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Freight Train Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Brown & Root

Railroad Switchman 2

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

Communicate with engineers, conductors, and other railroad personnel to ensure that instructions ... Ensure that all paperwork related to freight, train composition, and yard operations is complete ...

Brown and Root

Railroad Switchman 2

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

Communicate with engineers, conductors, and other railroad personnel to ensure that instructions ... Ensure that all paperwork related to freight, train composition, and yard operations is complete ...

Brown & Root

Railroad Switchman 2

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

Communicate with engineers, conductors, and other railroad personnel to ensure that instructions ... Ensure that all paperwork related to freight, train composition, and yard operations is complete ...

Boise Cascade

Freight Specialist

Dallas, TX

$20 - $30/hr

May train driving associates. Demonstrate strong commitment to safety, quality, environmental ... plywood and engineered wood products in North America. Because our business is built on ...

New

Boise Cascade

Freight Specialist

Dallas, TX · On-site

May train driving associates. Demonstrate strong commitment to safety, quality, environmental ... plywood and engineered wood products in North America. Because our business is built on ...

New

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

Panhandle, TX

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars ...

OmniTRAX

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

Borger, TX · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars ...

OmniTRAX, Inc.

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

Borger, TX · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Panhandle Northern Railroad, LLC, 100 E Grand St, Borger, Texas, United States of America POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

Panhandle, TX · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars ...

Worky

Senior Software Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Our products support rail customer operations for dispatch systems, positive train control, SCADA ... Passenger and freight rail domain experience * Understanding of rail domain protocols such as IETMS ...

HDR

Senior Transportation Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight ... advise, and train junior engineers and technical staff, write reports and technical memos ...

HDR

Senior Transportation Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight ... advise, and train junior engineers and technical staff, write reports and technical memos ...

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Freight Train Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$33.1K

$89.5K

$156.5K

How much do freight train engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight train engineer in Texas is $89,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $100,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freight train engineer?

A Freight Train Engineer operates and controls freight trains, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods. They monitor train speed, track signals, and mechanical systems while following safety regulations and schedules. Engineers communicate with dispatchers and rail yard personnel to coordinate movements and handle emergencies. This role requires extensive training, certification, and knowledge of rail systems, mechanical functions, and safety protocols.

What are some typical challenges faced by freight train engineers on the job?

Freight Train Engineers often face challenges such as operating trains in various weather conditions, adhering to strict timetables, and responding quickly to equipment or track issues that arise en route. They must remain vigilant for unexpected obstacles or signals and comply with complex safety regulations at all times. Additionally, engineers frequently work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can affect work-life balance. Despite these challenges, the role offers an engaging environment with strong teamwork and opportunities for advancement into supervisory or training positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freight train engineer, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Freight Train Engineer, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by a federally mandated locomotive engineer certification. Familiarity with train control systems, safety protocols, and electronic logging devices is essential for operating and navigating freight locomotives safely. Excellent situational awareness, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe train operation, adherence to schedules, and effective responses to unexpected challenges on the rail.

How do you become a freight train engineer?

To become a freight train engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program provided by a railroad company. They must obtain a locomotive engineer license or certification, which involves passing written and practical exams, and often requires a clean driving record and good communication skills. Experience operating trains and knowledge of safety protocols are also essential.

What does a freight train engineer do on a freight train?

A freight train engineer operates and controls the locomotive to move freight cars along rail lines, ensuring safe and efficient transportation. They monitor gauges, manage speed, communicate with dispatchers, and perform safety checks throughout their shift, which often involves long hours and adherence to strict regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Freight Train Engineer jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Freight Train Engineer jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Freight Train Engineer jobs in Texas?

For Freight Train Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freight Train Engineer jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Freight Train Engineer jobs in Texas are:

Freight Train Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Train Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,539 per year, or $43 per hour.

Railroad Switchman 2

Brown & Root

Mont Belvieu, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Brown & Root rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

372nd of 452 rated engineering

Job description

The Railroad Yardmaster is responsible for directing and managing all rail yard activities, including the movement of trains, coordination of railcar switching, and communication with train crews. The Yardmaster ensures that all rail operations within the yard are conducted safely, on time, and in accordance with federal and company regulations. This role is essential to ensuring that freight and passenger trains depart and arrive on schedule and that cargo is properly sorted for delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Rail Yard Operations:
    • Direct and coordinate the movement of trains and railcars within the yard, including the assembly, disassembly, and switching of train cars.
    • Assign and direct train crews to ensure safe and efficient movement of railcars according to schedules.
    • Monitor and inspect yard infrastructure, such as tracks, switches, and signaling systems, to ensure safe operations.
    • Plan and organize rail yard activities to optimize the flow of rail traffic and prevent congestion.
  • Safety & Compliance:
    • Ensure compliance with all safety standards and regulations, including those set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and company policies.
    • Conduct regular safety briefings and ensure that crews are aware of and following all safety protocols.
    • Investigate and report safety incidents, accidents, or equipment malfunctions, ensuring proper corrective actions are taken.
  • Train Scheduling & Communication:
    • Work closely with dispatchers and train controllers to manage train schedules and maintain timely departures and arrivals.
    • Communicate with engineers, conductors, and other railroad personnel to ensure that instructions and movements are clear and understood.
    • Monitor weather conditions and other factors that may affect rail operations, adjusting schedules or procedures as necessary.
  • Personnel Management:
    • Supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of yard employees, including switch operators, brakemen, and conductors.
    • Schedule work shifts for rail yard employees to ensure adequate coverage and efficiency.
    • Provide guidance and support to train crews, ensuring proper execution of yard assignments.
  • Documentation & Reporting:
    • Maintain accurate records of railcar movements, train schedules, and yard operations.
    • Prepare reports on yard activities, incidents, and overall performance for management.
    • Ensure that all paperwork related to freight, train composition, and yard operations is complete and compliant with regulatory requirements.
  • Equipment & Maintenance:
    • Monitor the condition of yard equipment, including locomotives, switches, and track systems.
    • Coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure timely repairs and prevent operational delays.
    • Report any equipment issues to the appropriate department for corrective action.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (an associate's or bachelor's degree in logistics, transportation, or a related field is a plus).
  • 3-5 years of experience working in railroad operations or a related field, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory role.
  • In-depth knowledge of railroad operations, including rail yard procedures, safety regulations, and train movement protocols.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and handle fast-paced environments with competing priorities.
  • Proficiency in relevant software and systems for train scheduling and yard management.
  • Flexibility to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as rail yard operations run 24/7.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work in outdoor environments, in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and climb for extended periods.
  • Must be able to lift or move objects up to 50 lbs.
  • Willingness to work in a loud, industrial environment.

Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

BENEFITS

Brown and Root offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development

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About Brown & Root

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Brown & Root is a prominent player in the industrial service industry, with their headquarters nestled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US. With a substantial history dating back to 1919, the company has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive solutions to their customers, primarily in engineering, construction, maintenance, operations, and other related industrial services. Brown & Root’s core mission is echoed in their commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, integrity, and delivering high-quality services. They also take pride in their culture of continuous improvement which has yielded significant achievements such as earning a spot in the Engineering News-Record's top 400 contractors list.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1919

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