Composite Mechanic/Locomotive Technician

Carload Express, Inc.; Harrington (DE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Carload Express, Inc. is seeking an experienced locomotive mechanic to perform daily service, inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance on a fleet of EMD locomotives. The role requires reading manuals and schematics, using diverse test equipment, and ensuring compliance with FRA specifications.

Responsibilities include documenting repairs, reading service bulletins, and coordinating with supervisory staff. Some travel to eastern U.S.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Preferred 6 months to 3 years of related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Aptitude in mechanical/electrical/diesel fields and willingness to learn.
• Valid State Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily service, inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance on EMD locomotives.
• Complete inspection and repair reports per FRA and company guidelines.
• Diagnose and repair locomotive components to ensure proper operation.
• Read and apply diesel engine manuals, locomotive schematics, and service bulletins.
• Utilize tools and test equipment to install/repair pumps, radiators, brakes, wiring, and related systems.
• Travel up to 10-15% to assist other Carload Express locations as needed.

Skills

Locomotive repair

Railroad operations

Reading schematics

Test equipment usage

Hand and power tools

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Micrometer

Dial indicators

Gages

Insulation test devices

Voltmeters

Ohmmeters

Cutting torches

Welding equipment

Forklift operation

Job description

General Summary

This position performs daily service, inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of a fleet of EMD locomotives.

General Duties

• Perform required daily service, inspections, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance to ensure that locomotive mechanical and electrical systems conform to specifications and operate safely and properly within design limits and intent.
• Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines.
• Following general safety rules, performs diagnostics, installation and repair of locomotive components to ensure proper operation and compliance with required federal and company specifications.
• Ability to read with accuracy diesel engine manuals, locomotive schematics, service bulletins, maintenance instructions and other craft-related documentation for an EMD locomotive.
• Test, install and repair system components including but not limited to: pumps, radiators, power assemblies, compressors, air brake repair / change, brushes replacement, commutator repair, panel lighting, circuit breakers, regulator repair / change to ensure all function and equipment conform to required specifications for an EMD unit.
• Examine and verify flow / pressure measurements, installation and alignment of rotating equipment, control points, relays and wiring and adjust or replace defective parts as needed.
• Verify the operational qualification of mechanical and electrical control systems to conformance to specifications on EMD locomotives using a variety of test equipment and procedures (i.e. gages, dial indicators, manometers, meters, insulation break-down test devices, specialized tooling and live system measurements).
• Able to read and understand FRA and company rules, specifications and guidelines and legibly document items of non-compliance.
• Analyze and correct faults related to inspection, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive equipment.
• Assist in all other repairs and maintenance as required
• Travel may be required to locations in the eastern U.S. periodically to assist other Carload Express-managed companies with repairs and maintenance (currently, up to 10-15% travel). This position will be required to travel periodically for training classes at the discretion of management. Perform other duties as requested or required.

Qualifications

• High school education or general education development (GED).
• Preferred 6 months to 3 years job-related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Perceived aptitude in the mechanical field and/or electrical field and/or diesel engines and demonstrating a desire to learn as required.
• A valid State Driver’s License is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills in locomotive, railroad operations, and general mechanical, diesel, and/or electrical repair and maintenance.
• Reading and interpreting manuals, blueprints, service publications, wiring diagrams, and flow diagrams.
• Using various testing equipment such as micrometer, dial indicator, gages, insulation test devices, voltmeters, ohmmeters.
• Ability to recognize the appropriate application and use of hand and power tools, including drills, grinders, and air impact wrenches and their intended use.
• Ability to use cutting torches and / or welding helpful.
• Demonstrate an attention to detail and coordinate various activities simultaneously.
• Ability to operate various industrial equipment including forklifts helpful.
• Comply with instructions furnished in written, oral and schedule form.
• Read and comprehend published rules, procedure and manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information.
• Effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors and associates in a clear, concise, courteous and professional manner.

Behavioral Expectations

• Demonstrate a commitment to safety in own behavior and as an example to other employees, contractors or suppliers and the general public.
• This position reports to a Supervisor of Maintenance of Equipment (SME) and will sometimes work closely with the SME and sometimes be expected to work independently.
• Compliance with company policies, including Company Handbook, Railroad Operating Rules and Safety Rules, and company drug & alcohol policies.
• Must have good communication and written skills.
• Must be capable of performing physically strenuous work on a continuous basis.
• Must be able to read and comprehend regulations and instructions as well as possess good verbal communication skills.
• Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors and/or customers and effectively handle conflict situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for more than half of each workday with periodic breaks.
• Must have the ability to see near, far, all color, have depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must have the ability to speak and hear clearly to communicate with co-workers, supervisors, yard workers, and section leaders.
• Must have ability to climb and balance to mount locomotive by climbing steps. Ascend to a vertical surface up to sixteen (16) feet.
• Must have the ability to bend, twist, and crawl in open or confined spaces
• Must have ability to bend/crouch/kneel at waist or knees between locomotive and cars.
• Must have ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 75lbs.
• Must have ability to exert up to 150lbs.
• Must have ability to work in tight, confined spaces.

Work Environment

• All locomotive maintenance is performed outdoors, in all weather.
• While office space is provided; 90% of this position’s time will be spent outdoors.
• This position may be required to travel to locations away from home location, in another state and/or country periodically to assist other Carload Express-managed companies with repairs and maintenance.
• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee may be regularly exposed to noise, chemical and petroleum products and odors, moving mechanical parts; weather elements and conditions; and high pressure compressed air. The employee may be frequently exposed to heat from equipment; small enclosed spaces. The employee is occasionally exposed to live mechanical systems and/or high voltage electrical systems while performing tests.
• Work safely in many different work environments to include but not limited to a locomotive repair shop, outside in all weather conditions, and in confined spaces on and around locomotives.