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Locomotive Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Union Pacific

Train Crew

Saint James, MN

As you progress in your career, you may have the opportunity to apply for engine service (fireman's class) and become a Class 1 Locomotive Engineer. In your initial year of service, you can expect ...

Union Pacific

Train Crew

Saint Paul, MN

As you progress in your career, you may have the opportunity to apply for engine service (fireman's class) and become a Class 1 Locomotive Engineer. In your initial year of service, you can expect ...

Nidec Corporation

Sales Engineer

Mankato, MN · On-site

$72.60 - $108.90/hr

Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm ... Position Objective In this role, the Sales Engineer maintains a high-level knowledge of their ...

Nidec Corporation

Sales Engineer

Mankato, MN · On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm ... In this role, the Sales Engineer maintains a high-level knowledge of their segment(s) product ...

Nidec Corporation

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Mankato, MN · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm ... Interface with management, design engineering and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities ...

Nidec Corporation

manufacturing engineering intern

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm ... Pursuing degree in Engineering or relevant technical field Must be a sole US citizen. Additional ...

Nidec Corporation

Machinist B - Fourth Shift

Mankato, MN · On-site

$24.58 - $28.57/hr

Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm ... Interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, written specifications, and schematics to ...

Nidec Corporation

Machinist B - First Shift

Mankato, MN · On-site

$24.58 - $28.57/hr

Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm ... Interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, written specifications, and schematics to ...

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Locomotive Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$16

$26

$40

How much do locomotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive engineer in Minnesota is $26.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $27.07 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.
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Locomotive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Locomotive Engineer job openings in Minnesota 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 $54,261 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Specialist Field Technical Support

Canadian Pacific Railway

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Canadian Pacific rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Specialist, Field Technical Support is a hands‑on technical leader who supports locomotive maintenance excellence across the network. Through coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job training, this role strengthens the technical capabilities of craft employees and apprentices while driving continuous improvement in safety, reliability, and performance.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Champion locomotive reliability by supporting proactive, predictive, and overhaul maintenance strategies across critical locomotive systems
  • Communicate and reinforce new maintenance standards, technical instructions, quality alerts, and repair processes to shop team.
  • Audit compliance with maintenance procedures, work scopes, and component repair standards to ensure consistency and quality
  • Provide hands‑on technical support, coaching, and on‑the‑job training to facilitate program implementation and adoption of new technologies
  • Partner with Train & Engine (T&E) teams to investigate locomotive issues, identify root causes, and resolve operational challenges
  • Mentor apprentices, new hires, and craft employees through practical troubleshooting, failure analysis, and cross‑functional training initiatives
  • Support the Reliability Team by identifying failure trends, providing field insights, and recommending locomotive and component improvements
  • Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert, helping build workforce capability and a culture of continuous learning and improvement
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 10 years field experience in locomotive maintenance on GE and EMD locomotive fleets, in both mechanical and electrical
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Applications
  • SAP Plant Maintenance an asset
  • Strong coaching skills, with the ability to communicate both written and verbally in English and Spanish
  • Shift work and travel required
WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:
  • Flexible and competitive benefits package
  • Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
  • Employee share purchase plan
  • Annual fitness subsidy
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:Medical and Drug Testing

This is a safety sensitive position and a successful pre-employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company or regulated drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

  • Criminal history check
  • Education verification
  • Professional references
  • Driver’s license verification and driving history
  • Social Security Number verification
BECOMING A RAILROADER:

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

CULTURE OF INCLUSION:

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

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