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Railway Car Technician (Car Mechanic)


Job Location:

Memphis, TN - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 7 August 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 4 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Qualified Rate : $42.49 Per hour

Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying addition CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP) Pension Benefits Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.


Railway Car Technician (Car Mechanic)

At CN we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders we make the right decisions every time putting safety first acting with unwavering integrity and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding togetherby fostering inclusivity and collaboration we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.

If you are a skilled trades person or interested in skilled trades and continuous learning in a safety-focused environment working at CN could be a great fit for you. Youll be working on all types of equipment and structures designed to support the distribution of freight across North America. Enjoy paid training and evolve your skills. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!

Job Summary

The Car Mechanic Apprentice is responsible for inspecting maintaining building and repairing railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with Federal and CNs regulations. The incumbent is considered a Car Mechanic Apprentice until they have graduated to Journey Car Mechanic.

Working Conditions

  • Irregular shifts including nights weekends holidays and occasional overtime
  • Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
  • Frequent bending stooping squatting kneeling performing overhead work lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 85 pounds
  • Frequent climbing balancing grasping and good eye-hand coordination
  • May be required to work away from assigned terminal.

Major Responsibilities

  • Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations Federal Railroad Administration regulations and company operating standards.
  • Perform all scheduled on-request and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars under frames on structures safety appliances draft systems and any associated tests.
  • Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors air valves bearings couplings air cylinders and piping.
  • Use hand tools power tools welding equipment cutting torches and measuring instruments.
  • Operate transport vehicles including cranes trucks track mobile and shop equipment.
  • Prepare inspection maintenance and work reports and record details on prescribed forms in accordance with established procedures.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position including requirements for Safety.
  • A valid drivers license.
  • Ability to work autonomously adapt to different situations and manage stress.
  • Demonstrates good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others.
  • Good verbal reading comprehension and writing skills.
  • Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality safety and client satisfaction.
  • Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments.
  • Ability to determine the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position including requirements for Safety Critical Positions established by the FRA regulation.
  • Ability to pass a background investigation pertaining to federal and state criminal history including driver history

Assets

  • Previous welding experience gained through formal training or work experience
  • Vocational/technical training and/or knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules
  • Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments
  • Ability to work autonomously adapt to different situations and manage stress
  • Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
  • Good verbal reading comprehension and writing skills
  • Ability to determine the condition of objects/parts for wear and/or defects
  • Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality safety and client satisfaction

What We Offer

  • Competitive Wages Benefits and Pension Plan
  • Paid Training and Career Development
  • Medical vision and dental insurance
  • 24/7 Telemedicine Service
  • Employee Share Investment Plan
  • Educational Financial Assistance Program
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
  • Extensive Employee Discount Program
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Paid Training:

Newly hired Car Mechanics will take part in paid training which includes classroom instructions and field training during their first months of service. The training guides the new Car Mechanic through the critical safety skills required to work on the railroad.

Once the classroom training is complete the Car Mechanic will complete on the job training to enhance their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the training course is essential to maintain employment as a Car Mechanic. An apprentices application may be rescinded in the event that they do not display the aptitude or desire to learn within the first 120 days of their employment.

Successful Candidate Process:

  • Medical assessment (including drug hearing and vision).
  • Criminal background check
  • Offer Letter

Paid Training Structure:

  • 3 weeks in CN campus (Homewood IL)
  • 2 weeks in shop (on-the-job training)
  • 3 weeks in CN campus (Homewood IL)

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers shareholders employees and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy to the customers and to the communities it serves CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources manufactured products and finished goods throughout North America every year. CNs network connects Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20000-mile rail and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN we are dedicated to building North Americassafest mostinclusiveandsustainable railroad which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often dont apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants even if you dont meet every job requirement listed in a posting we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations) please get in touch with our team at.

As an equal opportunity employer qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability protected veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.


Required Experience:

IC