Union Machinist (Diesel Engine Mechanic) - Birmingham, AL 2026

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Perform daily and periodic inspections, servicing, and maintenance on diesel-electric locomotives.
• Fuel locomotives and check/change oil and fluid levels.
• Replace filters for engine air, air compressor, fuel, and lube oil.
• Replace and maintain engine components, traction motors, generators, air compressors, wheels, and truck components.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose diesel engine malfunctions and make required repairs.
• Perform disassembly, repair, replacement, rebuild, reassembly, installation, adjustment, alignment, and lubrication activities on mechanical equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad safety rules and regulations.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear required protective equipment such as hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and safety glasses.
• Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Complete required reports and maintain accurate records using computer systems.
• Must pass all required assessments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 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 screen.

Qualifications - Preferred

• 1+ year of mechanical experience.
• Two years of diesel mechanic experience.
• Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings or schematics.
• Completion of a mechanical vocational or trade school program.
• Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2T331, MR, MK, 2161, 91H, 44E).

Skills And Abilities

• Mechanical aptitude.
• Strong communication skills.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.

Physical And Mental Job Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Ability to meet FRA & Company 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).

Pay And Benefits

• Pay Progression: 1st 40 Working Days: $21.33 (50% of Full Rate) Next 204 Working Days: $31.95 (75% of Full Rate) Next 244 Working Days: $34.12 (80% of Full Rate) After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $42.66 (100% of Full Rate – Journeyman)
• Benefits Include 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.

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.