Locomotive Engineer Trainee

Description

• Job Title:
  
  Locomotive Engineer Trainee
• Department:
  Transportation Services
• MTA Agency: LIRR
• Primary Location(s):
  Various
• 100% Hourly Rate of Pay: $57.278/hour (See Wage Progression Chart)
• Regulated/ Safety Sensitive:
  Safety Sensitive
• Union Affiliation: BLET
• Closing Date (if applicable): 8/10/26
• Shift (if applicable):
  Various

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

The Locomotive Engineer Trainee Program prepares individuals for a career ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains. Locomotive Engineers must be licensed and certified by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Candidates must complete formal classroom instruction, gain hands-on experience, and pass required examinations assessing operational knowledge, technical skills, hearing and vision standards, and background checks. A CDL license is also required.

Engineers must demonstrate knowledge of train routes and maintain certification through periodic testing, physical exams, and random drug and alcohol screenings. In addition, Engineers are required to support and complete the repair, mechanical upkeep, and troubleshooting of train and train equipment.

• Ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains.
• Qualifying and remaining qualified on Operating Department Rules, Timetable, Special Instructions, NORAC, Zone A (Amtrak), Air Brake Instructions, and all equipment including MU, Diesel, and Dual Mode equipment.
• Controlling train movements under all operating conditions and instructing/supervising Engineer Trainees.
• Troubleshooting equipment en route and performing safety checks and tests prior to trips.
• Maintaining passenger safety and comfort at all times.
• Working effectively with train crews and all team members.
• Wearing minimum Level D protective clothing as prescribed by OSHA, including safety shoes and full-length pants.
• Using all train operating controls responsibly and effectively.
• Coordinating with railroad workers and conductors to ensure schedule adherence.
• Checking mechanical conditions of trains and making necessary adjustments.
• Documenting any issues requiring further inspection.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State Department of Education or accredited organization.
• One year of mechanical/electrical/technical trade/plumbing/technical skills training experience or CDL license or experience working on a railroad orother Transportation Industry orother xperience working in a 24/7 industry. Trade school training, or certifications may be considered in lieu of experience
• Demonstrated motivation and initiative.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Successful completion of LIRR's Introduction to Operations Rules & Procedures training (Basic Skills).
• One year of prior supervisory or leadership experience.
• College degree or college credits.

Phase 1: A six-week, non-compensated training program. Class schedules will be based on participant and instructor availability. Employees remain in their current positions and attend classes on their own time. Quizzes and exams must be passed to advance to Phase 2.

Phase 2: A minimum of 14 months of full-time compensated training. Upon entering Phase 2, employees officially transfer to the Engineer Trainee position. Trainees must pass qualifying exams on operating rules, physical characteristics, air brake systems, and train handling. Failure to pass required exams results in termination from the program.

Throughout both phases, representatives from Training, Transportation Services, and the Locomotive Engineer Review Board evaluate performance. All established standards must be met to continue. Completion of the program is required to begin employment as a…