Locomotive Engineers drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to carry passengers or freight. They interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
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- Locomotive Engineers
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
What do they typically do
- Operate locomotives to move freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains in rail yards
- Talk with conductors or traffic control center personnel by radiophones to provide or receive information about stops, delays, or oncoming trains
- Inspect locomotives for adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run, and check them for mechanical problems
- Observe tracks to spot obstructions
- Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following safety procedures and rules
- Watch gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs
- Check to make sure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations
- Receive starting signals from conductors, and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive locomotives
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth -0.3%
Job Openings 4
Education & Training
- Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.Associated Programs or MajorsLicense
Private Training Programs
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