Wabtec
Direct SmartRecruiters career site

Assistant Operator

Location
Columbus, OH
Listed
3 days ago

About the role

It's not just about your career or job title… It's about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it's for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you're in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.

Who are we?

Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has grown to become One Wabtec, with unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems.

Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress and unlocks our customers' potential by delivering innovative and lasting transportation solutions that move and improve the world. We are lifelong learners obsessed with making things better to drive exceptional results. Wabtec has approximately 30,000+ employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit our website to

Who will you be working with?

As an Assistant Operator with our Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) Team, you will work as part of a two-person crew to inspect America's rail infrastructure. The RFD team inspects the steel tracks for internal defects not usually found by visual examination. This is a critical role in keeping our infrastructure safe by reducing the number of derailments caused by track defects.

How will you make a difference?

As a Rail Flaw Detection Group member, you will be responsible for the safe operation and care of Rail Inspection vehicles, both on and off track. You will assist the Chief Operator in providing a quality test by adjusting track inspection speeds, active communication about upcoming track features, and flagging the defects as required by the host railroad. You will be the primary operator to repair the ultrasonic testing carriage and components. You will ensure the truck is ready for the next day of testing with light cleaning, refilling of water tanks, and ensuring the test components are in working order.

What do we want to know about you?

  • Minimum high school diploma or GED.
  • One or more years of professional driver experience is preferred.
  • Good driving habits and experience with larger trucks.
  • Some mechanical ability/knowledge of basic hand tools.
  • General computer skills, Knowledge of Office 365 and Microsoft Windows.
  • Willing to be away from home for an extended period. This role requires frequent and extended travel (estimated ~60% travel)
  • Previous railroad experience is a plus.
  • Must be a team player and willing to do what it takes to make the customer happy in a safe and ethical manner.

What will your typical day look like?

  • Extensive travel within the continental United States. This "Road Warrior" position requires extensive travel (up to several months on the road at a time).
  • Conduct DOT Vehicle Inspection Checks before and after each trip.
  • Drive Rail Inspection Vehicles on the road and on the rail in support of rail flaw detection activities.
  • Maintains and submits accurate electronic driver logs, fuel reports, and any other required documentation.
  • Assists the Chief Operator during testing activities.
  • Maintain the Rail Inspection Vehicle's test carriage.
  • Marks defective rails with permanent marking pens, spray paint, and flagging tape.
  • Light housekeeping duties to keep a clean work environment.
  • Partners with the Chief Operator to maintain 5S
  • Grease, lube, and tighten bolts, and repair or have repaired defective parts on the ultrasonic testing carriage as necessary - any adjustments or repairs would be under the supervision of the Chief Operator.
  • Maintains accurate business expense records.
  • Maintains the vehicle's inventory by submitting monthly inventory and maintenance reports following specified guidelines.

What about the physical demands of the job?

  • Work is primarily light duty and in an enclosed, climate-controlled vehicle, but requires the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds regularly.
  • This position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk unassisted.
  • Requires the use of hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
  • The employee is required to talk and hear.
  • Normal, correctable vision is required.
  • When operating the Rail Inspection Vehicle, you must be willing to work in all weather conditions and can travel with very little notice.
  • You must be willing and able to perform mechanical/technical work on fleet vehicles.
  • You must be able to lift more than 50 lbs. and stand for long periods.
  • This position requires using PPE to include, but not limited to, Safety Glasses, Hard Hats, Safety Vests, Leather Gloves, and Safety Toe Boots (made of leather, 6" + ankle, lace up, with a defined heel).
  • You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
  • Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

Our Commitment to Embrace Diversity

  • Wabtec is a global company that invests not just in our products, but also our people by embracing diversity and inclusion.
  • We care about our relationships with our employees and take pride in celebrating the variety of experiences, expertise, and backgrounds that bring us together.
  • At Wabtec, we aspire to create a place where we all belong and where diversity is welcomed and appreciated.

To fulfill that commitment, we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to employ the world's brightest minds to help us create a limitless source of ideas and opportunities. We have created a space where everyone is given the opportunity to contribute based on their individual experiences and perspectives and recognize that these differences and diverse perspectives make us better.

We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and styles… People like you! If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Pay and benefits

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $0-0 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity.

Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed with better.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We're building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we've got you.

Read the original posting

From Wabtec's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 6, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

How Rolev.ai helps with this application

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Common questions

Where is the Assistant Operator job at Wabtec located?

This Assistant Operator position at Wabtec is located in Columbus, OH. Always check Wabtec's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

How do I apply for the Assistant Operator position at Wabtec?

This listing links directly to Wabtec's SmartRecruiters application page. You can apply directly on Wabtec's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the SmartRecruiters application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.