Locomotive Engineer Training Program

Move forward with us! At NJ TRANSIT, you'll join us in transforming the third-largest transportation agency in North America. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable service that gets customers to their destinations on time–and we're looking to hire talented folks with a commitment to excellence to make it all possible.

Get your career on track as a Locomotive Engineer at NJ TRANSIT!

As a Locomotive Engineer, you’ll join the ranks of the most trained and skilled of all rail work forces. You’ll control equipment that is complex and powerful and bear responsibility for the safety of others. Become part of a Rail team that transports over 500,000 passengers a day and starts moving towards a successful and lucrative career. If you’re constantly challenging yourself to do better, then this is the job for you!

The Locomotive Engineer (LE) position entails deep knowledge and application of train operating rules and regulations. It involves the operation of locomotives, performing pre-trip inspections and tests, monitoring track conditions during runs, controlling train speed by throttle adjustment and brake application, and ensuring the safety of passengers and equipment. Typically LEs monitor speed, air pressure, battery use, and other instruments to ensure that the locomotive runs smoothly.

They observe the track for obstructions, such as fallen tree branches, and use a variety of controls, such as throttles and airbrakes to operate the train. In partnership with NJ Transit Conductors, LEs are part of a dynamic team that communicates in person and via radio to get information about delays or changes in the schedule to the public. The LE is also responsible for handling emergency situations involving troubleshooting repairs on equipment.

• Strong multi-tasking abilities, strong interpersonal, and communication skills- outstanding listening, verbal, written, and reading comprehension.
• Careful attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to demonstrate self-management capabilities
  - Possession of self-control, trustworthiness, adaptability, and conscientiousness while on the job.
• Ability to learn, recall, and apply technical information.
• Shows accountability and dependability, and effectively demonstrates a positive attitude during stressful situations.
• Operates well in various environmental conditions (I.e. cold/hot weather, rain, fog, snow).

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent is required.
• Some college is desired.
• Customer-facing experience preferred.
• Mechanical, diesel, automotive, electrical experience preferred.
• Commercial experience as a bus driver, truck driver, subway or train operator, commercial pilot, or other heavy equipment experience preferred.
• Please Submit a Resume with your Application

This is not your typical "9 to 5" job.

• Prescreen:
  Applicants whose resumes pass the initial review will undergo a prescreening process to further confirm eligibility.
• General Information Session:
  Qualified applicants will be invited to attend a general information session where they will learn more about the role and the company.
• Test:
  After the information session, applicants will take a Locomotive Engineer Training Program (LETP) Aptitude Test to assess key skills and attributes required for the role.
• Panel Interview:
  Applicants who perform well on the test will be invited to participate in a panel interview with representatives from Human Resources and Rail Transportation Operations.

Locomotive Engineer Trainees participate in a twenty (20) month training program, which includes classroom learning, on-the-job training, knowledge of NORAC rules and regulations, and general railroad information. Trainees go through equipment orientation where they learn about airbrakes, rules of the railroad, physical characteristics of divisional railroad lines, etc. They learn in-depth knowledge of equipment and electrical operations as well as safety training before they are qualified on the lines of their assigned railroad division.

New Locomotive Engineer graduates…