Locomotive Engineers
On the Job
Locomotive Engineers drive electric, diesel-electric, or gas-turbine-electric trains. They may transport passengers or cargo. They must follow railroad rules and regulations.
Physical Demands
This career requires good eyesight.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
- Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
- Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
- Monitor loading processes to ensure they are performed properly.
- Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
- Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
- Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Prepare accident or incident reports.
- Respond to transportation emergencies.
Typical Working Conditions
- Exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Working with a group or team.
- Working in a closed vehicle or equipment.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Exposure to hazardous equipment.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.