Summary

The QA In-Process Inspector is responsible for inspecting railcars during various stages of repair and maintenance to ensure compliance with Association of American Railroads (AAR), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and customer requirements. This role ensures all repairs meet regulatory, quality, and safety standards while maintaining accurate documentation through the Billing Repair Card (BRC) process. The QA In-Process Inspector plays a vital role in supporting production efficiency, customer satisfaction, and the integrity of railcar repairs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-process and final inspections of railcar repairs, including structural, mechanical, coatings, and safety components.
• Ensure all repairs comply with AAR Interchange Rules, FRA regulations, Cypress standards, and customer specifications.
• Audit Billing Repair Cards (BRCs) and work orders to verify compliance and ensure work instructions and estimates accurately capture labor, materials, and repair requirements.
• Perform visual and dimensional inspections using appropriate gages, measurement tools, and reference manuals.
• Document inspection results, photographs, and required forms to support repair authorizations and customer billing.
• Communicate inspection results to supervisors, production staff, and customers to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Participate in internal and external audits (AAR, ISO, customer) and provide required records or corrective actions.
• Identify nonconforming conditions and initiate corrective/preventive measures in collaboration with QA leadership.
• Support training of shop personnel on quality procedures, inspection practices, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain records, logs, and reports consistent with company and regulatory standards.
• Follow and enforce all Cypress safety procedures, PPE requirements, and workplace policies.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or technical degree preferred.
• Minimum 2–3 years of railcar repair or inspection experience; manufacturing/industrial QA experience will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of AAR manuals, FRA safety standards, and railcar anatomy.
• Familiarity with welding inspections in accordance with AWS D15.1 (Railroad Welding Specification), AAR C-III (Tank Car Specifications), and Appendix W (Welding of Tank Cars), along with other structural codes; NDT experience is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders.
• Strong attention to detail with effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer literacy, data entry, and familiarity with QA software tools.
• Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying environmental conditions.
• Physically able to lift 50 lbs, climb ladders, crouch, crawl, and work in awkward positions.
• Dependable, safety-minded, and committed to continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Visual Testing Level II certification.
• Prior experience with inbound/outbound inspections at a railcar repair facility.
• Experience supporting AAR or ISO/M-1003 quality audits.

Work Environment

Indoor and outdoor shop environment around heavy equipment, moving railcars, dust, fumes, and varying weather conditions. Moderate to loud noise levels; PPE required at all times. Overtime, weekend, or varied shifts may be required to support business needs.