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Locomotive Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Locomotive Engineers (88U)

Houston, TX · On-site

Locomotive Operations. * Signals Usage. * Car Coupling & Uncoupling. BENEFITS: Financial Benefits: * Salary and Bonuses: Competitive base pay with potential for bonuses, including enlistment bonuses ...

Packwell Inc

SWITCHMAN

La Porte, TX

$18 - $25/hr

Works with a Locomotive Engineer adding/supplying fuel, water, oil and sand to locomotives. Essential Functions: Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following: * Responsible for ...

Packwell Inc

SWITCHMAN

La Porte, TX · On-site

Works with a Locomotive Engineer adding/supplying fuel, water, oil and sand to locomotives. Essential Functions: Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following: * Responsible for ...

Packwell Inc

SWITCHMAN

La Porte, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Works with a Locomotive Engineer adding/supplying fuel, water, oil and sand to locomotives. Essential Functions: Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following: * Responsible for ...

GATX

Locomotive Tech 1

La Porte, TX · On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

The Locomotive Technician 1 partners with the manager and other site personnel to ensure ... Reads and interprets GATX policies, procedures, and engineering instructions, and FRA and DOT ...

GATX

Locomotive Tech 1

La Porte, TX · On-site

The Locomotive Technician 1 partners with the manager and other site personnel to ensure ... Reads and interprets GATX policies, procedures, and engineering instructions, and FRA and DOT ...

GATX

Locomotive Tech 1

La Porte, TX · On-site

The Locomotive Technician 1 assists other Locomotive Technicians in the maintenance, repair and ... Reads and interprets GATX policies, procedures, and engineering instructions, and FRA and DOT ...

Watco

Locomotive Mechanic - Burnet, TX

Burnet, TX · On-site

Locomotive Mechanic - Burnet, TX Job Location: Burnet-TX-78611 Office Location: Onsite Employment ... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ...

OmniTRAX, Inc.

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

Borger, TX · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

Panhandle, TX

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

OmniTRAX

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

Borger, TX · On-site

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

Watco

Locomotive Mechanic - Burnet, TX

Burnet, TX · On-site

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... The Locomotive Mechanic inspects, repairs, and maintains locomotives consistent with company ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

Panhandle, TX · On-site

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

Watco

Locomotive Electrician/Mechanic - Burnet, TX

Burnet, TX · On-site

$24.50 - $30.50/hr

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... Locomotive Electrician/Mechanic inspects, repairs, and maintains locomotives consistent with ...

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Locomotive Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$15

$24

$38

How much do locomotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive engineer in Texas is $24.81, 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.
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Locomotive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Locomotive Engineer job openings in Texas 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 $51,615 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Switchman - Beaumont, TX

Trans-Global Solutions, Inc.

Beaumont, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assemble trains and switch railroad cars in a yard, including uncoupling and coupling cars and moving switches to route cars.

  • Perform safety inspections of locomotives and railcars, and make necessary repairs or adjustments to maintain operation.

  • Operate railcar handbrakes, track switches, and open or close doors, hatches, and chute gates on railcars.

Job description

Summary: Responsible for assembling trains and switching railroad cars in a yard. Throws switches and couples, or attaches to cable, to railcars being hauled by locomotive in industrial plants or ship ports by performing the following duties
Typical Duties:
Typical duties will include but not be limited to the preparation and/or modification of the following:
  • Works with Locomotive Engineer with adding/supplying fuel, water, oil and sand to locomotive
Essential Functions:
Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:
  • Responsible to perform safety inspections of locomotives and railcars.
  • Works with Locomotive Engineer with adding/supplying fuel, water, oil and sand to locomotive.
  • Must be able to ascertain nature of mechanical failures to locomotive and/or railcars and make necessary repairs.
  • Must be able to make repairs or adjustments to equipment in order to maintain operation of locomotive and/or railcars.
  • Must be able to replace knuckles in couplers requiring use of tools and physical exertion.
  • Uncouples loaded cars at their destination or uncouples and distributes empty cars to siding or to loading areas.
  • Moves switches to route cars and signals Locomotive Engineer to start or stop cars.
  • Must be able to operate railcar handbrakes and rail track switches.
  • Opens and closes doors or hatches on railcars.
  • Opens or closes chute gates or positions railcars on track to load or unload cars.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with the Locomotive Engineer through use of hand signals or two-way radio.

Skills and Special Requirements:
  • MUST HAVE TWIC IN HAND
  • Requires a high degree of professional integrity, ethics, and confidentiality.
  • Must possess Safety training/certification as required by customers to work in their facilities and as required by TGS at all TGS locations.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to make quick and sound judgments and manual dexterity.
  • Good hand-eye coordination and mechanical aptitude.
  • Good hearing and vision
  • Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
  • Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
  • Background screening including previous employment, education, criminal history and driving record verification.

Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

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