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Locomotive Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Columbia, MO

Railroad Operator

Columbia, MO · On-site

$23.26 - $33.96/hr

Serves as locomotive engineer, train conductor, and dispatcher of trains and maintenance crews. * Operates railroad locomotive as a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certified locomotive engineer ...

Watco

Conductor/Engineer - Rupert, ID

Rupert, ID · On-site

... locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations. • Observes arm or lantern signal ... Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified ...

OmniTRAX

Engineer / Conductor - KFR

Kettle Falls, WA · 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 ...

omnitrax

Engineer / Conductor - KFR

Kettle Falls, WA

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 - KFR

Kettle Falls, WA

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 ...

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 ...

APP RAILCAR GROUP

Conductor/Engineer

Grand Island, NE · On-site

Our Conductor/Engineers are responsible for the operation and movement of locomotives and railcars ... Must be able to operate locomotives, interpret train orders, railroad rules, and pass written tests ...

Lake State Railway Company

Engineers & Conductors

Flint, MI · On-site

$302.18 - $323.07/day

LSRC is seeking applicants for that are certified as a Locomotive Engineer or Conductor.Please see the following Train Service for requirements. Applicant must possess a valid FRA Locomotive Engineer ...

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How much do locomotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive engineer in the United States is $26.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Locomotive Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are locomotive engineers?

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.
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Locomotive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Locomotive Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $55,402 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Locomotive Wheel Axle Combo Traction Motor Engineer

Locomotive Wheel Axle Combo Traction Motor Engineer

Progress Rail Services Corporation

Muncie, IN • On-site

$77K - $139K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Progress Rail rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Purpose
Supports all engineering and material activities for the WACT facilities in Muncie Indiana, Henderson NV, Lachine Canada and San Luis Potosi Mexico. The position can be located in any of these facilities along with LaGrange Illinois and Albertville, Alabama.
Company Description
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.
Education / Training
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in a engineering discipline, with preference in Mechanical and or Electrical engineering.
Key Job Elements
• Full spectrum engineer providing technical expertise to the management team on the design, manufacturing and remanufacturing of WACTs.
• Responsible for review of BOMs and updates with fallout on materials in LN;
• Management of Parent level BOMs and Part Numbers;
• Requesting of updates on Engineering prints;
• Updates from the following:
• Manufacturing change requests;
• Design change requests;
• Engineering change;
• Document control from Engineering perspective. Adherence to ESFR, MI and AI's Includes writing Visual work instructions, updating shop travelers and routers, adherence to changes above and ensuring that the production personnel have the most updated changes after Operational, and Quality Review;
• CPI Projects in 4 facilities, process improvement that correlates directly to cost reduction, velocity and efficiency improvements;
• Machine programming;
• CAD/ 3D Drawings and for materials on reman side, tooling and shop layouts.
Qualifications and Experience
• 3 years engineering experience
• Preference for engineers with locomotive and rail experience.
• Engineers with experience in Wheel Axle Combo and Traction Moors preferred.
• Ability to write and perform routine mathematical calculations clearly and correctly;
• Honest and ethical;
• Pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude;
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of plant personnel;
• Reliable, responsible, and dependable, and diligent in fulfilling obligations.
Benefits
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**
  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
  • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
  • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

What Progress Rail employees say

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About Progress Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our team works hard to create lifelong customer relationships, supplying comprehensive rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the global rail industry and setting the standard for excellence. We care about fostering the sustainable movement of goods and people for generations to come, and we know our customers care, too. Our strategic footprint ensures responsive, quality customer support all day, every day. We are one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw® Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Albertville, AL, US

Year founded

1983

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