Demo

Entry Level Railcar Mechanic / Freight Car Repairman

Quality Rail Service
Madison, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 8/11/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/8/2026

Entry-Level Railcar Mechanic / Freight Car Repairman

Quality Rail Service (QRS)

Job Description

Quality Rail Service (QRS) is seeking motivated and dependable individuals to join our team as Entry-Level Railcar Mechanics / Freight Car Repairmen. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start a career in the railroad industry. No prior railcar repair experience is required—we are willing to train mechanically inclined individuals who have a strong work ethic and a desire to learn.

This position involves inspecting, repairing, and maintaining freight railcars while learning industry standards, AAR rules, FRA regulations, and safe work practices under the guidance of experienced personnel.

Key Responsibilities

  • Learn to inspect, repair, and maintain freight railcars in accordance with AAR and FRA requirements.
  • Assist experienced mechanics with freight car repairs and inspections.
  • Learn to perform inbound, outbound, and running repairs.
  • Assist with welding, fabrication, and structural repairs as training and qualifications allow.
  • Help repair and replace components including:
  • Brake system components
  • Couplers, draft gear, and knuckles
  • Wheels, trucks, bearings, and center plates
  • Safety appliances including ladders, handholds, and platforms
  • Safely operate hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
  • Accurately document work performed and complete required paperwork.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
  • Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
  • Work closely with supervisors and experienced team members while developing new skills.

Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Candidates must be willing to work overtime, extended hours, and occasional weekends as needed to meet production requirements.

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely use hand and power tools.
  • Strong desire to learn a skilled trade and develop new mechanical skills.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
  • Dependable with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, climb, bend, kneel, and perform physically demanding work safely.
  • Must supply basic hand tools (or be willing to obtain them during employment).
  • Valid driver's license preferred.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

  • Previous experience in mechanical repair, construction, manufacturing, welding, farming, automotive, diesel, heavy equipment, military maintenance, or other hands-on trades.
  • Basic welding or fabrication experience.
  • Experience operating forklifts, cranes, or other industrial equipment.
  • OSHA safety training or vocational/technical school experience.

What We Offer

  • Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
  • Paid on-the-job training.
  • Opportunities for advancement into skilled railcar mechanic positions.
  • Overtime opportunities.
  • Stable, long-term employment.
  • Safety-focused work environment.
  • Career growth and skill development.
  • Opportunity to work with experienced rail industry professionals.

About Quality Rail Service

Quality Rail Service is a professional railcar inspection and repair company committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality rail services. We invest in our employees by providing hands-on training, career advancement opportunities, and a team-oriented work environment where motivated individuals can build a long-term career in the railroad industry.

Pay: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $27

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Entry Level Railcar Mechanic / Freight Car Repairman?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Entry Level Railcar Mechanic / Freight Car Repairman career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$56,866 - $72,428
Income Estimation: 
$70,003 - $89,130
Income Estimation: 
$60,008 - $75,864
Income Estimation: 
$53,290 - $69,188
Income Estimation: 
$61,853 - $80,766
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Entry Level Railcar Mechanic / Freight Car Repairman jobs in the Madison, IL area that may be a better fit.

  • 365 Freight USA Collinsville, IL
  • Job Description. Job Description. Take an Eastern regional position hauling no-touch dry van freight with weekly or bi-weekly home time available. Qualifie... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • 100% Remote - All Entry Level WFH Saint Charles, MO
  • REMOTE WORK AT HOME - DATA ENTRY / CUSTOMER SERVICE PART TIME / ENTRY LEVEL / START TODAYHello and thank you for taking a moment to check out our job listi... more
  • 13 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!