Locomotive Engineers :: Job Description

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Locomotive Engineers

Careers / Locomotive Engineers

Summary Description


	Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Conductor

2.	Conductor/Engineer

3.	Diesel Engine Operator

4.	Diesel Engineer

5.	Diesel Locomotive Engineer

6.	Engine Pilot

7.	Engineer/Conductor

8.	Engineman

9.	Freight Engineer

10.	Fuel Pilot Engineer

11.	Locomotive Engineer

12.	Locomotive Operator

13.	Lokie Driver

14.	Lokie Engineer

15.	Motor Driver

16.	Motor Operator

17.	Motor Runner

18.	Motorman

19.	Narrow Gauge Engineer

20.	Narrow Gauge Operator

21.	Operator

22.	Operator Engineer

23.	Passenger Locomotive Engineer

24.	Pilot Fuel Engineer

25.	Rail Car Operator

26.	Rail Detector Car Operator

27.	Railroad Engineer

28.	Railroad Operating Engineer

29.	Railway Engineer

30.	Relay Motorman

31.	Systems Engineer

32.	Through Freight Engineer

33.	Train Engineer

34.	Train Operator

35.	Trainman

36.	Trainmaster

37.	Transportation Specialist

38.	Trip Motor Operator

Job Tasks

	Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives. Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

	Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles. Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

	Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brakelines or in main reservoirs. Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.

	Observe tracks to detect obstructions. Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.

	Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings. Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.

	Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules. Respond to transportation emergencies.

	Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems. Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.

	Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

	Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays. Prepare accident or incident reports.

	Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use. Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.

	Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage. Monitor loading processes to ensure they are performed properly.

	Drive diesel-electric rail-detector cars to transport rail-flaw-detecting machines over tracks. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Workers in railroad occupations ensure that passenger and freight trains run on time and travel safely. Some workers drive trains, some coordinate the activities of the trains, and others operate signals and switches in the rail yard.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Nearly all locomotive engineers; conductors and yardmasters; and brake, signal, and switch operators work in the rail transportation industry. Rail yard engineers work in rail transportation and also support activities for rail.

	Read More >>

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