Locomotive Engineer

About the Role

The Locomotive Engineer drives diesel-electric locomotives to transport freight, interprets train orders, electronic or manual signals, and adheres to railroad rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Confer with conductor or dispatcher by radio to exchange information, instructions, or updates regarding stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Notify authorities and prepare reports to explain accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.
• Operate locomotives and railcars safely and efficiently, ensuring compliance with all train orders, signals, and federal/company regulations.
• Monitor gauges or meters for speed, amperage, battery charge, and air pressure in brake lines or main reservoirs.
• Review train consist documents detailing weights, lengths, load locations, and cars requiring special handling.
• Apply knowledge of territory, including terrain, grades, and crossings, to operate trains safely and provide prescribed warning signals.
• Inspect locomotives for operational readiness, performing FRA and company-required checks and tests.
• Diagnose minor malfunctions and perform basic maintenance when maintenance personnel are unavailable.
• Perform duties as a Conductor when required, including coupling/uncoupling cars, operating track switches, and managing train movements.
• Safely conduct rail car and train movements, including climbing on/off equipment, setting/releasing hand brakes, and coupling/uncoupling air hoses.
• Handle and replace broken knuckles (80lb railcar connectors), ride moving cars using grab irons or ladders, and interpret hand/lantern signals.
• Observe, judge, and control the speed and clearance of cars, and distinguish colors or signals, including night vision.
• Read and understand rulebooks, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, and safety instructions.
• Prepare daily reports, switch lists, and forms, including train orders, manually or via computer.
• Operate track switches and derails to route engines or cars within yards or on the road.
• Monitor track conditions (e.g., broken rails, defective switches, weather-related issues) and inspect cars per FRA regulations.
• Observe the condition of passing trains and assist with other projects or duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Conductor or Certified Engineer.
• No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years.

Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend safety rules, procedures, manuals, government regulations, and work-related instructions.
• Ability to work varying shift schedules, 24/7, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Pass training and required testing.
• Comply with train orders, signals, radio communications, and railroad rules to operate locomotives safely and efficiently.
• Report to work safely with two-hour notice.
• Adhere to company and federal safety rules, including wearing required safety equipment and responding to safety concerns.
• Solve problems quickly and adapt to changing job conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and work in confined areas.
• Meet FRA physical requirements, including auditory and vision standards.
• Handle medium to heavy work; lift 50–80 pounds to waist height.
• Use hands for holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Work on uneven surfaces, climb ladders, and access equipment frequently.
• Work on top of locomotives and other equipment.
• Tolerate loud noise, fumes, and extended periods of bending, lifting, walking, standing, or sitting.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Strong vision and hearing, including:
  • Reading hand signals from near and far.
  • Distinguishing colors and judging speed/distance of moving objects.
  • Night vision and recognizing sound changes.

Work Environment

• Exposure to extreme all-weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, sleet).
• Work on uneven surfaces in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Operate in loud noise and fumes while working around heavy and moving machinery.