Locomotive Electrician- Elkhart, IN 2026

About the Role

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in locomotive electrical maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and install electrical systems and components on diesel-electric locomotives to ensure safe and efficient operations across our network.

• This is a seniority-based union position.
• You must be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Extensive travel for training may be required.
• Union membership is required within 60 days of establishing seniority.

Training

Training includes both classroom and field instruction:

• Classroom Training: Mechanical Safety Orientation and craft-specific training in locomotive electrical systems.
• Field Training: Hands-on experience in locomotive shops and yards.
• Duration: Approximately 7 weeks (1 week safety orientation + 6 weeks craft training).

Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules, safety regulations, and federal standards.
• Wire, maintain, repair, rebuild, inspect, and install electrical equipment such as rheostats, control systems, transformers, motors, generators, welding machines, lighting fixtures, battery charging systems, magnet coils, switchboards, meters, compensators, and rotors.
• Measure, cut, thread, bend, and assemble connections to control panels and junction boxes.
• Read electrical prints, test circuits, and connections using multimeters, amp clamps, and other diagnostic tools.
• Diagnose and repair electrical malfunctions including charging issues, transition problems, wheel slip, sander circuits, and high/low voltage grounds.
• Perform work activities utilizing voltages up to 1200 and amperages up to 2400.
• Examine parts for wear and defects such as brushes, contact tips, slip rings, armatures, diodes, bearings, and fuses.
• Interpret test instrument indicators and computer-generated data.
• Interpret information from computer monitors or printouts.
• Perform miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear required protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, and safety-toe boots.
• Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.
• May operate and move locomotives within shop limits (some movements may fall under Hours-of-Service Act).

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
• Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Two years of electrician experience.
• Completion of an electrical vocational or trade school program.
• Journeyman Electrician certification.
• One year experience reading blueprints or electrical schematics.
• Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 65F, 88S, 1345, AMT, AE, 3E0X1).

Skills and Abilities

• Verbal comprehension and communication skills.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• Basic math and ability to multitask.
• Memory skills for tracking locomotive placement and components.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Must maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy, moving equipment.
• Ability to meet FRA medical requirements:
  • Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
  • Hearing—no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).

Work Conditions

• Shop and outdoor environments.
• Shift work across all three shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Union membership required.
• This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.

Pay

Pay Progression:

• First 40 working days: $21.31/hr. (50% of full rate)
• Next 204 working days: $31.96/hr. (75%)
• Next 244 working days: $34.09/hr. (80%)
• After 2 years/488 working days: $42.62/hr. (100% Journeyman rate)

Benefits

• Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire.
• Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one.
• Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.