Driver Mechanic I

Overview

Sperry Rail Service is a leading global provider of Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) services and technologies for Railway Networks worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Sperry's reach of services and people stretches across the globe. Being the predominant name in Rail Health® solutions for over 95 years, our reputation and success rate are unmatched. We continue to evolve through progressive investments in our people and the cutting-edge technologies that have made Sperry unrivaled in the industry. 

Responsibilities

THIS IS A HEAVY TRAVEL POSITION!! Candidates must be willing and able to travel 3-4 months at a time within either the eastern or western regions.

* Operate test vehicle/detector car (either a "rail-bound" vehicle that looks like a railroad passenger car or a box truck modified to ride rails) on and off railroad tracks and in all road conditions.

* Perform vehicle inspections and equipment set-up.

* Record and interpret data on computer monitors.

* Service/maintain/repair the vehicle and detector carriage under the vehicle. This will entail crawling under the vehicle with clearance as little as eighteen inches and bending/kneeling/squatting in awkward postures under the vehicle.

* Climb steps and/or ladders to enter/exit the vehicle repeatedly; perform a ground examination of rails (bending/kneeling) with hand test units.

Personal protective equipment is required. This includes safety glasses, safety steel-toed boots, hard hats, and safety vests, which are mandatory. Safety goggles and neoprene gloves may be required when working with vehicle fluids (e.g., antifreeze, oil, cleaners).

Required to be trained in Road Worker Safety once a year.

Eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus after 60 days of employment.

Working Conditions:

All work to be completed in the field. Weather conditions may be extreme.

Safety:

Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment. Report any safety violations or faulty conditions to the supervisor.

Essential Functions:

Operate: Drive detector car; ascend and descend car (via ladder or steps) to obtain and assist crew members with measurements and recordings. Place and operate test equipment on the rail line. Operate equipment to fill paint and water tanks on rail car; exit/enter the vehicle via a ladder or steps (a few hundred steps a day).

Identify: Perform visual observation of car and track conditions, test data, and equipment function.

Communicate: Must be able to communicate verbally, clearly, and concisely to pilot and crew members in order to obtain instructions, and safety rules, determine traffic patterns, and announce obstructions on the rail. Communications may be with an individual in the adjacent seat or located in the rear of the vehicle. It will also require communication via radio and intercom. Hearing various buzzers and alarms used in the vehicle for communications is safety critical.

Maintain: Inspect and maintain all components of the vehicle motor, body, carriage, and generator. Perform cleaning including sweeping/mopping inside the vehicle and washing outside. In addition to common vehicle maintenance (oil, antifreeze, air filters), maintenance and repair of the detector carriage is also required. This will entail crawling under the vehicle with clearance as little as eighteen inches and bending/kneeling/squatting in awkward postures under the vehicle.

Lower Extremity:

(Posture, balance - squat, stoop, crouch, crawl, etc.)

• Maintain awkward back and shoulder postures while under the vehicle.
• Lay on back and propel body forward and backward (under the vehicle).
• Lay on stomach and propel body forward and backward (under the vehicle).

Locomotion

(walk, climb, jump, run)

• Walk on uneven surfaces in the railroad bed/on top of ballast.
• Climb steps or stairs onto/off the vehicle Ascend and descend steps/stairs on the vehicle (up to 300 steps per day).

Upper Extremity

(Movement, Coordination-grip/grasping, repetition, reaching, etc.)

• Grip/grasp hand tools/hand test device.
• Reach forward to check gauges.
• Reach overhead with full extension and at all angles, with abducted arms.

Back/Neck Postures

(Bending, Twisting, Turning)

• Twist/bend neck to either side to full width and up/down the full range (neck extension/flexion).
• Side bending with load.

Sitting/Standing

• Sitting for extended periods while operating the vehicle (can be several hours).
• Alternate standing and sitting to perform tasks.

Special Senses

(visual, hearing, touch, taste, smell)

• Visual -- observe track signals (distinguish red/green/yellow), to safely operate a vehicle, and to observe/interpret data on computer monitors and small display screens on handheld units. Ability to judge speed/distance of approaching vehicles.
  • Distant Objects: minimum 20/40 each eye (DOT/FRA) with or without correction.
  • Visual field 70 deg horizontal in each eye.
  • Recognize signal colors (DOT/FRA).
• Hearing -- verbal communications, as well as alarms/buzzers at various audible frequencies.
  • Speeding, warning sounds, less than or equal to the average 40 dB @ 0.5, 1, 2 kHz in the better ear (DOT/FRA).
  • No significant hearing loss across the audible range.

Driving:

• Always ensure safe driving (including seat belt regulations).
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, including driver logs, weigh stations, stickers, registration, etc.

• Study and understand all specific customer procedures and guidelines in the Customer File.

Maintenance:

• Follow proper maintenance procedures. Assure all maintenance is performed safely.
• Assist field maintenance personnel, as necessary, in repairs to equipment or vehicles.
• Make periodic checks of equipment and report any problems to the Chief Operator.
• Ensure compliance with preventative maintenance schedule and DOT inspections.
• Assist with maintaining equipment to a condition sufficient to satisfy scheduled RR test cycles, while maintaining production levels established by contract.
• Assist with maintaining standard inventory at a sufficient level to reduce downtime.
• Maintain an organized and clean detector car.

Customer Interaction:

• Exercise diplomacy and cooperation with RR personnel.
• Report in detail any complaints by RR personnel immediately to the Chief Operator.
• Assist with entering required data into the DCS reporting system.

DISCLAIMER: 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Sperry Rail is committed to enabling railways around the world to improve safety and performance by delivering innovative Rail Health® technology with unmatched expertise. To rise to that commitment, we rely on a culture of values. Accountability, Honesty, Teamwork, Passion and Integrity are the ultimate prerequisites for success. We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and styles...people like you! Sperry is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status.

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

* Valid CDL Class A or B with air brake endorsement

* Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)

* Be able to perform basic mechanical tasks (change a tire, replace a battery, etc.)

* Be able to lift and carry up to 85 lbs., occasionally assist in lifting objects over 100 lbs.

* Be able to squat, kneel, etc., for extended periods of time

* Be able to crawl under an 18-inch clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* A minimum of 2 years of commercial driving experience

* HS Diploma or GED

About Us

Why Sperry:

• Competitive salary.
• Generous paid time off.
• Full complement of health and welfare benefits.
• Truly meaningful and engaging work, compelling and intrinsically motivating.
• Immediate contribution to advancing cultural dynamics and infrastructure.
• Collaboration across high-performing teams with interdependent, well-defined achievement goals.
• Opportunity for thought leadership within a highly supportive working environment.

About Sperry:

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work collaboratively to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as the unparalleled market leader. For nearly a century, we have repeatedly modernized and improved rail diagnostics through our relentless pursuit of improvement. Determined is an understatement. We are obsessed with advancing science and raising the bar on what’s possible with our ever-improving suite of product and service offerings. Emboldened through the shared values of honesty, accountability, passion, integrity, and teamwork, we are driven by the challenge and bridging concepts with fruition. Each technologist entering Sperry imprints themselves into our brand and further galvanizes a culture of innovation and advancement. Allow us to be clear, Thought Leaders are welcome! We are agile and hungry and invite those with similar passions to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to the market. Fast-paced, high-touch with a distinct sense of purpose. We offer more than a job; we offer an opportunity to be part of something different.