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Railroad Conductor Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Summary Description Guardian Rail is proud to operate one of the country's leading freight rail ... Our Conductor/Engineers are responsible for the operation and movement of locomotives and railcars ...

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Yardmaster

Shreveport, LA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Previous railway experience (Conductor/Engineer Certification preferred) * Ability to work under pressure and communicate well with others * Excel and lead in a fast paced, demanding environment

Switchman/Conductor

Gregory, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Cando provides specialized rail operating services. We provide a wide range of rail services ... engineer or grounds person. This includes but is not limited to working as a team to operate ...

Conductor/Engineer - Wallula, WA Job Location: Wallula, WA Facility-Wallula-99363 Office Location ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Conductor - Janesville, WI

Janesville, WI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Conductor - Monahans, TX

Monahans, TX · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Conductor FSRR

Fort Smith, AR

$22 - $28.75/hr

... the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) * Review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew * Inspect all equipment on cars prior to ...

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Previous railway experience (Conductor/Engineer Certification preferred) * Ability to work under pressure and communicate well with others * Excel and lead in a fast paced, demanding environment

Conductor/Engineer - Kalamazoo, MI Job Location: Kalamazoo, MI Depot-49048 Office Location: Onsite ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Showing results 41-60

Railroad Conductor Engineer information

See salary details

$11K

$56K

$133K

How much do railroad conductor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad conductor engineer in the United States is $55,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Conductor Engineer, you need knowledge of railroad operations, safety regulations, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized company training or certification. Familiarity with train control systems, communication devices, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety protocols is essential. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient train operations and the well-being of crew and passengers.

How does a railroad conductor engineer typically collaborate with other crew members during shifts?

A Railroad Conductor Engineer works closely with conductors, brakemen, yardmasters, and dispatchers to ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains. Communication is critical; the engineer receives operational instructions from the conductor and coordinates with the dispatcher for track assignments and schedules. Teamwork is essential for safety checks, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and responding to emergencies during the journey. Regular briefings and use of radio communication help maintain coordination throughout the shift.

What is the difference between Railroad Conductor Engineer vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectRailroad Conductor EngineerRailroad Conductor
CredentialsValid engineer certification, locomotive operation trainingConductor certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentOperate and control locomotives, oversee train movementManage train crew, coordinate loading/unloading
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight and passenger servicesRailroads, freight and passenger services

The Railroad Conductor Engineer primarily operates and controls locomotives, requiring engineer certification and locomotive training. In contrast, the Railroad Conductor manages train crews and logistics. Both roles are essential in rail operations, but they focus on different responsibilities within the industry.

How much does a railroad conductor engineer make?

Railroad conductor engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced workers and those in certain regions earning higher. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the railroad company, and the role often requires certification and safety training.

What does a railroad conductor engineer do?

A railroad conductor engineer operates trains, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of passengers or freight. They control train movements, monitor equipment, and communicate with dispatchers, often working long hours and requiring specialized certifications. Their role involves safety checks, adherence to schedules, and responding to operational signals and conditions.
More about Railroad Conductor Engineer jobs

What states have the most Railroad Conductor Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Railroad Conductor Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Conductor Engineer jobs?

For Railroad Conductor Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Conductor Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,971 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Conductor/Engineer - Minden, LA

Minden, LA

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Watco rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The conductor/engineer position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment
• Reads switching orders from designated person
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews
• Observes radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operates locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations
• Observes arm or lantern signal and moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars; or receives starting signal and moves control; such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive
• Reads and interprets wayside signals, track warrants and bulletins, and railroad rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety rules and regulations and time schedule
• Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched
• Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, telephone, verbal or hand signals
• Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
• Gives instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars
• May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations
• Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes
• Observes track to detect obstructions.  
• Inspects locomotive after run to detect damaged or defective equipment
• Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower
• Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio
• Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains
• Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members
• May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• May talk to Engineer via radio to give or receive switching information
• Performs other duties as requested or required

Qualifications

• Ability to pass training and required testing

Education
High School or GED equivalent

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