Passenger Engineer Trainee Lorton

Your success is a train ride away! As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. With more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals across a variety of career fields throughout the United States, we prioritize the safety of our passengers, employees, the public, and the operating environment. Our commitment to safety fuels our success.

Amtrak’s core values—
Do the Right Thing, Excel Together, and Put Customers First
—along with our core capabilities—
Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security
—guide every employee. By living these values and fostering diverse ideas, we honor our past and build a future-focused company.

Consistently and safely operate locomotives and trains in compliance with federal regulations and corporate policies. Operate equipment during varying work hours within a 24/7 transportation environment, maintaining alertness, situational awareness, and vigilance. Think and function independently while using clear and effective verbal communication with crew members and other personnel responsible for safe and efficient train movement.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Some work experience that demonstrates the ability to maintain alertness, awareness, vigilance, and clear verbal communication skills. Satisfactory attendance and a safe work record are essential.
• Previous railroad operating experience is preferred, along with a history demonstrating adaptability to variable and often changing work hours.
• Although a driver’s license is not required, applicants with one must submit a certified copy of the motor vehicle driving record from the issuing state agency and any other state agency issued within the last 60 months. Records must be void of drug and alcohol violations within the previous 36 months.
• Applicants must sign a release authorizing Amtrak to obtain background information from prior railroad employers. Previous railroad service records must also be void of drug and alcohol violations within the previous 60 months.
• Incumbents are required to complete an 8‑10 week training program, followed by qualifying and on‑the‑job training. Students are paid at the training rate until certification as a Class 1 Train Service Engineer is achieved.
• Existing Class 1 Train Service Engineers receive pay per the agreement schedule.
• Periodic medical examinations and random drug and alcohol screenings will be conducted.
• Applicants must meet the vision, color vision, and hearing criteria set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in 49 CFR 240.

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Hourly range: $34.42—$34.42 (potential increases per the applicable collective bargaining agreement). Amtrak offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision plans; wellness programs; flexible spending accounts; 401(k) retirement plan; life insurance; paid time off; education reimbursement; public service loan forgiveness eligibility;
Railroad Retirement sickness and retirement benefits; and rail pass privileges. Benefits are subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Learn more about our benefits offerings.

• Requisition
• Posting location:
  Virginia
• Relocation offered:
  No
• Travel requirements: up to 100%

Amtrak values performance and looks for a career experience that is both challenging and rewarding. We maintain a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.

Safety is paramount; all Amtrak positions require a pre‑employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check, and a pre‑employment drug screen. Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of state law. Drug testing follows DOT regulations and applicable law. Refusal to provide written consent for drug record acquisition prevents assignment to safety‑sensitive duties.

Amtrak is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.