Locomotive Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Primary Responsibilities

1. Safe Locomotive Operation

• Safely operate locomotives during switching, spotting, pulling, pushing, and yard movements.
• Maintain full control of train speed, braking, and positioning to protect personnel, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Obey all instructions from designated ground personnel related to safe locomotive operation.
• Immediately stop operations if unsafe conditions are observed or communicated.
• Exercise sound judgment when handling long consists, grades, curves, and yard congestion.

2. Regulatory Compliance (FRA)

• Maintain current qualification and certification under FRA CFR Part 240 (Locomotive Engineers) .
• Comply with Hours of Service (CFR Part 228) , Drug & Alcohol Testing (CFR Part 219) , and all applicable FRA regulations.
• Participate in required efficiency testing, operational monitoring, recertification, and remedial training as assigned.
• Maintain working knowledge of railroad operating rules, special instructions, and terminal timetables.

3. Communication & Coordination

• Maintain constant, clear radio communication with ground crews, lead operators, and supervisors.
• Properly acknowledge and repeat critical instructions, including:
  • Movement authority
  • Track designation
  • Red Zone establishment and release
• Communicate known restrictions, special handling requirements, or equipment concerns before movement begins.
• Coordinate closely with operations to ensure safe and efficient railcar placement.

4. Red Zone & Personnel Protection

• Immediately place the locomotive in full brakes and neutral when a Red Zone is established.
• Verbally confirm “Set and Centered” prior to personnel accessing railcars or track areas.
• Do not move equipment until the Red Zone has been officially released by the lead operator.
• Treat any Red Zone violation as a serious safety matter subject to corrective action.

5. Equipment Inspection & Care

• Perform required locomotive inspections prior to use and document findings as required.
• Report mechanical defects, damage, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Operate locomotives in a manner that minimizes wear, damage, and unplanned downtime.
• Do not operate equipment known to be unsafe or out of compliance.

6. Operational Efficiency & Yard Performance

• Support efficient switching, blocking, and spotting of railcars to meet terminal throughput and production goals.
• Minimize delays, re‑handles, and unnecessary movements through effective train handling.
• Maintain awareness of yard layout, track capacity, active work zones, and adjacent operations.

7. Train Handling in High‑Traffic Environments

• Must be comfortable and competent handling long consists , including pulling, pushing, and controlling trains of up to approximately 150 railcars .
• Demonstrate the ability to block, sort, and spot railcars accurately to support terminal operations, unloading sequences, and yard organization.
• Safely perform switching and blocking movements in a busy, active rail yard with multiple simultaneous operations, personnel on the ground, and heavy equipment operating nearby.
• Maintain situational awareness of track occupancy, clearances, radio communications, and hand signals while managing long‑train dynamics.
• Apply proper slack control, braking techniques, and speed management to prevent derailments, run‑ins/run‑outs, product damage, or personnel exposure.
• Coordinate closely with ground crews and supervisors to ensure efficient car placement while maintaining strict compliance with all safety rules.

Training & Qualification Requirements

• Valid FRA Locomotive Engineer certification (CFR Part 240).
• Completion of company locomotive engineer training program.
• Participation in:
  • Annual operational monitoring and efficiency testing
  • Rules classes and safety training
  • Recertification every 36 months or as required
• Successful completion of required hearing, vision, and drug/alcohol compliance programs.

Behavioral & Professional Expectations

Safety Leadership

• Demonstrate a safety‑first mindset at all times.
• Exercise Stop Work Authority when conditions are unsafe.
• Promptly report near misses, incidents, or unsafe acts.

Professional Conduct

• Treat coworkers, contractors, and supervisors with respect.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, especially during high‑risk movements.
• Accept coaching, feedback, and corrective action constructively.

Accountability

• Take ownership of locomotive operation decisions and outcomes.
• Follow all rules and procedures whether supervised or unsupervised.
• Understand that violations of FRA rules or company policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Work Environment & Schedule Expectations

• Work in outdoor, industrial environments under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call‑outs.
• Perform duties around moving trains, railcars, heavy equipment, and industrial operations.

Performance Expectations

• Zero preventable incidents or rule violations.
• Consistent compliance with FRA and company standards.
• Reliable communication, teamwork, and situational awareness.
• Support terminal objectives for safe, efficient, and reliable rail operations.

Acknowledgement

This position operates in a non‑union environment . This RRE does not limit management’s right to assign additional duties consistent with business needs, operational requirements, and regulatory obligations.