Company: Central Track Services
Home Base: Frankfort, Kentucky
Travel: 100% Nationwide Travel Required
Pay: Based on Experience, Plus Overtime Opportunities
Job Type: Full-time
Central Track Services is hiring an experienced Lead Thermite Welder / Class B CDL Driver to support railroad maintenance and construction projects across the United States. This position is designed for a skilled thermite welder who can consistently produce quality work, safely operate commercial vehicles, and provide field leadership when needed.
This is a full-time traveling position based out of Frankfort, Kentucky. Employees should expect to travel continuously to customer locations and project sites. Central Track Services provides company-paid lodging while employees are working away from home, along with a daily per diem. Project schedules frequently provide opportunities to earn overtime.
As a Lead Thermite Welder, you will be responsible for preparing rail, completing thermite welds, and inspecting finished work to verify that it meets applicable safety and quality requirements. You will also transport tools, equipment, and materials using company vehicles that require a Class B Commercial Driver's License.
Additional responsibilities include:
Perform thermite welding on railroad tracks and related infrastructure
Prepare rail and work areas before beginning the welding process
Inspect completed welds for quality, accuracy, and serviceability
Operate welding, cutting, grinding, and track-maintenance equipment
Drive Class B commercial vehicles to and from assigned project locations
Load, secure, transport, and unload tools, materials, and equipment
Help organize daily field assignments and lead small crews when required
Assist with rail replacement, track restoration, and track construction
Perform material handling and general railroad maintenance duties
Follow company, customer, FRA, and job-site safety procedures
Communicate project progress, equipment concerns, and safety issues to management
Maintain a professional presence while working at customer facilities
Qualified applicants must meet the following requirements:
Demonstrated professional thermite welding experience
Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License
At least 18 years of age
Ability and willingness to travel 100% of the time
Ability to work independently and take responsibility for completed work
Strong understanding of railroad and job-site safety practices
Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, or holidays based on project needs
Experience leading a small field crew is strongly preferred. Previous experience with railroad track maintenance, rail replacement, track construction, rail cutting, welding, or railroad equipment operation is also beneficial.
This is an active railroad field position performed outdoors in changing conditions. Employees must be comfortable working in heat, cold, rain, and other weather commonly encountered on railroad projects.
The position requires the ability to:
Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
Stand and walk for extended periods
Bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work from uneven surfaces
Safely use heavy tools and railroad maintenance equipment
Travel for extended periods and adapt to changing project locations
Perform physically demanding work throughout the assigned shift
Central Track Services offers:
Competitive pay based on thermite welding and railroad experience
Frequent overtime opportunities based on project schedules
Daily per diem while traveling
Company-paid lodging during travel assignments
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company matching
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Paid vacation and holidays
Annual steel-toe boot allowance
Company-provided personal protective equipment
Opportunities for advancement through a promote-from-within culture
Central Track Services provides railroad track maintenance, repair, restoration, and construction services throughout the United States. We are committed to completing every project with a strong focus on employee safety, dependable service, and quality workmanship.
If you are an experienced thermite welder with a Class B CDL and are prepared for continuous nationwide travel, apply today to join our railroad field team.
Candidates from Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Georgetown, Richmond, Shelbyville, Bardstown, Danville, Elizabethtown, Lawrenceburg, Versailles, Winchester, Nicholasville, Paris, Florence, Cincinnati, Maysville, Bowling Green, Corbin, London, Huntington, Charleston, and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply.
Central Track Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Road & Rail Services is a recognized industry leader and a top-tier provider of rail related services to railroads, to rail shippers, and to railcar owners. With a reputation for excellence, the Company provides service solutions with competencies in train operations (railcar switching and shortline operations), in maintenance operations (rolling stock, infrastructure, and track assets), and product handling. Road & Rail Services has operations in 18 states and has a significant impact on the North American rail network, as recognized by numerous industry awards. The Company enhances operating velocity and asset condition within the automotive, aggregate, coal / utility, intermodal, paper, and steel / metals industries.
