Locomotive Engineers

What Does a Locomotive Engineers Do?

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.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
• 2Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
• 3Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
• 4Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
• 5Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
• 6Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
• 7Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
• 8Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.

Required Skills

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Electronic train management systems ETMS
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Route mapping software
• Time tracking software

Locomotive Engineers Salary