Locomotive Engineer Job Description Template

Job title

Locomotive Engineer

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable locomotive engineer to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will inspect locomotives and equipment before departure, perform and verify air brake tests and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

• Inspect locomotives and equipment before departure
• Perform and verify air brake tests
• Operate throttle, dynamic and air brakes
• Follow signals, speed limits and track authorities
• Communicate with dispatchers and the conductor
• Handle trains safely on grades and curves
• Report defects, delays and incidents
• Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current license or certification as required by [state]
• Working knowledge of train handling and air brake systems
• Concentration and responsibility
• [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

• FRA locomotive engineer certification
• Conductor certification
• Territory qualification
• Experience with locomotive controls

Skills

• Signal and rule knowledge
• Locomotive inspection
• Radio communication
• Territory qualification
• Calm decision making
• Teamwork with the conductor

Work environment and schedule

Engineers work in locomotive cabs in all weather, day and night. The job involves sitting for long periods, intense concentration and noise and vibration. Freight engineers are often on call 24/7 and may spend nights away at terminals. Passenger engineers usually have more regular schedules.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.