Railcar Inspector and QA Lead

The Job in 3 Lines Perform thorough railcar inspections, input billing and complete QA audits to ensure full AAR/FRA compliance on every car Lead quality assurance processes, coach repair teams, and sign off on repairs before release Deliver consistent, high-standard work with zero tolerance for defects—safety and compliance first You're a strong match here if: You've got deep railcar inspection experience and can spot issues others miss—structural, mechanical, brake systems, valves, and all AAR/FRA requirements. You've led or mentored teams on quality standards, conducted audits, and maintained detailed inspection records in a fast-paced railcar environment. You thrive in demanding conditions—long hours, weather extremes, tight turnaround schedules—and still deliver accurate, defensible inspections without cutting corners. In 2 years, you see yourself growing into a senior inspector, QA manager, or shop supervisor role. You're ambitious and committed to building a long-term career in railcar services. At Odyssey Railcar, we're a family-owned, fast-growing railcar services company dedicated to keeping America's 1.6 million railcars moving safely and reliably. Our core values are how we operate day to day: Uncompromising Safety Pride in Craftsmanship Relentless Urgency Scrappy Ownership Must Have 3+ years of hands-on railcar inspection experience (or equivalent heavy industrial QA/inspection in rail, tank car, or similar regulated environments) Strong computer skills, including using RailcarRX or other similar railcar billing software Expert working knowledge of the AAR Field Manual, FRA regulations, and AAR billing/repair standards Hands-on experience performing and documenting automatic single car air brake tests Proven ability to lead QA processes, perform audits, and provide clear feedback to repair teams Current/valid weld certifications (FCAW and/or SMAW) a strong plus — you must understand welding quality to effectively inspect repairs Ability to pass our on-site inspection and repair knowledge assessment Reliable transportation, steel-toe boots, strong work ethic, and zero tolerance for tardiness or sloppy documentation Pay & Perks Salaried position, $60k-$75k depending on experience Pay increases with consistent performance Clear path for advancement into senior QA and leadership roles

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Note:

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or qualifications required for the role.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance

Experience:

Railcar Repair:

1 year (Required) Quality assurance: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Carterville, IL 62918 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Carterville, IL 62918: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person