Locomotive Engineers
Engineer, Passenger Locomotive Engineer, Railroad Engineer, Trainmaster
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Railway Specialist (USAR only)
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What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
Knowledge
Transportation
- movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Engineering and Technology
- mechanical
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Skills
Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Controlled Movement
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
- quickly decide if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part
Attention
- pay attention to something without being distracted
- do two or more things at the same time
Visual Understanding
- quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
- see hidden patterns
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Stress Tolerance
- Self-Control
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Expert system software
- Electronic train management systems ETMS
Word processing software
- Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Education
Education: (rated 1 of 4)
high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed
certificate after high school
usually needed
Job Outlook
Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Explore More
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- Railroad Brake, Signal, & Switch Operators & Locomotive Firers
- Railroad Conductors & Yardmasters
- Subway & Streetcar Operators
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about Locomotive Engineers.