Position Summary
Composite Mechanic performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components. Ensures work activities are in conformance with Federal Railroad Association (FRA), company, and customer specifications.
Essential Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation, and the Federal Railroad Association (FRA).
- Under direction of immediate supervisor, perform required inspections, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance: ensure locomotive mechanical, electrical and air systems conform to specifications and operate properly within design limits and intentions.
- Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines.
- Following general safety rules, perform diagnostics, installation, and repair of locomotive components to ensure proper operation and compliance with required federal and company specifications.
- Accurately read, comprehend, interpret, and comply with diesel engine manuals, locomotive schematics, service bulletins, maintenance instructions and other craft related documentation for locomotives.
- Test, install and repair system components including, but not limited to: pumps, radiators, power assemblies, compressors, air brake repair and change, brushes replacement, commutator repair, panel lighting, circuit breakers, regulator repair and change; ensure all function and equipment conform to required specifications for a locomotive.
- Regularly examine and verify: flow and pressure measurements, installation and alignment of rotating equipment, control points, relays, and wiring; adjust or replace defective parts as needed.
- Conduct operational qualification of mechanical, electrical and air control systems; verify conformance to specifications on locomotives using a variety of test equipment and procedures i.e.: gages, dial indicators, manometers, meters, insulation breakdown test devices, specialized tooling, and live system measurements.
- Read and adhere to FRA and company rules, specifications, and guidelines; legibly document items of non‑compliance.
- Analyze and correct faults related to inspection, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and installation of locomotive equipment.
- Perform maintenance and repairs to company vehicles as required.
- Perform CDL work to meet qualifications of the FMCSA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart B: Qualification and Disqualification of Drivers and other regulations as applicable.
Other Duties
- Assist in all other repairs and maintenance as required.
- Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries.
- Wear required protective equipment such as hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses.
- Maintain DOT qualifications.
- Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- High School Diploma/GED.
- 1-3 years of experience in the mechanical or electrical field, and/or diesel engines.
- Operate hand‑tools appropriately.
- Operate power tools including drills, grinders, and air impact wrenches properly for intended use.
- Read, comprehend, and comply with instructions provided in written, oral and schedule form, published rules, procedure and manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operation and maintenance instructions, memos, and other work‑related information.
- Working knowledge of FRA, AAR, OSHA, and EPA rules and regulations specific to locomotives.
- Write legibly to complete reports and other work documents.
- Professional integrity and accountability.
- Work in fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
- Basic computer skills.
Required Certifications and Licenses
- Valid State Driver’s License - CDL (or attain one within 90 days); pass medical certification and Drivers Qualification File, pass DOT Drug & Alcohol testing.
- D15.1 welding qualification.
Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Previous experience in rail transportation, supply chain logistics, manufacturing and/or oil & gas industries.
- 6 months to 3 years of job‑related work experience.
- Knowledge and skills in locomotive or general mechanical, electrical and air repair, and maintenance.
- Read and interpret manuals, blueprints, service publications, wiring diagrams and flow diagrams.
- Operate various testing equipment such as micrometer, dial indicator, gages, insulation test devices, voltmeters, and ohm‑meters.
Preferred Certifications and Licenses
Work Environment
Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including snow, rain, heat, and sub‑freezing temperatures; loud noise, petroleum‑based products, and odors, moving mechanical parts, high pressure compressed air and occasionally live mechanical systems and/or high voltage electrical systems.
Travel
As business requires, to other locations in another state and/or country for several days to assist other OmniTRAX managed companies with repairs and maintenance.
Physical Requirements
Strength: Lifting tools, components and parts up to 35 lb with two hands; knuckle lifting up to 85 lb with two hands; pushing pallet jack and locomotive jacks up to 72.5 lb with two hands, thumb pronated; pushing wheel set up to 75.8 lb; pushing boxcar truck set up to 98.8 lb; pushing ergonomic bow switch push to lock 133.7 lb; pulling wheel brake box car 81.3 lb, pulling ergonomic bow switch unlock 75.1 lb, pulling pin lifter 86 lb, pulling barrel dolly 97.5 lb, pulling pallet jack and locomotive jacks 104.6 lb, pulling boxcar truck set 140.4 lb.
Grip & pinch: hand grip cut metal banding from pallet 19.1 lb; hand grip ground clamp 26.6 lb; hand grip cut large gauge car wire 43.2 lb; hand grip couple air hoses 47 lb.
Upper body: reaching below knee, over shoulder, knee to shoulder; handling both; fingering fine motor manipulation; cervical flexion/extension, rotation; thoracic & lumbar rotation.
Lower body: sitting, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching/squatting, crawling belly.
Occ = Occasional; defined as 1‑33% of a usual and customary workday. Freq = Frequent; defined as 34‑66% of a usual and customary workday. Cons = Constant; defined as 67‑100% of a usual and customary workday. Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.
% of Work Time: auditory and visual acuity 100%; speak and hear clearly 100%; continuously stand or walk on level or uneven ground 60%; bend, crouch, kneel at waist or knees while loading and unloading 30%; lift, push, pull and carry up to 70 lb 10%; exert strength up to 125 lb 75%; exert strength up to 150 lb 50%.