Rail Car Repairers
Human Advantage 61%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.5 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Also Known As: Air Brake Adjuster, Air Brake Man, Air Brake Mechanic, Air Brake Rigger, Air Brake Worker, Air Compressor Mechanic, Air Valve Mechanic, Air Valve Repairer +59 more
Core Tasks
- Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.
- Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.
- Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
- Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.
- Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
- Test units for operability before and after repairs.
- Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.
- Repair, fabricate, and install steel or wood fittings, using blueprints, shop sketches, and instruction manuals.
- Perform scheduled maintenance, and clean units and components.
- Examine car roofs for wear and damage, and repair defective sections, using roofing material, cement, nails, and waterproof paint.
- Paint car exteriors, interiors, and fixtures.
Supplemental Tasks (9)
- Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems.
- Disassemble units such as water pumps, control valves, and compressors so that repairs can be made.
- Measure diameters of axle wheel seats, using micrometers, and mark dimensions on axles so that wheels can be bored to specified dimensions.
- Test electrical systems of cars by operating systems and using testing equipment such as ammeters.
- Replace defective wiring and insulation, and tighten electrical connections, using hand tools.
- Install and repair interior flooring, fixtures, walls, plumbing, steps, and platforms.
- Repair window sash frames, attach weather stripping and channels to frames, and replace window glass, using hand tools.
- Align car sides for installation of car ends and crossties, using width gauges, turnbuckles, and wrenches.
- Repair car upholstery.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (13)
Tools & Equipment (46)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Maintenance & Repair Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Rail Car Repairers You are here
Zone 4
Transportation Inspectors 78% match
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