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Locomotive Maintenance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... maintaining constant situational awareness to ensure smooth and efficient train movement. This ... Locomotive Engineer (CFR Title 49, Part 240) with a minimum of 1 year of experience. Your Role:

... maintaining constant situational awareness to ensure smooth and efficient train movement. This ... Locomotive Engineer (CFR Title 49, Part 240) with a minimum of 1 year of experience. Your Role:

... maintaining constant situational awareness to ensure smooth and efficient train movement. This ... Locomotive Engineer (CFR Title 49, Part 240) with a minimum of 1 year of experience. Your Role:

... maintaining constant situational awareness to ensure smooth and efficient train movement. This ... Locomotive Engineer (CFR Title 49, Part 240) with a minimum of 1 year of experience. Your Role:

... maintaining constant situational awareness to ensure smooth and efficient train movement. This ... Locomotive Engineer (CFR Title 49, Part 240) with a minimum of 1 year of experience. Your Role:

... maintaining constant situational awareness to ensure smooth and efficient train movement. This ... Locomotive Engineer (CFR Title 49, Part 240) with a minimum of 1 year of experience. Your Role:

... maintaining constant situational awareness to ensure smooth and efficient train movement. This ... Locomotive Engineer (CFR Title 49, Part 240) with a minimum of 1 year of experience. Your Role:

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Locomotive Maintenance Engineer information

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How much do locomotive maintenance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive maintenance 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 engineer can make $500,000 a year?

A senior locomotive maintenance engineer or specialized railway engineer with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities can potentially earn $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand or executive roles within the transportation industry. Such salaries often include bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives beyond base pay.

What are some common challenges faced by Locomotive Maintenance Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Locomotive Maintenance Engineers often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex mechanical or electrical issues, working under time pressure to minimize train downtime, and staying current with evolving locomotive technologies. Addressing these challenges involves continuous training, effective communication with the operations team, and utilizing diagnostic tools efficiently. Building strong problem-solving skills and collaborating closely with other engineers and technicians can also help ensure safe and timely maintenance of locomotives.

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

To thrive as a Locomotive Maintenance Engineer, you need strong mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge, experience in locomotive systems, and typically a relevant engineering degree or vocational qualification. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, maintenance management software, and safety certification (such as FRA regulations) is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help engineers identify issues and coordinate repairs efficiently. These abilities ensure locomotives operate safely and reliably, minimizing downtime and supporting critical rail operations.

What is the difference between Locomotive Maintenance Engineer vs Locomotive Technician?

AspectLocomotive Maintenance EngineerLocomotive Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, along with relevant certificationsUsually holds a diploma or certification in locomotive technology or related fields
Work EnvironmentOversees maintenance operations, plans repairs, and ensures safety standards in repair shops or on-sitePerforms hands-on repairs, inspections, and troubleshooting on locomotives in repair facilities or yards
Employer & IndustryRailway companies, freight and passenger rail servicesRailway maintenance depots, repair shops, and service providers

While both roles focus on locomotive maintenance, the Locomotive Maintenance Engineer typically has a broader oversight role, including planning and safety management, whereas the Locomotive Technician is more involved in direct repair and troubleshooting tasks.

What are Locomotive Maintenance Engineers?

Locomotive Maintenance Engineers are specialized professionals responsible for inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and overhauling locomotives and their components to ensure safe and efficient operation. They diagnose mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues, perform routine servicing, and keep detailed maintenance records. Their work is critical to preventing breakdowns and ensuring the reliability of railway transportation systems.
Infographic showing various Locomotive Maintenance Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,402 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Locomotive Engineer

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview:

Under the supervision of the Director - Onsite Programs, the Locomotive Engineer is responsible for the safe operation of freight and passenger locomotives, all sizes of train consists, and other rail-mounted equipment during test operations at MxV Rail. This role collaborates closely with MxV Rail test staff and customers and requires a strong understanding of equipment operation, site operating rules, test objectives, equipment utilization, and testing techniques. The Locomotive Engineer uses technical expertise to effectively communicate operational matters to both customers and internal teams.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Perform assigned test operations in accordance with test plans and safety requirements.
  • Collaborate with test personnel during planning, execution, and completion of test programs.
  • Conduct daily locomotive and equipment inspections and safely start equipment as required.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in air brake systems on locomotives and railcars, including conducting coupling and air brake tests.
  • Safely move locomotives, railcars, and other rail vehicles in accordance with MxV Rail operating practices.
  • Provide logistics support related to assigned test programs.
  • Coordinate with OCC/Operations and test personnel to ensure safe rail vehicle movements.
  • Perform Switchman duties as needed.
  • Climb on and around locomotives and railcars to set/release handbrakes, connect air equipment, inspect and secure loads, and adjust knuckles for coupling.
  • Push, pull, and lift to ninety pounds regularly.
  • Ride railcars and locomotives in approved safe positions during switching and testing operations.
  • Operate locomotives as required for individual test programs.
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Ensure proper handling and storage of equipment and tools.
  • Promote teamwork and continuous quality improvement.
  • Serve as backup Operational Test Controller and Switchman as needed.
  • Work flexible shifts, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as required.
  • Ensures that all duties and responsibilities are performed in a safe manner.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned, including operating heavy equipment, track maintenance, and facilities maintenance.