passion for heavy machinery and a commitment to safety? This role requires a skilled and dedicated Railway Technician to join our operations team. In this critical role, you will be the backbone of our railway system, responsible for ensuring the mechanical and electrical integrity of our locomotives and rail cars. Your expertise will directly contribute to the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of goods and passengers. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career path for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude and a meticulous eye for detail, working in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Technical School Graduate (Diesel Mechanics, Welding, Electrical)
  • Apprentice Technician or Mechanical Helper
  • Military Veteran with a mechanical or electrical MOS

Advancement To:

  • Senior Railway Technician / Master Mechanic
  • Maintenance Foreman or Supervisor
  • Quality Assurance Inspector
  • Technical Trainer

Lateral Moves:

  • Signal Maintainer
  • Locomotive Electrician
  • Track Maintenance Foreman

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on a diverse fleet of rail cars, including freight cars, passenger coaches, and locomotives, to ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards.
  • Execute scheduled preventive maintenance programs on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to maximize equipment reliability and minimize in-service failures.
  • Diagnose and rectify complex electrical system malfunctions, utilizing multimeters, schematics, and diagnostic software to address issues in locomotive control circuits, traction motors, lighting, and HVAC systems.
  • Conduct thorough inspections and maintenance of air brake systems, including 26-L and ABDX types, performing single car air brake tests (SCABT) and ensuring full operational safety.
  • Utilize welding and fabrication techniques (MIG, TIG, Stick) to repair structural components of rail cars and locomotives, including frames, couplers, and body panels, in accordance with industry best practices.
  • Inspect, repair, and replace wheelsets, bearings, axles, and draft gears, using precision measuring instruments and heavy-duty equipment to ensure proper fit and function.
  • Troubleshoot and repair diesel engine systems on locomotives, including fuel, cooling, and exhaust systems, to maintain optimal performance and emission compliance.
  • Maintain and repair onboard communication and signaling equipment, ensuring seamless integration with central control and wayside systems.
  • Respond to in-service failures and perform emergency field repairs on equipment to restore service and minimize operational delays.
  • Operate heavy machinery such as forklifts, cranes, and re-railing equipment safely and effectively to support maintenance and repair activities.
  • Interpret complex technical manuals, blueprints, and electrical schematics to diagnose faults and guide repair procedures accurately.
  • Perform detailed inspections of track infrastructure, including rails, ties, switches, and ballast, identifying defects and performing necessary repairs or replacements to maintain track integrity.
  • Maintain meticulous records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs performed using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Ensure all work is performed in strict adherence to all company and industry safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
  • Conduct post-repair testing and quality assurance checks to verify that all systems are functioning correctly and meet all required specifications before returning equipment to service.
  • Manage and maintain an inventory of spare parts, tools, and materials, ensuring availability for planned and unplanned maintenance tasks.
  • Participate in failure analysis and root cause investigations to identify trends and contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance strategies.
  • Calibrate and maintain tools and test equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability in all diagnostic and repair functions.
  • Inspect and maintain safety appliances on rail cars and locomotives, such as handholds, ladders, and brake steps, to ensure crew safety.
  • Perform modifications and upgrades to rail equipment as directed by engineering bulletins and fleet-wide improvement initiatives.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the training and mentoring of apprentice technicians, sharing knowledge of railway systems and best practices.
  • Support facility maintenance tasks, ensuring a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the shop and yard.
  • Collaborate with the operations department to coordinate equipment availability for scheduled maintenance and minimize service disruption.
  • Participate in daily safety briefings and contribute to the ongoing development of the site's safety culture and procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Mechanical Systems Expertise: Proficient in diagnosing and repairing heavy-duty mechanical systems, including diesel engines, transmissions, and running gear.
  • Electrical Troubleshooting: Strong ability to read electrical schematics and use multimeters and diagnostic tools to troubleshoot AC/DC circuits, control systems, and traction motors.
  • Pneumatic & Hydraulic Systems: In-depth knowledge of air brake systems, compressors, and hydraulic equipment repair and maintenance.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Certified or highly skilled in Stick, MIG, and/or TIG welding for heavy steel repair and fabrication.
  • FRA & AAR Regulations: Working knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration and Association of American Railroads rules and standards for equipment maintenance.
  • Precision Measurement: Competency in using calipers, micrometers, and other precision tools for component inspection and installation.
  • Heavy Equipment Operation: Experience operating overhead cranes, forklifts, and other heavy industrial machinery.
  • Diagnostic Software: Familiarity with locomotive-specific diagnostic software (e.g., EMD, GE) and CMMS platforms.

Soft Skills

  • Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to following safety protocols and maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and the team.
  • Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: The ability to logically diagnose complex, multi-system faults and determine effective solutions under pressure.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to inspections, repairs, and documentation to ensure quality and compliance.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with other technicians, supervisors, and departments to achieve common goals.
  • Physical Stamina & Dexterity: Capable of working in physically demanding conditions, including confined spaces, at heights, and in various weather, while handling heavy parts and tools.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or Diploma from a technical college or vocational school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Diesel Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Welding Technology
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of experience in heavy equipment maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.

Preferred: Direct experience as a mechanic or electrician in the railroad, heavy-duty trucking, aviation, or military sectors is highly advantageous. Candidates with specific experience on locomotives and rail cars will be given strong preference. A valid driver's license is required.

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