Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Rail Yard Engineer
What rail yard engineers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a rail yard engineer?
Job briefing. From there, the day usually includes operate switch engines, follow radio signals, and move cars. Shifts include nights, weekends and holidays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a rail yard engineer working full time.
- Job briefing.
- Inspect the locomotive.
- Switch cars for outbound trains.
- Shove cars into a track.
- Move an engine to the shop.
- Build a train.
- Tie up.
Where rail yard engineers work
Engineers work in rail yards and industrial plants.
Hours and schedule
Shifts include nights, weekends and holidays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Operate switch engines
- Follow radio signals
- Move cars
- Build trains
- Move locomotives to service
- Inspect locomotives
- Follow yard rules
Tools you’ll use every day
- Switch locomotives
- Radios
- Remote control packs
- Brake valves
- Inspection tools
- Rulebooks
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Union pay
- No degree needed
- Run locomotives
- Steady freight demand
What’s hard
- Shift work
- Weather
- Yard hazards
- Seniority system
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like trains
- I stay focused
- I follow rules
- I can work shifts
- I don’t mind weather
- I want union pay
Not sure? Take the free Rail Yard Engineer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use three-step protection
- Keep radio contact
- Follow speed limits in yards
- Wear PPE