To work as a locomotive engineer, you must:
complete a high school diploma or GED;
be at least 21 years old;
work your way up through other railroad jobs;
have seniority over other applicants;
have good hearing, eyesight, and eye-hand coordination;
complete a formal training program; and
pass a written and hands-on exam.
Usually work a 40-hour week.
May travel many miles from the repair shop to reach equipment needing repair.
LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS will:
Drive cargo or passenger trains
Interact with passengers, assistants, and conductors
LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS frequently:
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.
Determine the distance between objects.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
It is important that LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS be able to:
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
Move arms and legs quickly.
See objects in very bright or very low light.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Determine from which direction a sound came.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
