Locomotive Engineer

Primary Responsibilities

1. Safe Locomotive Operation

* Safely operate locomotives during switching, spotting, pulling, pushing, and yard movements.

* Maintain full control of train speed, braking, and positioning to protect personnel, equipment, and infrastructure.

* Obey all instructions from designated ground personnel related to safe locomotive operation.

* Immediately stop operations if unsafe conditions are observed or communicated.

* Exercise sound judgment when handling long consists, grades, curves, and yard congestion.

2. Regulatory Compliance (FRA)

* Maintain current qualification and certification under FRA CFR Part 240 (Locomotive Engineers).

* Comply with Hours of Service (CFR Part 228), Drug & Alcohol Testing (CFR Part 219), and all applicable FRA regulations.

* Participate in required efficiency testing, operational monitoring, recertification, and remedial training as assigned.

* Maintain working knowledge of railroad operating rules, special instructions, and terminal timetables.

3. Communication & Coordination

* Maintain constant, clear radio communication with ground crews, lead operators, and supervisors.

* Properly acknowledge and repeat critical instructions, including:

* Movement authority

* Track designation

* Red Zone establishment and release

* Communicate known restrictions, special handling requirements, or equipment concerns before movement begins.

* Coordinate closely with operations to ensure safe and efficient railcar placement.

4. Red Zone & Personnel Protection

* Immediately place the locomotive in full brakes and neutral when a Red Zone is established.

* Verbally confirm "Set and Centered" prior to personnel accessing railcars or track areas.

* Do not move equipment until the Red Zone has been officially released by the lead operator.

* Treat any Red Zone violation as a serious safety matter subject to corrective action.

5. Equipment Inspection & Care

* Perform required locomotive inspections prior to use and document findings as required.

* Report mechanical defects, damage, or unsafe conditions immediately.

* Operate locomotives in a manner that minimizes wear, damage, and unplanned downtime.

* Do not operate equipment known to be unsafe or out of compliance.

6. Operational Efficiency & Yard Performance

* Support efficient switching, blocking, and spotting of railcars to meet terminal throughput and production goals.

* Minimize delays, re‑handles, and unnecessary movements through effective train handling.

* Maintain awareness of yard layout, track capacity, active work zones, and adjacent operations.

7. Train Handling in High‑Traffic Environments

* Must be comfortable and competent handling long consists, including pulling, pushing, and controlling trains of up to approximately 150 railcars.

* Demonstrate the ability to block, sort, and spot railcars accurately to support terminal operations, unloading sequences, and yard organization.

* Safely perform switching and blocking movements in a busy, active rail yard with multiple simultaneous operations, personnel on the ground, and heavy equipment operating nearby.

* Maintain situational awareness of track occupancy, clearances, radio communications, and hand signals while managing long‑train dynamics.

* Apply proper slack control, braking techniques, and speed management to prevent derailments, run‑ins/run‑outs, product damage, or personnel exposure.

* Coordinate closely with ground crews and supervisors to ensure efficient car placement while maintaining strict compliance with all safety rules.

Training & Qualification Requirements

* Valid FRA Locomotive Engineer certification (CFR Part 240).

* Completion of company locomotive engineer training program.

* Participation in:

* Annual operational monitoring and efficiency testing

* Rules classes and safety training

* Recertification every 36 months or as required

* Successful completion of required hearing, vision, and drug/alcohol compliance programs.

Behavioral & Professional Expectations

Safety Leadership

* Demonstrate a safety‑first mindset at all times.

* Exercise Stop Work Authority when conditions are unsafe.

* Promptly report near misses, incidents, or unsafe acts.

Professional Conduct

* Treat…