Material Handling & Repair Support Technician

Find your Path and Navigate your future at Compass Rail!

At Compass Rail, we are dedicated to providing top-tier solutions for railcar repair and transloading. With an experienced team and a commitment to excellence, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients in the rail transportation industry.

Position Summary

The Material Handling & Repair Support Technician plays a critical role in supporting daily railcar repair operations by safely operating forklifts, managing site inventory, coordinating material orders, and assisting with material processing. This position ensures that repair teams have the parts, tools, and supplies needed to complete work efficiently and in compliance with Compass Rail standards. This position will also support regional and local material ordering, shipping and receiving packages and deliveries.

Key Responsibilities

Forklift Operation & Material Movement

• Safely operate forklifts and other material‑handling equipment to move, load, and stage parts, components, and supplies.


• Transport materials to designated repair bays, storage areas, and processing zones.


• Perform daily equipment inspections and report any mechanical or safety issues.

Inventory Management & Site Counts

• Conduct routine inventory counts to maintain accurate stock levels of parts, consumables, and repair materials.


• Track incoming and outgoing materials using Compass Rail inventory systems.


• Identify low‑stock items and communicate replenishment needs to leadership.

Material Ordering & Coordination

• Submit material requests and coordinate with vendors or internal procurement teams to ensure timely delivery.


• Verify incoming shipments for accuracy, quality, and compliance with purchase orders.


• Maintain organized storage areas to support efficient workflow and accessibility.

Material Processing & Preparation

• Process materials for repair teams, including cutting, sorting, labeling, and staging components as required.


• Assist with preparing materials for specific repair projects based on work orders and supervisor direction.


• Ensure all processed materials meet Compass Rail specifications and safety requirements.

Repair Support & Collaboration

• Work closely with railcar repair technicians to understand material needs and support daily production goals.


• Assist repair teams with basic tasks such as part retrieval, staging, and cleanup to maintain an efficient work environment.


• Uphold safety, quality, and compliance standards across all work activities.


• Periodically conduct work on freight cars when required by leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience operating forklifts or other industrial equipment; certification preferred.


• Knowledge of inventory control practices and basic material‑handling procedures.


• Ability to lift, move, and handle materials safely in a yard environment.


• Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.


• Ability to work in a fast‑paced industrial setting and collaborate with repair teams.

Work Environment

• Industrial railcar repair facility with outdoor work areas.


• Exposure to heavy equipment, moving machinery, and varying weather conditions.


• Required use of PPE including safety glasses, gloves, steel‑toe boots, and hearing protection.