Mechanical Railcar Repair Technician

Recognized as one of Crain’s “Best Places to Work in Chicago” as well as a 2022 “Great Places to Work” by the Great Place To Work Institute Inc., Sasser prides itself on supporting an employee-driven, opportunity-based culture that empowers, recognizes, and rew­­ards its employees. From highly competitive benefits to exciting employee events to organic, grassroots philanthropy and volunteerism, Sasser is an awesome place to begin and grow your career. We are a fourth-generation, family-held transportation asset services and management company with roots dating to 1928. Sasser’s six subsidiary units are leaders in providing commercial- and industrial-focused rail, automotive, containerized shipping, and aviation transportation equipment solutions including asset leasing, fleet administration management, asset repair and maintenance, and innovative technology services.

Sasser Family Companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car, Union Leasing, CF Rail Services, Express 4x4 Truck Rental, Xced GSE, and Falcon Lease. To learn more about what makes Sasser special, visit www.sasser.com.

Our rail industry roots began in 1928 when Fred H. Sasser founded Central West Refrigerator Despatch (CRDX). The following year, the Great Depression plunged the global economy into chaos. But Mr. Sasser persevered, taking the necessary steps to enhance his business and keeping his commitment to treating customers as partners. More than 90 years later, his spirit continues to guide our approach. When you entrust CF Rail Services to repair and service your railcars, our team’s commitment is to return them in better condition than when they came to us.

What We Offer

In Sasser’s employee-driven, opportunity-based culture, our employees help chart the course for our success. That is the reason that we believe that the most important investment we'll ever make in our business is you. Sasser employees enjoy a competitive benefits program that:

• Covers 85% of your medical premiums
• Includes a 100% Company-paid disability and life insurance plans
• Includes a 401K plan with company match PLUS additional end-of-year funding
• Includes incentive Plans
• Provides training and tuition reimbursement
• Provides community service opportunities, employee recognition programs, and lots and lots of celebrations!

As a Mechanical Railcar Technician, Here's What You'll Do:

• Set an example and conduct activities consistent with the core values of CFRS contributing to a positive environment for communication, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
• Learn and adhere to all CFRS safety procedures.
• Learn the basic flow and logistics of railroad industry and repair business.
• Proficient in documenting work performed on work order, and record of additional repairs.
• Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner so as to comply with CFRS, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Maintain a high level of quality with an understanding of CFRS’ quality assurance program.
• Must learn develop a complete understanding of various railcars, components and billing repair cards.
• Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, mechanical, grinding, cleaning, and touch up painting and decaling on various types of railcars as required.
• Set up and operate various hand and power tools such as, but not limited to, air arc, plasma cutting, Huck and welding machines and processes, and oxy fuel operation in heating and cutting processes.
• Documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, man lift, crane, back hoe, skid loader, hoist or hydraulic boom.
• Successfully complete this position “Education/Formal Training” requirements.
• Wear PPE in appropriate areas

Here's What it Will Take to be Successful in This Role:

• Education/Formal Training: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suit and BRC generation software/ shop operating system.
• Ability to deliver high level of customer service via phone and face to face interaction.
• Team player
• Effective listening skills
• Highly effective communication skills verbally and in writing
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Successfully pass the following courses with an 80% or higher score coordinated by CF Rail Management:
  • FRA Freight Car Safety Standards
  • Lettering and Marking

Physical Demands

Work assignments involve standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, crawling, and crouching in strained and awkward positions for prolonged periods of time at various heights up to 20 feet. Uses hands, legs, and arms to climb vertical ladders to staging or suspended platforms. Lifts, carries, and sets up equipment and components that weigh up to 50 lbs. Employee must be medically certified to wear a respirator, as well as be able to wear respirators for prolonged periods of time. Other abilities include:

• Ability to operate welding equipment
• Ability to operate electrical and pneumatic tools
• Ability to operate heavy equipment (Cranes, Jacks)
• Ability to operate Forklifts, Mobile Service Trucks, Boom Lifts

Working Conditions

Work will be performed outdoors and indoors in all types of weather, on and around heavy equipment.

The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.