Welder & Fabricator, Valley Railroad Mechanical Operations

Description

The Welder/Fabricator supports the Valley Railroad’s maintenance and restoration efforts by performing skilled welding, metal fabrication, and repair on locomotives, passenger cars, rail equipment, and infrastructure. This position demands high attention to safety, precision, craftsmanship, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a dynamic, historical railroad environment.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities

• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and verbal instructions to fabricate metal parts and structures.
• Perform MIG, Stick (SMAW), and oxy-acetylene welding on ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
• Fabricate, cut, and assemble metal components using shop equipment (plasma cutter, grinders, oxy acetylene rigs , etc.).
• Create custom brackets, structural reinforcements, sheet metal parts, boiler components, etc.
• Fit and weld piping, handrails, walkways, and undercarriage systems.
• Rebuild worn or damaged railcar components to spec or better-than-original standards.
• General Rail Equipment Repair & Maintenance
• Conduct structural and cosmetic repairs on steam and diesel locomotives, coach cars, and maintenance-of-way equipment.
• Install or repair metal steps, platforms, coupler pockets, ladders, and tank shells.
• Assist in boiler repair work under FRA supervision (if certified).
• Participate in FRA-required structural work and documentation when needed.
• Operate forklifts, overhead hoists, and mobile equipment for material handling.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience in welding and metal fabrication
• Proficient in MIG,  and Stick
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
• Experience using metalworking tools (press, drills, grinders, saws, etc.)
• Physically capable of lifting 75 lbs, climbing, crouching, and working in confined spaces
• Strong desire to learn and gain new skills and tasks

Preferred

• AWS certification or equivalent trade qualification
• Prior work with railroad equipment or historic preservation projects
• Familiarity with FRA standards and railroad safety protocols
• Ability to fabricate from sketches or reverse-engineer parts

Physical Requirements

• Stand for long hours
• Use respirators, hearing protection, eye protection
• Regularly Lift, push, or carry metal stock of at least 75 lbs
• Tolerate hot, cold, dusty, and high-noise environments

Hands-On Skills Assessment (Part of Our Standard Process)

At the Valley Railroad, craftsmanship isn’t just a job requirement—it’s part of who we are. As part of the hiring process, all Welder/Fabricator applicants participate in a hands-on welding and fabrication assessment. This brief but essential exercise reflects how we approach restoration and mechanical work across the property: with care, accuracy, and accountability.

What to Expect:

• You’ll receive three pieces of steel to prep, fit, and assemble to match a reference example.
• We’ll observe your approach to layout, surface prep, welding technique, finishing, and self-checking your work.
• This is not a “pass/fail” test—it’s a conversation starter. We want to understand how you think, how you work, and how you solve problems.