Job Description

Qualifications

The Outbound Inspector is responsible for inspecting completed rail cars for accuracy and conformance. This role ensures that rail cars are in compliance with industry, regulatory, and owner standards. To perform outbound inspection and audit shop work orders and customer estimate sheets, outlining repairs and/or modifications needed that meet customer, AAR/FRA, and VLS requirements. Inspects completed cars to ensure that high quality standards are met. Review completed work being released from internal departments or from repair location and perform a complete out-bound audit to ensure car has been repaired, modified, or coated per write-up, and meets AAR/FRA, customer and VLS requirements.

Job Duties:

• Responsible for the safety of themselves and others in the shop.
• Know and understand AAR/FRA requirements.
• Can reference and understand customer requirements.
• Is familiar, understands, and can operate VLS estimating system (Digital Rail).
• Inspect repaired cars to ensure all AAR, FRA, and Customer requirements are satisfied.
• Compare the work performed to the Work Order and report findings on applicable forms.
• Review Work Order and all applicable forms for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform a variety of duties as assigned such as analyzing drawings, performing inspections, assuring proper stenciling of cars, and other special duties which may be assigned.
• Reads and understands Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Interprets VLS instructions, customer requirements, and AAR/FRA Field Manual guidelines.
• Performs all work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Continually looking and suggesting ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall operation.
• Responsible for housekeeping and orderly storage of gauges used in the inspection function
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements:

• A minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in rail car inspection.
• Strong attention to detail in identifying potential issues or safety hazards.
• Knowledge of Regulations: Familiarity with safety standards and regulations related to rail car inspection, including AAR (Association of American Railroads) and FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) guidelines.
• Experience inspecting a wide variety of rail car types (e.g., tank cars, flat cars, and hoppers).
• Proficiency in identifying mechanical problems and using inspection tools effectively.
• Ability to achieve Visual Testing Level II within the specified time frame required.
• Able to read and comprehend basic drawings and scope of work.
• Must possess basic math skills, addition, subtraction
• Ability to clearly report findings and collaborate with maintenance and operations teams.
• Familiarity with inspection software, data entry, and report generation.
• Experience inspecting a wide variety of rail car types (e.g., tank cars, boxcars, flat cars).
• Must be able to pass a physical, drug screen, and background check
• Must be able to work M-F 6:30am-4:00pm and overtime to include weekends as needed
• Must be able to work in various elements indoors/outdoors

Preferred Requirements:

• Completion of vocational or technical courses related to mechanical systems, railway engineering, or related fields strongly
• AWS Certified welding inspector or similar certification