Job Description

Job Location Grand Island Main Shop - Grand Island, NE 68803 Salary Range $28.00 Hourly

Guardian Rail, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading freight rail services and transportation company. We employ nearly 800 employees in more than 75 locations across 26 states and operate the largest railcar services network in the industry, encompassing 11 large railcar repair facilities and more than 60 field services locations in addition to a rail services division that operates three short line railroads and a dozen contract switching and transloading sites. We are currently seeking a Fabricator/Welding Inspector for our Grand island repair facility.

The Fabricator / Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for performing skilled welding and fabrication work on railcars and related components while ensuring all welds meet industry codes, safety standards, and company quality requirements. This dual-role position combines hands-on fabrication work with certified welding inspection responsibilities to ensure compliance with AWS and AAR standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Fabrication Duties:

• Fabricate, fit, and assemble metal components for railcars according to engineering drawings, blueprints, or specifications
• Use various welding techniques (MIG, TIG, Stick) and cutting tools (oxy-acetylene, plasma) to perform structural and cosmetic repairs
• Operate fabrication equipment including grinders, press break, shears, torches, and drill presses
• Ensure all work meets safety, dimensional, and quality requirements

Welding Inspection Duties:

• Perform visual and dimensional inspections of welds on railcar components to ensure conformance with AWS D1.1, AAR, and other applicable codes
• Maintain inspection records and generate required reports on welding quality and conformance
• Conduct welder performance qualification tests and monitor welders for procedure compliance
• Interpret and apply welding symbols and standards from blueprints and technical documents

General Duties:

• Collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and quality personnel to address weld quality concerns
• Adhere to company and industry safety practices at all times
• Assist with training and mentoring less experienced welders and fabricators
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work area and tools

#Indeed123

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification through AWS
• 3+ years of welding/fabrication experience in a heavy industrial, rail, or manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of AAR and AWS D1.1 standards
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and technical specifications
• Proficient in use of welding equipment, hand tools, and fabrication machinery

Preferred:

• Prior experience in a railcar repair or railroad environment
• Familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods a plus
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a rail repair shop and yard environment
• Exposure to heat, noise, fumes, and moving equipment
• Requires standing, bending, climbing, and lifting up to 50 lbs
• May require overtime, weekends, or variable shifts depending on production needs