Assistant Operator - Rail Flaw Detection

About the role

Wabtec is hiring an Assistant Operator for its Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) team in Kansas City. Working as part of a two-person crew, you inspect America's rail infrastructure by checking steel tracks for internal defects not visible to the eye, helping reduce derailments caused by track defects. The role involves driving rail inspection vehicles, assisting the Chief Operator and performing light maintenance on the ultrasonic testing carriage.

Key responsibilities

• Drive rail inspection vehicles on and off track, conducting DOT vehicle inspections before and after each trip
• Adjust inspection speeds, communicate about upcoming track features and flag defects as required by the host railroad
• Repair the ultrasonic testing carriage and its components, and keep the vehicle ready for the next day with light cleaning and water tank refilling
• Maintain accurate electronic driver logs, fuel reports, business expense records and monthly inventory and maintenance reports
• Mark defective rails with permanent marking pens, spray paint and flagging tape, and do light housekeeping
• Grease, lube and tighten bolts, and repair or arrange repairs to defective parts under the Chief Operator's supervision
• Travel extensively within the continental United States, sometimes several months at a time, in all weather conditions

Required profile

• Minimum high school diploma or GED
• One or more years of professional driver experience preferred
• Good driving habits and experience with larger trucks
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds regularly, and to lift more than 50 pounds and stand for long periods
• Willingness to travel frequently and for extended periods, and to work in all weather conditions
• Team player committed to safety and ethics
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; offers are conditional on a drug screen and fitness-for-duty test where applicable

Required skills

• Basic knowledge of hand tools and general mechanical ability
• General computer skills, knowledge of Office 365 and Microsoft Windows