Carman Jobs
Carman jobs are open across freight railroads, transit agencies, and rail yards, from entry-level and apprentice roles to experienced and lead positions, with specializations in car inspection, truck and wheel maintenance, and air brake testing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Carman jobs
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To provide a training program that enables the incumbent to attain Journeyman Carmen status and be able to perform the full range of inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, servicing and repair activities of freight and passenger cars, various standard equipment and components utilized throughout the railroad industry and maintenance shop environments. Work is performed in accordance with the Association of American Railroads Rules, APTA, Federal Railroad Administration Regulations, OSHA regulations and Alaska Railroad Corporation regulations and specifications.Duties and Responsibilities:
As An Entry Status Mechanical Carmen:
The training program consists of a combination of self-study correspondence courses and on-the-job practical instruction provided by fully qualified Journeyman Carmen. Training is scheduled and phased. Assignments include learning such trade practices and skills as the proper usage of tools and equipment of the trade; the order of assembling parts and identifying tools and equipment; reading blueprints, sketches, and technical manuals to understand the functions of the parts or systems; planning and laying out work and troubleshooting parts, systems and components; repair techniques to include methods used in obtaining fits or tolerances/ making adjustments and calibrations; and rebuilding and manufacturing parts.
The Trainee performs operational functions and maintains working area in accordance with practices and procedures prescribed in the ARRC Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations for the General Guidance and Protections of Railroad Personnel. Incumbent is required to drive an ARRC vehicle at times. Performs routine inspection, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and repairs to freight and passenger cars and related equipment and components. When applicable, all inspection and repair forms are signed, documenting and certifying all repairs were performed and completed in detail and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and laws. During the course of an inspection, the use of various reference materials, manuals, specifications, regulations, gauges, hand tools and drawings may be required in order to ensure strict compliance with the regulations and applicable laws.
As a Journeyman Carmen:
Performs inspection of railroad rolling stock for defective conditions in accordance with applicable Federal Railroad Administration Regulations, Part 231, Railroad Safety Appliance Standards, Part 215, Railroad Freight Car Safety Standards and Part 238, Passenger Equipment Safety Standards. Defective equipment is removed from service based upon application of applicable guidelines. Component inspection includes all aspects of freight and passenger car anatomy. In the course of passenger and freight car inspection, applicable Federal Railroad Administration Regulation inspection forms are documented and signed.
Performs repairs to freight and passenger car rolling stock, both foreign and system, using various tools of trade. Repairs are performed are in accordance with Field Manual of the Association of American Railroads Interchange Rules and AAR Manual of Standards, encompassing all component removal, replacement and/or restoration of car anatomy. When applicable, as in of tank car valves repair, ARRC Quality Assurance inspection forms are documented and signed in accordance with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 179 Specifications for Tank Cars. Incumbent performs tank repairs in permit and non permit confined spaces.
Performs individual freight car and train consist air brake tests in compliance with Title 49, Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 232, Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and other non-passenger trains and equipment; end of train devices.
Provides guidance to shippers in the proper placement and securement of lading using Association of American Railroads Open Top Loading Rules and approved ARRC interline procedures. Performs load inspection to insure lading securement and loading compliance.
Responds to derailment situations, participating in re-railing activities associated with reestablishing mainline and service track access.
Provides necessary Blue Signal Protection perTitle 49, Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 218, Railroad Operating Practices.
Participates in various aspects of training, including apprentices and other Care Department employees, as required.
FACTOR 1: Skill and Knowledge
Knowledge of safe work practices and methods and maintenance of railroad equipment and work areas in accordance with practices and procedures prescribed in ARR Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations for General Guidance and Protection of Railroad Personnel. Ability to learn to perform the full range of repair, maintenance and overhaul to railroad equipment under the jurisdiction of the journeyman; e.g. freight and passenger cars. A basic knowledge of mathematics is required along with a practical knowledge of the principles underlying the work. The ability to read, write and communicate; learn to interpret blueprints, work instructions, and other technical guides of varying degrees of complexity is required. Must show good judgment in decision making and be able to improvise as required by the circumstances. Must be able to maintain alertness and concentrated attention on several ongoing projects simultaneously.
The incumbent will be trained on skills in more than one specific trade, including welding, sheet metal work, carpentry, pipe fitting, mechanical work and associated tooling. Trainees will learn to inspect equipment for defective conditions and determine status. Examples of inspected components are as follows: safety appliances, such as handholds, handbrakes, sill steps, ladders; air brake components, such as foundation brake rigging, air hoses, angle cocks, brake valves, air cylinders and reservoirs; truck assemblies, such as truck frame components including wheels, axles, journal roller bearings and boxes and associated equipment; underframe and draft attachment components, such as coupler assemblies, draft gears and associated components, as well as center plate/side bearing arrangements; and super structure assemblies, such as center sills, side posts, end sheets, roof sections, doors and interior of cars.
Incumbent must use initiative and sound judgment in the application of applicable rules and guidelines. It is preferred that incumbent have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of re railing procedures.
FACTOR 2: Responsibility
Incumbent works under supervision. The Mechanical Supervisor or Journeymen Carman provides precise instructions on new assignments. As the incumbent’s skills and knowledge increase, less direction is given such that at the conclusion of each training segment, the incumbent is able to perform those tasks alone.
FACTOR 3: Physical Effort
Work includes lifting and carrying tools, materials, and equipment, which may, at times, exceed 60 pounds. Also included is pushing and/or pulling objects of varying sizes and shapes weighing up to several hundred pounds. Work requires walking, climbing, crawling, bending, and standing for extended periods of time. Work also requires, in most cases, both physical stamina and coordination to complete assignments. Must be able to wear a respirator when performing various tasks.
FACTOR 4: Working Conditions
Generally, the work is done indoors in heated shops; however, at times work is done outdoors in all types of climatic conditions. Work involves exposure to dust, dirt, slag, grease, and grime. Soiling of clothing and skin surfaces is normal. Frequently, the incumbent is exposed to excessive noise, vibrations, gases, and fumes from petroleum products in addition to electric arc flashes during welding processes and excessive heat common to the trade. The incumbent works on concrete, earth, metal, and wood surfaces in crowded areas near moving machinery and equipment. At times, these surfaces may be uneven, slippery, icy, muddy, and/or greasy. Incumbent occasionally will come into contact with chemical compounds such as acids or caustic solutions, which would be common to the trade. Personal protective wear, i.e., steel toe shoes, gloves, hard hats, eyes and hearing protection, are available and utilized to reduce or prevent injuries.
The full position description and example of duties for this position is located under Class Specifications (enter position title in Search): https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications for a Carman Trainee
High school diploma or GED equivalent (Significant work-related experience may be substituted for the education requirement). Experience or training/education in one of the following is required:
- One year of practical work experience in a mechanical shop, equipment maintenance, equipment or building repair or construction environment.
- Completion of NIT or AVTEC (or similar) training in welding or heavy equipment or closely related field
- Associate’s degree in welding technology, heavy equipment or closely related field
Practical experience performing railroad rolling stock maintenance work is preferred. Experience in the following areas is preferred: machine shop, sheet metal work, welding fabrication, carpentry, pipefitting, or a heavy equipment shop. Previous experience operating overhead cranes is preferred. Must have sufficient skill to perform the following: work without more than normal supervision, assemble, install, repair, troubleshoot, use measuring instruments, and operate vehicles/equipment. Must be capable of using a respirator. Must have a valid driver’s license. To be considered a valid driver’s license, an employee must always maintain at least a three-year continuous period free of any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating Under the Influence (OUI) convictions.
Must be capable of lifting 60 pounds.
Additional Required Information
IMPORTANT: Your application must clearly show how you meet each minimum qualification listed for this position. Do not assume reviewers will infer qualifications from job titles or general descriptions of duties. Applications are screened based on the information submitted.
Include all required and desired qualifications in your Applicant Profile and/or Resume. For any relevant experience, provide the employer name, job title, dates of employment, and whether the position was full-time or part-time.
Failure to provide sufficient information on your application to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications may result in disqualification from further consideration. Applicants who clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated along with other qualified applicants and may be considered for the next phase of the recruitment process.
If you are select for an interview, then you MUST be able to submit a copy of a current drivers record that reflects the past three (3) years of driving history.
The State of Alaska DMV Driving Records are available online: https://online.dmv.alaska.gov/onlinedrivingrecords
Contact Information
Street Address: 327 West Ship Creek, Anchorage, AK
Fax Number: (907) 265-2542
Alaska Railroad Corporation is an equal opportunity employer
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance please visit:https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
Alaska Railroad Corporation Benefits
The following briefly describes the main benefits available to regular employees of the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Actual benefits differ by bargaining unit.
Retirement Plans
ARRC Pension Plan – Participation is mandatory. You are automatically enrolled in the Plan when you meet the eligibility requirement of your bargaining unit. Employees contribute 9% of their Earnings on a pre-tax basis. The Railroad is exempt from participation in Social Security; however, Medicare Tax is withheld. Participants vest with 5 years of eligible Vesting Service which entitles one to receive a pension benefit at retirement age.
Tier 2 Description (Employees hired after July 1, 2015)
Normal Retirement Age is age 65, however, the plan allows one to retire as early as age 60. The formula for a monthly Normal Retirement Benefits is 2% x Final Average Earnings x all Credited Service.
Early retirement, survivor and disability benefits are available for vested participants.
401(k) Tax Deferred Savings Plan – Participation is optional. You may enroll once you meet the eligibility requirement of your bargaining unit. Depending on the bargaining unit, there may be an employer match.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan – Participation is optional for non-represented employees.
Insurance and Flexible Spending Plans
All plans are optional except the RR Dental Plan for bargaining unit employees.
Health Insurance Plan
A comprehensive health insurance plan, self-insured by the ARRC and administered by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. Coverage is also available for the employee’s spouse and dependent children. ARRC and the participant share the premium cost. Bargaining unit employees are Eligibility after 90 days, and non-represented employees are eligible as of the date of hire.
The Railroad offers a Prefered Provider Organization plan (PPO Blue Essentials) and a Consumer Directed Healthcare Plan with a Health Saving Account (Gold Essentials). The Plans have the following features.
The Railroad also offers two dental plans.
The Railroad National Dental for represented employees.
The Alaska Railroad Optional Dental Plan for both represented and non-represented employees.
Paid Leave & Holidays
Vacation Leave –accrual per bi-weekly pay period:
Represented Employees
0-3 Years of Service = 4 Hours
>3-15 Years of Service = 6 Hours
>15 Years of Service = 8 Hours
Non-Represented Employees
0-3 Years of Service = 6 Hours
>3-15 Years of Service = 8 Hours
>15 Years of Service = 10 Hours
Sick Leave: accrues at 4 hours (Represented) or 2 hours (Non-Represented) per pay period.
11 Paid holidays
For additional information regarding these benefits, please go to www.alaskarailroad.com
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To provide a training program that enables the incumbent to attain Journeyman Carmen status and be able to perform the full range of inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, servicing and repair activities of freight and passenger cars, various standard equipment and components utilized throughout the railroad industry and maintenance shop environments. Work is performed in accordance with the Association of American Railroads Rules, APTA, Federal Railroad Administration Regulations, OSHA regulations and Alaska Railroad Corporation regulations and specifications.Duties and Responsibilities:
As An Entry Status Mechanical Carmen:
The training program consists of a combination of self-study correspondence courses and on-the-job practical instruction provided by fully qualified Journeyman Carmen. Training is scheduled and phased. Assignments include learning such trade practices and skills as the proper usage of tools and equipment of the trade; the order of assembling parts and identifying tools and equipment; reading blueprints, sketches, and technical manuals to understand the functions of the parts or systems; planning and laying out work and troubleshooting parts, systems and components; repair techniques to include methods used in obtaining fits or tolerances/ making adjustments and calibrations; and rebuilding and manufacturing parts.
The Trainee performs operational functions and maintains working area in accordance with practices and procedures prescribed in the ARRC Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations for the General Guidance and Protections of Railroad Personnel. Incumbent is required to drive an ARRC vehicle at times. Performs routine inspection, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and repairs to freight and passenger cars and related equipment and components. When applicable, all inspection and repair forms are signed, documenting and certifying all repairs were performed and completed in detail and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and laws. During the course of an inspection, the use of various reference materials, manuals, specifications, regulations, gauges, hand tools and drawings may be required in order to ensure strict compliance with the regulations and applicable laws.
As a Journeyman Carmen:
Performs inspection of railroad rolling stock for defective conditions in accordance with applicable Federal Railroad Administration Regulations, Part 231, Railroad Safety Appliance Standards, Part 215, Railroad Freight Car Safety Standards and Part 238, Passenger Equipment Safety Standards. Defective equipment is removed from service based upon application of applicable guidelines. Component inspection includes all aspects of freight and passenger car anatomy. In the course of passenger and freight car inspection, applicable Federal Railroad Administration Regulation inspection forms are documented and signed.
Performs repairs to freight and passenger car rolling stock, both foreign and system, using various tools of trade. Repairs are performed are in accordance with Field Manual of the Association of American Railroads Interchange Rules and AAR Manual of Standards, encompassing all component removal, replacement and/or restoration of car anatomy. When applicable, as in of tank car valves repair, ARRC Quality Assurance inspection forms are documented and signed in accordance with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 179 Specifications for Tank Cars. Incumbent performs tank repairs in permit and non permit confined spaces.
Performs individual freight car and train consist air brake tests in compliance with Title 49, Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 232, Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and other non-passenger trains and equipment; end of train devices.
Provides guidance to shippers in the proper placement and securement of lading using Association of American Railroads Open Top Loading Rules and approved ARRC interline procedures. Performs load inspection to insure lading securement and loading compliance.
Responds to derailment situations, participating in re-railing activities associated with reestablishing mainline and service track access.
Provides necessary Blue Signal Protection perTitle 49, Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 218, Railroad Operating Practices.
Participates in various aspects of training, including apprentices and other Care Department employees, as required.
FACTOR 1: Skill and Knowledge
Knowledge of safe work practices and methods and maintenance of railroad equipment and work areas in accordance with practices and procedures prescribed in ARR Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations for General Guidance and Protection of Railroad Personnel. Ability to learn to perform the full range of repair, maintenance and overhaul to railroad equipment under the jurisdiction of the journeyman; e.g. freight and passenger cars. A basic knowledge of mathematics is required along with a practical knowledge of the principles underlying the work. The ability to read, write and communicate; learn to interpret blueprints, work instructions, and other technical guides of varying degrees of complexity is required. Must show good judgment in decision making and be able to improvise as required by the circumstances. Must be able to maintain alertness and concentrated attention on several ongoing projects simultaneously.
The incumbent will be trained on skills in more than one specific trade, including welding, sheet metal work, carpentry, pipe fitting, mechanical work and associated tooling. Trainees will learn to inspect equipment for defective conditions and determine status. Examples of inspected components are as follows: safety appliances, such as handholds, handbrakes, sill steps, ladders; air brake components, such as foundation brake rigging, air hoses, angle cocks, brake valves, air cylinders and reservoirs; truck assemblies, such as truck frame components including wheels, axles, journal roller bearings and boxes and associated equipment; underframe and draft attachment components, such as coupler assemblies, draft gears and associated components, as well as center plate/side bearing arrangements; and super structure assemblies, such as center sills, side posts, end sheets, roof sections, doors and interior of cars.
Incumbent must use initiative and sound judgment in the application of applicable rules and guidelines. It is preferred that incumbent have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of re railing procedures.
FACTOR 2: Responsibility
Incumbent works under supervision. The Mechanical Supervisor or Journeymen Carman provides precise instructions on new assignments. As the incumbent’s skills and knowledge increase, less direction is given such that at the conclusion of each training segment, the incumbent is able to perform those tasks alone.
FACTOR 3: Physical Effort
Work includes lifting and carrying tools, materials, and equipment, which may, at times, exceed 60 pounds. Also included is pushing and/or pulling objects of varying sizes and shapes weighing up to several hundred pounds. Work requires walking, climbing, crawling, bending, and standing for extended periods of time. Work also requires, in most cases, both physical stamina and coordination to complete assignments. Must be able to wear a respirator when performing various tasks.
FACTOR 4: Working Conditions
Generally, the work is done indoors in heated shops; however, at times work is done outdoors in all types of climatic conditions. Work involves exposure to dust, dirt, slag, grease, and grime. Soiling of clothing and skin surfaces is normal. Frequently, the incumbent is exposed to excessive noise, vibrations, gases, and fumes from petroleum products in addition to electric arc flashes during welding processes and excessive heat common to the trade. The incumbent works on concrete, earth, metal, and wood surfaces in crowded areas near moving machinery and equipment. At times, these surfaces may be uneven, slippery, icy, muddy, and/or greasy. Incumbent occasionally will come into contact with chemical compounds such as acids or caustic solutions, which would be common to the trade. Personal protective wear, i.e., steel toe shoes, gloves, hard hats, eyes and hearing protection, are available and utilized to reduce or prevent injuries.
The full position description and example of duties for this position is located under Class Specifications (enter position title in Search): https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications for a Carman Trainee
High school diploma or GED equivalent (Significant work-related experience may be substituted for the education requirement). Experience or training/education in one of the following is required:
- One year of practical work experience in a mechanical shop, equipment maintenance, equipment or building repair or construction environment.
- Completion of NIT or AVTEC (or similar) training in welding or heavy equipment or closely related field
- Associate’s degree in welding technology, heavy equipment or closely related field
Practical experience performing railroad rolling stock maintenance work is preferred. Experience in the following areas is preferred: machine shop, sheet metal work, welding fabrication, carpentry, pipefitting, or a heavy equipment shop. Previous experience operating overhead cranes is preferred. Must have sufficient skill to perform the following: work without more than normal supervision, assemble, install, repair, troubleshoot, use measuring instruments, and operate vehicles/equipment. Must be capable of using a respirator. Must have a valid driver’s license. To be considered a valid driver’s license, an employee must always maintain at least a three-year continuous period free of any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating Under the Influence (OUI) convictions.
Must be capable of lifting 60 pounds.
Additional Required Information
IMPORTANT: Your application must clearly show how you meet each minimum qualification listed for this position. Do not assume reviewers will infer qualifications from job titles or general descriptions of duties. Applications are screened based on the information submitted.
Include all required and desired qualifications in your Applicant Profile and/or Resume. For any relevant experience, provide the employer name, job title, dates of employment, and whether the position was full-time or part-time.
Failure to provide sufficient information on your application to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications may result in disqualification from further consideration. Applicants who clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated along with other qualified applicants and may be considered for the next phase of the recruitment process.
If you are select for an interview, then you MUST be able to submit a copy of a current drivers record that reflects the past three (3) years of driving history.
The State of Alaska DMV Driving Records are available online: https://online.dmv.alaska.gov/onlinedrivingrecords
Contact Information
Street Address: 327 West Ship Creek, Anchorage, AK
Fax Number: (907) 265-2542
Alaska Railroad Corporation is an equal opportunity employer
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance please visit:https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
Alaska Railroad Corporation Benefits
The following briefly describes the main benefits available to regular employees of the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Actual benefits differ by bargaining unit.
Retirement Plans
ARRC Pension Plan – Participation is mandatory. You are automatically enrolled in the Plan when you meet the eligibility requirement of your bargaining unit. Employees contribute 9% of their Earnings on a pre-tax basis. The Railroad is exempt from participation in Social Security; however, Medicare Tax is withheld. Participants vest with 5 years of eligible Vesting Service which entitles one to receive a pension benefit at retirement age.
Tier 2 Description (Employees hired after July 1, 2015)
Normal Retirement Age is age 65, however, the plan allows one to retire as early as age 60. The formula for a monthly Normal Retirement Benefits is 2% x Final Average Earnings x all Credited Service.
Early retirement, survivor and disability benefits are available for vested participants.
401(k) Tax Deferred Savings Plan – Participation is optional. You may enroll once you meet the eligibility requirement of your bargaining unit. Depending on the bargaining unit, there may be an employer match.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan – Participation is optional for non-represented employees.
Insurance and Flexible Spending Plans
All plans are optional except the RR Dental Plan for bargaining unit employees.
Health Insurance Plan
A comprehensive health insurance plan, self-insured by the ARRC and administered by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. Coverage is also available for the employee’s spouse and dependent children. ARRC and the participant share the premium cost. Bargaining unit employees are Eligibility after 90 days, and non-represented employees are eligible as of the date of hire.
The Railroad offers a Prefered Provider Organization plan (PPO Blue Essentials) and a Consumer Directed Healthcare Plan with a Health Saving Account (Gold Essentials). The Plans have the following features.
The Railroad also offers two dental plans.
The Railroad National Dental for represented employees.
The Alaska Railroad Optional Dental Plan for both represented and non-represented employees.
Paid Leave & Holidays
Vacation Leave –accrual per bi-weekly pay period:
Represented Employees
0-3 Years of Service = 4 Hours
>3-15 Years of Service = 6 Hours
>15 Years of Service = 8 Hours
Non-Represented Employees
0-3 Years of Service = 6 Hours
>3-15 Years of Service = 8 Hours
>15 Years of Service = 10 Hours
Sick Leave: accrues at 4 hours (Represented) or 2 hours (Non-Represented) per pay period.
11 Paid holidays
For additional information regarding these benefits, please go to www.alaskarailroad.com
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Find Carman JobsCarman Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in carman jobs.
- High school diploma or GED required by most rail and transit employers
- AAR or FRA air brake certification preferred or required for car inspection roles
- Experience with car inspection, defect identification, and journal bearing maintenance
- Ability to meet FRA medical standards and pass a physical agility test
- Completion of a carmen apprenticeship program or equivalent on-the-job training
- Valid driver's license and ability to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends
Tips for Your Carman Job Search
Tailor your resume to rail standards
List your FRA Rule G compliance awareness, AAR card certifications, and any apprenticeship hours completed. Rail hiring managers scan for these specifics fast, so front-load them above your work history rather than burying them in a skills section.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists carman openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target union versus non-union openings separately
Class I railroads hire through the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen or SMART-TD, which affects seniority rules and your application path. Confirm whether a posting is union-covered before you apply so your resume addresses the right expectations.
Document your air brake and coupler experience precisely
Vague phrases like 'performed brake tests' won't stand out. Name the test type, such as Class I, II, or III, and list the car types you worked on. That specificity signals hands-on competency to any hiring manager reviewing your application.
Prepare for a skills demonstration in your interview
Many railroad and transit employers include a practical component where you identify defects on a car or simulate an inspection sequence. Review AAR Field Manual defect codes and practice talking through your inspection process step by step out loud before you go in.
Follow up after a written or skills test
Rail hiring timelines often include a written rules exam and a physical agility test before an offer. Send a brief follow-up message after each stage confirming your continued interest, since gaps between stages can stretch for weeks and staying visible helps.
Carman Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most carmans?
The companies hiring the most carmans right now include The Springs Living, Genesee Intermediate School District, and CPKC, with the largest share of openings in Oregon, Michigan, and Alaska, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Class I freight railroads and large transit authorities tend to post the highest volume of carman openings consistently.
How do you become a carman?
Start by earning a high school diploma or GED, then apply to a formal carmen apprenticeship offered through a railroad or a union such as the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen. During the apprenticeship, you train on car inspection, air brake testing, and defect identification. After completing your hours and passing required assessments, you qualify for a journeyman carman position.
How do you get hired as a carman with little or no experience?
Apply directly to entry-level carman apprenticeship postings, which are designed for candidates without prior rail experience. Highlight any mechanical background, such as auto repair, welding, or industrial maintenance, since those transferable skills carry weight. Passing the written rules exam and physical agility test confidently matters more than rail-specific experience at the apprentice hiring stage.
What does the carman interview process look like?
Most employers start with a brief phone screen, followed by an in-person interview covering safety rules, inspection procedures, and situational judgment. Many then require a written exam on FRA and AAR standards, a physical agility assessment, and a drug and background check. The full process from application to offer can take several weeks depending on the size of the hiring class.
Where can I find and apply to carman jobs?
You can find and apply to carman jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
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