Rolling stock assembler
Also known as: railcar assembler, railcar assembly worker, multiple unit assembler, railway vehicle assembler, rolling stock builder, railcar builder
About this occupation
Rolling stock assemblers use hand tools, power tools and other equipment such as lifting equipment or robots to construct, fit and install prefabricated parts to manufacture rolling stock subassemblies and body structures. They read and interpret blueprints. They operate control systems to determine functional performance of the assemblies and adjust accordingly.
Essential skills and knowledge
- quality standards
- align components
- mechanics
- inspect quality of products
- read engineering drawings
- electromechanics
- mechanics of trains
- use technical documentation
- read standard blueprints
- ensure equipment availability
- control compliance of railway vehicles regulations
- apply health and safety standards
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Engine and Other Machine Assemblers (O*NET 51-2031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
- Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
- Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
- Set and verify parts clearances.
- Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$53,710 a year (2025), 34,000 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.9)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Rail Car Repairers
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
- Millwrights
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.