Locomotive Engineers

Core Tasks

1. Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
2. Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
3. Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
4. Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
5. Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
6. Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
7. Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
8. Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
9. Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
10. Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
11. Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
12. Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.
13. Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.

Technology & Tools

Related Occupations

Compare skills gap with any of these related roles.