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Locomotive Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Locomotive Operator II

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$27 - $36/hr

... engineer duties including the operation of single and multiple unit locomotives, completing preshift equipment inspections, performing minor maintenance and operations support activities, and ...

... engineer duties including the operation of single and multiple unit locomotives, completing preshift equipment inspections, performing minor maintenance and operations support activities, and ...

... engineer duties including the operation of single and multiple unit locomotives, completing pre‑shift equipment inspections, performing minor maintenance and operations support activities, and ...

AZ

$89K/yr

... locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience investigating railroad accidents, collecting evidence at accident sites, and interviewing witnesses to determine probable cause.

AZ

$89K/yr

... locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience investigating railroad accidents, collecting evidence at accident sites, and interviewing witnesses to determine probable cause.

AZ

$89K/yr

... locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience investigating railroad accidents, collecting evidence at accident sites, and interviewing witnesses to determine probable cause.

AZ

$89K/yr

... locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience investigating railroad accidents, collecting evidence at accident sites, and interviewing witnesses to determine probable cause.

Switchman II

Williams, AZ · On-site

$20.25/hr

Why the Train Engineer Department? We're a dynamic team of passionate go-getters who live and ... locomotives. Perform mechanical inspections, air brake tests, maintenance, repairs, and servicing.

Switchman II

Williams, AZ · On-site

$20.25/hr

Why the Train Engineer Department? We're a dynamic team of passionate go-getters who live and ... locomotives. Perform mechanical inspections, air brake tests, maintenance, repairs, and servicing.

Locomotive Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$15

$24

$38

How much do locomotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive engineer in Arizona is $24.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a locomotive engineer?

Locomotive engineers are skilled professionals responsible for operating trains that transport passengers or freight. They control the speed, handling, and braking of locomotives, ensuring safe and timely travel along rail routes. Locomotive engineers must be attentive to signals, track conditions, and communication from dispatchers to prevent accidents. They also inspect their trains before departures and keep detailed records of their journeys. This role requires specialized training and certification to ensure both safety and efficiency.

What does a locomotive engineer do?

Locomotive engineers, also known as train conductors, operate trains on railroads. In this role, you oversee operations for trains that transport freight or passengers. Some locomotive engineers work in a station or rail yard where they supervise the coupling of train cars. Before each trip, a train conductor inspects the train and plans the timing of their journey. Your responsibilities include communicating with control centers along the route to ensure the safety of the train and to monitor updates about track conditions. Locomotive engineers also document any problems that arise concerning the state of the train or tracks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a locomotive engineer?

To thrive as a Locomotive Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of train operations, mechanical systems, and safety regulations, typically requiring a high school diploma and completion of a railroad training program with federal certification. Familiarity with locomotive control systems, diagnostic tools, and railroad signaling technology is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient train movement and help prevent accidents or operational delays.

What are some typical challenges faced by locomotive engineers during their shifts?

Locomotive Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying weather conditions, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and managing unexpected delays or mechanical issues. They must remain highly alert during long shifts, especially when operating at night or through complex track systems. Effective communication with conductors, dispatchers, and maintenance crews is essential to ensure smooth and safe train operations.

What is the difference between Locomotive Engineer vs Train Conductor?

AspectLocomotive EngineerTrain Conductor
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, technical training, certificationsCustomer service skills, safety training, certifications
Work EnvironmentOperate and control trains, focus on machineryCoordinate passenger or freight services, oversee safety
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight and passenger servicesRailroads, passenger transit companies

Locomotive Engineers primarily operate trains and focus on controlling the locomotive, requiring technical training and certifications. Train Conductors oversee train operations, passenger safety, and customer service. Both roles are essential in rail transportation but differ in responsibilities and daily tasks.

Are locomotive engineers in demand?

Locomotive engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for freight and passenger transportation. Employment opportunities depend on the transportation industry’s growth, infrastructure investments, and the requirement for certifications and safety training. Job prospects are generally stable, especially in regions with active rail networks.

Do locomotive engineers make good money?

Locomotive engineers typically earn a competitive salary, with median wages around $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work irregular hours and require certification and safety training, which can influence earning potential.

How do you get to be a locomotive engineer?

To become a locomotive engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a training program provided by a railroad company or a technical school. They must pass written and skills tests, obtain certification from the Federal Railroad Administration, and often gain experience through on-the-job training or apprenticeships.

What are the most commonly searched types of Locomotive Engineer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Locomotive Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Locomotive Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Locomotive Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Locomotive Engineer jobs in AZ?

For Locomotive Engineer jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Locomotive Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,628 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Locomotive Operator II

Freeport McMoRan

Claypool, AZ • On-site

$27 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 41 rated mining


Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you'll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today! 

Where You Will Work 

Our Miami smelter and rod plant is nestled just 90 miles east of Phoenix. The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona's Globe-Miamihistoric mining district offers natural beauty and a rich mining heritage. The Tri-Town of Globe, Claypool and Miami offers convenient shopping locales, including Walmart, Safeway, Fry's and other local stores. Here, our employees and their families can connect with the outdoors and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Visit Globe-Miami.com to learn more.

What You Will Do

Safely performs duties related to the operation and minor maintenance of locomotive equipment and railroad tracks at a highly skilled level.

  • In this role, you are responsible for the knowledge and safe performance of procedures for working on or near railroad tracks, including the use of chains and slings and inspection for defects, crossing from one side of a train to the other, Blue Stake procedures, reading blueprints for proper building of switches, and illustrating standard crane signals.
  • As the Locomotive Operator II, you perform track inspections, general track work, flagging trains, opening and closing boxcars, and rerailing cars after train derailments, and may perform minor track maintenance duties such as lubricating switches and using track wrenches and pneumatic tools to tighten nuts and bolts on railroad tracks.
  • You may load, unload, and cut bands from railroad tie bundles, transport materials, recognize and report defects on equipment and tools, identify and repair defective track switches, and identify and repair defective rail.
  • Duties also include building track panels, handling and laying track sections, operating ballast regulators, performing ballast train dumping operations, operating spot tampers, track maintainers, and crane cars, and operating track drills, track saws, truckmounted hoists, backhoes, hirail trucks, boom trucks, forklifts, and hydraulic frontend loaders.
  • You train and mentor coworkers and may perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling acid, freight, and concentrate railcars, performing railcar brake inspections, weighing and inspecting railcars, and ensuring proper and safe securing of railcars.
  • You are responsible for the safe movement of freight trains and railcar switching in rail yards, providing clear hand and radio signals to locomotive operators, demonstrating knowledge and safe performance of locomotive horn signals, riding positions, mounting and dismounting moving trains and locomotives, use of hand brakes, proper alignment of railroad track switches, hand and lantern signals, establishing car clearances, crossing over railcars, spotting railcars, connecting multiunit locomotive air hoses, performing locomotive engineer duties including the operation of single and multiple unit locomotives, completing preshift equipment inspections, performing minor maintenance and operations support activities, and performing other duties as required.
What You Bring To Freeport
  • Two (2) years of locomotive operating experience.
  • Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (including Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude, with the ability to apply knowledge and skills while passing a written assessment where required.
  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safetyrelated instructions and procedures in English.
  • Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards.
  • Knowledge of the proper use and performance of railroad track jacks.
  • Knowledge of the proper use and performance of claw bars to move rails and spiking or spacing hammers to insert spikes.
  • Knowledge of locomotive mechanical and electrical functions and locomotive air systems.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High Scool Diploma or GED
  • Railroad Transportation experience
  • Familiar with GCOR rules
  • Familiar with the FRA-DOT
  • Familiar with the ACC (Arizona Corporation Commission) 
  • This position will be Monday-Friday 4pm-12am shift 

What We Offer You 

The estimated pay range for this role is currently$27.00 - $36.00/hour. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role. 

  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits 
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance 
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match 
  • Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave 
  • Tuition assistance 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle 
  • Internal progression opportunities 
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package! 

What We Require 

  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam. 
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing. 
  • Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation. 
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws. 

 Equal Opportunity Employer 

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com. 


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