How to hire a train inspector

How to hire a train inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step train inspector hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a train inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new train inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a train inspector, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A train inspector's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, train inspectors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents train inspector salaries for various positions.

   Type of Train Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Train Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$12-26
   Test Operator	The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement... Show more	$12-23
   Quality Control Inspector	Quality control associate scientist roles require good observation, critical thinking, and communication skills, in addition to knowledge of procedures and chemistry. They assist in laboratory experiments and research, while working in a team or independently... Show more	$12-22

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Technical Manuals
   • R
   • Quality Standards
   • NDT
   • ISO
   • Training Sessions
   • Customer Specifications
   • Training Programs
   • FDA
   • Inspection Results
   • PT
   • CPR
   • New Inspectors
   • Troubleshoot

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop training content for eLearning and instructor lead classrooms by evaluating Predix user experiences.
   • Conduct dimensional and visual inspections procedures on CMM machines to ensure geometrical characteristics of the product are in specification.
   • Inspect, monitor and GPS recording of all water installations to ensure compliance with requirements and specifications.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your train inspector job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A train inspector salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, train inspectors' average salary in tennessee is 51% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level train inspectors earn 52% less than senior-level train inspectors.
   • Certifications. A train inspector with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a train inspector's salary.

   Average train inspector salary

   $39,421yearly

   $18.95 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level train inspector salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a train inspector job description

   A train inspector job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a train inspector job description:

   Train inspector job description example

   A challenging and exciting career is waiting for you!
   
   General Dynamics Electric Boat has a proud history dating back to its incorporation on February 7, 1899, and the delivery of the first practical submarine to the U.S. Navy the following year. During the ensuing century, Electric Boat has been at the forefront of every innovation in submarine technology. Today, we are the nation's premier designer and builder of nuclear submarines.
   
   We deliver the advantage that protects our sailors, our families and our freedom!
   
   Benefits
   
   * Medical, Dental, Vision
   * Prescription Coverage
   * Health and Wellness Programs
   * 401K
   * Commuter/Van Services
   * Paid Vacation and holidays
   * Paid training
   * Advancement Opportunities
   
   Learn more at gdeb.com/careers
   
   Successful candidates will perform inspection duties throughout the facility, which will include verifying attributes for welds, structures, and components. Candidates will be trained in Quality Control systems, Electric Boat procedures applicable to the work they are performing, and Quality Department Instructions. Candidates must work in a collaborative environment to meet all company and organizational goals.
   
   All successful candidates will be required to maintain a Magnetic Particle certification. Further opportunity for inspection disciplines such as Liquid Penetrant, Pre-Test, Electrical, Mechanical, etc. may be made available once proficiency has been achieved and maintained in Magnetic Particle.
   
   Above all, successful candidates must embody the Electric Boats Core Values, work safely; be responsible for themselves, their peers, the ship, and crew who will operate our vessel. This position will need inspectors who perform with integrity and purpose. Our sailors and their families deserve excellence in our workmanship and first time quality. We are the last line of defense for the integrity of our product.
   
   This position is located at the Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, RI.
   
   Qualifications
   
   Required:
   
   * High school diploma/GED
   * Minimum 4 years' Non-Destructive Testing experience
   * Must be able to obtain an MT, PT, or ET certification
   * Must be able to attain a key department qualification/certification within the first six months after starting as a Quality Inspector
   * Ability to interpret technical manuals, shipyard procedures, test documents, blueprints, and diagrams
   * Basic mathematical skills
   * The successful candidate must be able to work all shifts, extended week days and weekends as required
   * Ability to work at heights, tightly confined spaces and in extreme weather conditions
   * Accurate documentation, record keeping, and archiving along with verifying previous status of work for completion is a critical job function
   * Possess your own basic hand tools
   * Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance through the department of defense
   
   Preferred:
   
   * Inspection/quality assurance experience
   * Mechanical and Electrical experience
   * Pipe hanger installation experience
   * Structural experience
   * NACE Certified
   * Knowledge of shipboard assemblies, installations, components, and structures
   * Metal fabrication experience
   * Military shipbuilding experience
   * Vocational, Technical and Community Colleges or Apprentice programs
   * Related military/Navy experience
   
   Skills
   
   * Basic note taking
   * Adaptability to switch from one job to another as business needs dictate
   * Ability to communicate effectively with their management team and peers
   * Must maintain a positive attitude and proactively attend to issues and concerns
   * Attention to detail must be held at an extremely high level
   
   Physical Qualifications
   
   Climbing, Color Vision, Crawling, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
   
   Environmental Attributes
   
   Acids or Alkalis, Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find train inspectors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any train inspectors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level train inspectors with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your train inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit train inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit train inspectors, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new train inspector

   Once you've found the train inspector candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new train inspector. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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