Locomotive Engineer

Position Overview

The Locomotive Engineer is responsible for driving diesel‑electric locomotives to transport freight. They interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Confers with conductor or dispatcher by radio to give or receive information and to give instructions concerning stops, delays or oncoming trains.
• Notifies proper authorities and prepares reports to explain accidents, unscheduled stops or delays.
• Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of locomotives and cars.
• Monitors gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
• Receives train consist which provides the physical make‑up of the train and includes weights, lengths, locations of loads and empties, and cars requiring special handling.
• Applies knowledge of territory—including terrain, grades, curves, and grade crossings—to give prescribed warning signals and to operate the train safely.
• Observes track to detect obstructions and to anticipate operating concerns as required by federal or company rules.
• Ensures compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Inspects locomotive for operational readiness by making FRA and company‑required checks and tests.
• Diagnoses minor malfunctions and performs minor maintenance and servicing activities when maintenance personnel are unavailable.
• May be required to work periodically as Conductor, coupling and uncoupling cars, operating track switches, and performing other duties associated with train movements.
• Receives information and acts upon oral and written instructions from dispatcher, customer service, and others regarding switch activity, placement or delivery of railroad cars and/or trains.
• Safely conducts the movement of rail cars and trains.
• Climbs on and off equipment, sets or releases hand brakes, couples and uncouples air hoses between rail cars, replaces broken knuckles (80 lb railcar connector), rides moving cars by hanging on grab irons or ladders.
• Observes, interprets, and relays hand, lantern, and other signals affecting train movement, judges and controls the speed and clearance of cars, and distinguishes colors even at night.
• Reads and understands the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, and safety instructions.
• Prepares required daily reports; creates switch lists—manually or using a computer—and completes forms including train orders.
• Properly operates track switches and derails to change routing of engines or cars within yards or on the road.
• Makes decisions about switching, placement of cars, and building of trains.
• Monitors track conditions (e.g., broken rails, defective switches, weather‐related problems) and inspects cars in conformance with Federal Railroad Administration Regulations.
• Observes the condition of passing trains.
• Assists with other projects and performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Certified Conductor / Certified Engineer
• No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to read and comprehend written safety rules, procedures, manuals, government regulations, operating instructions, and work‑related communications.
  • Capability to work varying shift schedules, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
  • Must pass all required training and testing.
• Behavioral Expectations:
  • Complies with train orders, signals, radio communications, and railroad rules and regulations to operate the locomotive safely and efficiently.
  • Able to report to work safely with as little as two hours’ notice.
  • Adheres to company and federal safety rules, policies, and procedures—including the use of required safety equipment and prompt response to safety concerns.
  • Demonstrates the ability to solve problems quickly and react effectively to changing work conditions.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, climb, and work in confined areas.
  • Must meet all physical requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations, including auditory and visual standards.
  • Ability to handle medium to heavy work; must be able to lift a minimum of 50 to 80 pounds to waist height.
  • Capable of performing tasks that require holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
  • Must be able to work on uneven surfaces, frequently climb ladders, and work on top of locomotives and other equipment.
  • Able to work in environments with loud noise, fumes, and in proximity to heavy, moving machinery; may be required to bend, lift, walk, stand, and sit for extended periods.
  • Must be able to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
  • Must have strong vision and hearing, including the ability to read hand signals from various distances, distinguish colors, judge the speed and distance of moving objects, see at night, and detect changes in sounds.
• Work Environment:
  • Works in extreme all‑weather conditions and on uneven surfaces within a safety‑sensitive environment.
  • Must be able to complete strenuous outdoor work in conditions including hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet.
  • Expected to work in environments with loud noise and fumes.