About this role
Job Title: Railcar Repair TechnicianJob DescriptionAs a Railcar Repair Technician, you will perform mobile railcar repairs under the guidance of a lead or Level 2 technician. Your role involves removing and replacing brake systems, couplers, draft gears, air hoses, valves, and fittings, as well as repairing or replacing structural components such as side posts, floors, panels, piping, and underframes. You will weld, burn, straighten, patch, and install steel components using proper tools and procedures, stencil letters and numbers, and prepare railcars for painting. You will also inspect, clean, and maintain railcar surfaces and components, safely move, position, and handle heavy equipment and railcar parts, assist with switching, ground operations, and track mobile equipment as trained, and follow all safety rules, FRA, AAR, and company procedures.
Responsibilities
- Stencil letters and numbers on cars.
- Fasten parts of car using impact wrench or hydraulic bolt fastener for riveting.
- Remove and replace brake assemblies and brake shoes.
- Remove and replace uncoupling lever.
- Repair or replace steel sections such as side posts, rafters, crossties, panels, under framing, and piping using welding torch, electric welder, power wrench, and hand tools.
- Replace and/or repair gaskets, air hose, train line, etc., as required.
- Straighten and/or replace grab irons, handholds, still steps on cars.
- Maintain, repair, or replace air brake pipes, valves, fitting, or other appurtenances.
- Remove and replace couplers, draft gears, and yokes.
- Clean and prepare surfaces of railroad cars or cabooses to be painted.
- Repair freight car sides, ends, doors and floors by burning, straightening, or patching.
- Pull, push, and position heavy equipment or car components when making or completing repairs.
- Other duties as assigned by foreman/manager.
- Ability to throw/align a switch.
- Ability to be trained as track mobile operator and/or groundman.
Essential Skills
- Good mechanical knowledge required to become conversant with the General Code of Operating Rules, Safety Rules, AAR Rules and regulations, and FRA requirements.
- Welding and machine experience preferred.
- Apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to read and understand safety rules, instructions in the use and maintenance of shop tools and equipment, and methods and procedures in mechanical drawing and layout work.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on repair skills.
- Ability to read and follow safety rules, work instructions, and procedures.
- Willingness to learn rail industry rules and regulations.
- Reliable, safety-focused, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Comfortable working outdoors, on uneven surfaces, and in varying weather conditions.
- Able to travel daily (50%+) and work flexible hours as job demands change.
- Prior rail experience is a plus but not requiredtraining will be provided for qualified candidates.
Why Work Here? Enjoy full-time, stable employment with mobile work that offers variety and field experience. Benefit from on-the-job training and skill development within a supportive leadership and team-driven culture. Receive competitive pay based on experience alongside comprehensive benefits. Work EnvironmentContinuous standing on concrete and occasional exposure to vibration, noise, hot or cold temperature extremes, heights, uneven surfaces, shift work, paperwork, travel, smoke, dust, paint, cramped quarters, and moving machinery. Wash rail cars outside in all weather conditions while wearing correct PPE and masks for identified jobs and painting.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kasota, MN.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $34.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Kasota,MN.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.