Build Your Career With a Team That Keeps America Moving Cypress Rail Solutions is hiring an Estimator to support railcar repair operations by inspecting inbound railcars, preparing repair estimates, coordinating parts inventory, and assisting with shop operations. This position plays a key role in ensuring railcars are accurately evaluated, repair costs are properly estimated, and repair work is completed in compliance with industry regulations and company standards. As an Estimator, you will work closely with the Plant Manager, Superintendent, and Quality personnel to evaluate repair requirements, support production planning, and help keep rail freight moving safely and efficiently. Whether you bring estimating experience, mechanical expertise, or a strong railcar repair background, this is an opportunity to join a stable company that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
What You'll Do
- Inspect and estimate repair requirements for all inbound railcars
- Provide daily updates of new railcar numbers to the Project Manager
- Complete and submit repair estimates within three days of railcar arrival
- Identify and document specialty parts required for repairs
- Monitor parts inventory based on current and upcoming repair estimates
- Coordinate with the Project Manager regarding estimate approvals and specialty part ordering
- Work with the QA Coordinator to receive and track inventory as needed
- Assist the Shop Supervisor with gathering parts for scheduled repairs
- Stencil letters and numbers on railcars
- Remove and replace brake assemblies, brake shoes, uncoupling levers, gaskets, air hoses, train lines, and related components
- Repair, replace, or fabricate structural components including side posts, rafters, crossties, panels, underframes, and piping
- Weld, burn, straighten, patch, and repair steel components using appropriate tools and equipment
- Repair freight car sides, ends, doors, and floors
- Maintain, repair, or replace air brake pipes, valves, fittings, and related components
- Remove and replace couplers, draft gears, and yokes
- Clean and prepare railcar surfaces for painting
- Pull, push, and position heavy equipment and railcar components during repairs
- Assist with shop operations and perform other duties as assigned
- Ability to throw and align switches
- Successfully complete training as a Trackmobile Operator and/or Groundman
What We're Looking For
- GED or higher preferred
- Estimating experience preferred
- Welding experience required
- Experience using acetylene and oxygen equipment required
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
- Ability to read and interpret work instructions, technical drawings, and repair specifications
- Valid driver's license required
- Must have and maintain an insurable driving status in accordance with Cypress Rail Solutions driver provisions
- Ability to work in an industrial environment and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Full-time, stable employment
- Opportunity to work in a critical role supporting railcar operations
- Hands-on work in a fast-paced industrial environment
- Collaborative team atmosphere with supportive leadership
- Opportunities to expand rail industry knowledge and technical skills
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
Join a company where your work matters, your skills are valued, and your efforts help keep rail freight moving safely across the country. Competencies
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Strong mechanical background and ability to learn General Code of Operating Rules, Safety Rules, AAR regulations, and FRA requirements
- Ability to apply practical problem-solving skills in situations with limited standardization
- Ability to read and understand safety rules, maintenance instructions, mechanical drawings, and shop procedures
- Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance with AAR, FRA, and company standards
Physical Demands Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:
- Regularly work on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, and shop equipment
- Most of the day may be spent standing and performing manual labor
- Requires hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and frequent use of hand tools and equipment
- Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, and physical activity involving the entire body
- Work is performed in varying weather and temperature conditions
Environmental
- Continuous: Standing on concrete
- Occasional: Vibration, noise, hot or cold temperature extremes, work at heights, uneven surfaces, paperwork, travel, smoke, dust, paint, cramped spaces, and moving machinery
- Wash railcars outside in all weather conditions
- Must wear required PPE and respiratory protection for designated tasks
Education and Training
- GED or higher preferred
- Welding and machine experience required
- Acetylene and oxygen equipment experience required
- Must have and maintain an insurable driving status in accordance with Cypress Rail Solutions driver provisions
- Successful completion of required company, safety, and operational training programs
Requirements of Joining Our Team Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:
- Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.
- Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.
- Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States through approved forms of identification.
This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management. Cypress Rail Solutions is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation.