Boilermaker Welder - Chicago
Company
Amtrak
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
6 days ago
Via
via Lensa
Job Description
Your success is a train ride away!
As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.
Are you ready to join our team?
Our values of 'Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First' are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, 'Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security' are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.
Job Summary
Responsible for metal fabrication and welding of rolling stock equipment and components in accordance with AWS D15.1, FRA and Amtrak standards and guidelines.
Essential Functions
• Conducts shielded metal arc or gas metal arc welding processes with low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
• Performs maintenance in accordance with AWS and 49CFR regulations and Amtrak standards.
• Fabricates fitting of weldments or pieces to be welded with metal machinery such as shear, brake, roll, ironworker, drill press, radiac saw, band saw, used for cutting, bending, drilling, shaping, rolling and punching
• Performs various welding operations and thermal cutting to include: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, oxy/acetylene cutting, plasma arc cutting and carbon arc gouging
• Welds with 4' X 8' plate ranging from one-eighth to unlimited thickness
• Welds with stock to include I-beam, channel, square tubing, angle iron, flat bar, round stock of various sizes. Uses electric and pneumatic grinders, drills, and small tools
• Performs truck and bolster repair, side frames, gear pans, cut levers, coupler repair, draft gear wear plates
• Uses overhead cranes for lifting of metal plates and structural steel
• Reads blueprints and drawings and works from design and layout of templates and fixtures
• Maintains proper care and use of materials, test equipment, machines and hand tools normally associated with assigned job
Minimum Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience in heavy welding and metal fabrication Must successfully complete training and attain/retain certification applicable to assigned job
• Knowledge of crane operations, power tool usage, machine operations ( shear brake, ironworker and radial saws), hydraulic equipment operation, and electric, air and battery operated drills
• Knowledge and skill in the use of electrical tools, equipment and the measurements necessary to meet established standards
• Skill in thermal cutting - oxy/acetylene, plasma, carbon arc, tig, stick, mig welding, chain & sling - rigging equipment
• Experience in metal identification, test equipment operation, blue print analysis and equipment assembly
• Ability to read, write and communicate proficiently
• Some computer skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Completion of technical school or apprenticeship program
• Experience in the maintenance of railroad equipment
Communications and Interpersonal Skills
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills
The hourly range is $35.87 - $37.87 (with opportunity for increases, as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, after beginning employment).
Health and WellbeingFinancial and RetirementWork and Family Life SupportHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K Rail Pass PrivilegesWellness ProgramsRailroad Retirement BenefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramMedical Plan Opt-out CreditLife InsuranceCommuter and Flexible Spending AccountsNo-cost Personal Health AdvocateNo-cost Financial Advisor SessionFertility and Family Building Benefits
Some benefits are subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.
Requisition ID:166506
Posting Location(s):Illinois
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
You power our progress through your performance.
We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.
Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.
Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.
In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.
In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.
Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.
As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.
Are you ready to join our team?
Our values of 'Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First' are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, 'Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security' are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.
Job Summary
Responsible for metal fabrication and welding of rolling stock equipment and components in accordance with AWS D15.1, FRA and Amtrak standards and guidelines.
Essential Functions
• Conducts shielded metal arc or gas metal arc welding processes with low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
• Performs maintenance in accordance with AWS and 49CFR regulations and Amtrak standards.
• Fabricates fitting of weldments or pieces to be welded with metal machinery such as shear, brake, roll, ironworker, drill press, radiac saw, band saw, used for cutting, bending, drilling, shaping, rolling and punching
• Performs various welding operations and thermal cutting to include: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, oxy/acetylene cutting, plasma arc cutting and carbon arc gouging
• Welds with 4' X 8' plate ranging from one-eighth to unlimited thickness
• Welds with stock to include I-beam, channel, square tubing, angle iron, flat bar, round stock of various sizes. Uses electric and pneumatic grinders, drills, and small tools
• Performs truck and bolster repair, side frames, gear pans, cut levers, coupler repair, draft gear wear plates
• Uses overhead cranes for lifting of metal plates and structural steel
• Reads blueprints and drawings and works from design and layout of templates and fixtures
• Maintains proper care and use of materials, test equipment, machines and hand tools normally associated with assigned job
Minimum Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience in heavy welding and metal fabrication Must successfully complete training and attain/retain certification applicable to assigned job
• Knowledge of crane operations, power tool usage, machine operations ( shear brake, ironworker and radial saws), hydraulic equipment operation, and electric, air and battery operated drills
• Knowledge and skill in the use of electrical tools, equipment and the measurements necessary to meet established standards
• Skill in thermal cutting - oxy/acetylene, plasma, carbon arc, tig, stick, mig welding, chain & sling - rigging equipment
• Experience in metal identification, test equipment operation, blue print analysis and equipment assembly
• Ability to read, write and communicate proficiently
• Some computer skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Completion of technical school or apprenticeship program
• Experience in the maintenance of railroad equipment
Communications and Interpersonal Skills
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills
The hourly range is $35.87 - $37.87 (with opportunity for increases, as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, after beginning employment).
Health and WellbeingFinancial and RetirementWork and Family Life SupportHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K Rail Pass PrivilegesWellness ProgramsRailroad Retirement BenefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramMedical Plan Opt-out CreditLife InsuranceCommuter and Flexible Spending AccountsNo-cost Personal Health AdvocateNo-cost Financial Advisor SessionFertility and Family Building Benefits
Some benefits are subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.
Requisition ID:166506
Posting Location(s):Illinois
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
You power our progress through your performance.
We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.
Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.
Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.
In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.
In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.
Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $25.22 as of May 2026 data. Welders in manufacturing earn $26.15 per hour on average while those in construction receive $24.80 per hour. Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate applies after 40 hours per week under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
What certifications and experience are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, welders must complete a high school diploma or equivalent plus a postsecondary welding program lasting 6 to 18 months. AWS Certified Welder credential and 2,000 hours of documented experience are required for most positions in structural welding. Employers in shipbuilding and aerospace require additional ASME Section IX qualifications.
What are the standard working hours and paid leave entitlements for welders in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, full-time welders work 40 hours per week with overtime required after 40 hours. Workers receive at least 10 paid holidays and accrue 10 days of paid sick leave annually under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act extensions. Union contracts in construction add 15 days of paid vacation after one year.
How are federal income taxes calculated on welder wages in the United States for 2026?
As per the Internal Revenue Service, welders earning $52,500 annually in 2026 pay 12% federal income tax on income between $11,601 and $47,150 plus 22% on the amount above $47,150. Social Security tax is withheld at 6.2% up to the $168,600 wage base. Employers must issue Form W-2 by January 31 each year.
