Locomotive Engineer

Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Engineer; Passenger Locomotive Engineer; Railroad Engineer; Steam Locomotive Engineer; Steam Locomotive Fireman; Through Freight Engineer; Train Engineer; Trainmaster; Transportation Specialist

Tasks

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

Knowledge

• Transportation
• Public Safety and Security
• Mechanical
• Mathematics

Skills

• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Selective Attention
• Far Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Perceptual Speed
• Control Precision
• Response Orientation
• Depth Perception
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Information Ordering
• Flexibility of Closure
• Reaction Time
• Near Vision
• Auditory Attention
• Inductive Reasoning
• Multilimb Coordination
• Rate Control
• Deductive Reasoning
• Time Sharing
• Glare Sensitivity
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Written Comprehension
• Manual Dexterity
• Written Expression
• Visualization
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Trunk Strength
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity