Union Machinist; Diesel Engine Mechanic; Chattanooga, TN

Description

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork-which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in locomotive maintenance and contribute to the reliability of our fleet, we invite you to explore the Locomotive Diesel Mechanic Trainee role.

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in locomotive mechanical maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to inspect, service, and repair diesel-electric locomotives to ensure safe and efficient operations across our network.

• This is a seniority-based union position.
• You must be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Extensive travel for training may be required.
• Union membership is required within 60 days of establishing seniority.

Training includes both classroom and field instruction:

• Classroom Training:
  Mechanical Safety Orientation and craft-specific training in locomotive systems.
• Field Training:
  Hands-on experience in locomotive shops and yards.
• Duration:
  Approximately 7 weeks (1 week safety orientation + 6 weeks craft training).
• Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement.

• Perform daily and periodic inspections, servicing, and maintenance on diesel-electric locomotives.
• Fuel locomotives and check/change oil and fluid levels.
• Replace filters for engine air, air compressor, fuel, and lube oil.
• Replace and maintain engine components, traction motors, generators, air compressors, wheels, and truck components.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose diesel engine malfunctions and make required repairs.
• Perform disassembly, repair, replacement, rebuild, reassembly, installation, adjustment, alignment, and lubrication activities on mechanical equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad safety rules and regulations.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear required protective equipment such as hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and safety glasses.
• Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Complete required reports and maintain accurate records using computer systems.
• Must pass all required assessments.

• High school diploma or GED.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
• Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug screen.

• 1+ year of mechanical experience.
• Two years of diesel mechanic experience.
• Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings or schematics.
• Completion of a mechanical vocational or trade school program.
• Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2T331, MR, MK, 2161, 91H, 44E).

• Mechanical aptitude.
• Strong communication skills.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy, moving equipment.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Ability to meet FRA & Company medical requirements:
  • Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
  • Hearing-no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).

• Shop and outdoor environments.
• Shift…