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Locomotive Engineers

Under the title Locomotive Engineers, workers drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on operation and control, operations monitoring, and monitoring. Expect to receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives. Its interest code is RCI. Realistic leads at 7.0 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Conventional next at 4.7. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

Main tasks

  • Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
  • Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
  • Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
  • Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
  • Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
  • Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operation and control and operations monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Also called

  • Engineer
  • Passenger Locomotive Engineer
  • Railroad Engineer
  • Steam Locomotive Engineer
  • Steam Locomotive Fireman

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.