Diesel Mechanic

Pinsly Railroad Company; Hondo (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinsly Railroad Company is seeking a Diesel Mechanic to inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel-powered equipment and locomotives. The role combines fleet maintenance for trucks, trailers, and other vehicles with locomotive diesel maintenance, requiring strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and precise documentation.

The position emphasizes safety compliance with DOT/FMCSA and FRA regulations, and includes potential night or emergency coverage as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Diesel mechanic certification or equivalent training preferred.
• Experience with DOT/FMCSA/FRA compliance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on diesel engines, trucks, trailers, and related equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and braking system issues using diagnostic tools.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Inspect and service locomotive diesel systems and assist with FRA inspections as qualified.

Skills

Diesel engines

Electrical diagnostics

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Diesel mechanic certification

ASE certification preferred

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Testing equipment

Hand & power tools

Welding equipment

Shop equipment

Job description

Normal Work Schedule

Hours of Work: 7 am - 3 pm Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Work hours and days are established based on operational needs and management direction and may include nights, weekends, holidays, and after-hours or emergency coverage. The schedule is subject to change as business requirements dictate.

Position Summary

The Diesel Mechanic is responsible for the inspection, diagnosis, preventive maintenance, repair, and safe operation of company diesel-powered equipment. Approximately 50% of the position is dedicated to traditional fleet and diesel mechanic responsibilities supporting trucks, trailers, and other company vehicles and equipment. Approximately 50% of the position is dedicated to locomotive diesel maintenance and repair. The position requires strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, accurate maintenance documentation, and compliance with company safety requirements and applicable U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

Fleet & Diesel Equipment Responsibilities - Primary (Approximately 50%)

• Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs on diesel engines, trucks, trailers, and other company vehicles and diesel-powered equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, fuel, exhaust, cooling, steering, suspension, and braking system issues using appropriate diagnostic tools and testing equipment.
• Repair or replace components including fuel injectors, pumps, belts, hoses, batteries, starters, alternators, cooling system components, exhaust components, brakes, and related parts.
• Perform computerized diagnostic testing to identify faults, confirm repairs, and verify proper engine and vehicle performance.
• Inspect, repair, and maintain commercial motor vehicles in accordance with applicable DOT/FMCSA requirements, including applicable inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements under 49 CFR Part 396.
• Review reported vehicle defects and complete or document corrective repairs before equipment is returned to service when required.
• Maintain accurate inspection, repair, preventive maintenance, parts, and service records in accordance with company procedures and applicable DOT/FMCSA recordkeeping requirements.
• Conduct operational checks and, when authorized, road test vehicles and equipment to verify repairs and safe operating condition.
• Identify unsafe equipment conditions, remove or recommend removal of equipment from service when appropriate, and promptly communicate safety‑critical defects to management.
• Support fleet preventive maintenance schedules and help ensure inspections and required maintenance are completed within established intervals.

Locomotive Diesel Responsibilities - Secondary (Approximately 50%)

• Perform locomotive diesel engine diagnostics, preventive maintenance, servicing, troubleshooting, and repairs on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and related locomotive systems.
• Assist with and, when properly designated or qualified, perform required locomotive inspections and tests in accordance with applicable FRA requirements, including 49 CFR Part 229 and company procedures.
• Support daily, periodic, and annual locomotive inspections, tests, and maintenance activities within the employee's training, qualification, and authorization.
• Inspect locomotive components for defects or non-complying conditions and complete or assist with required repairs before the locomotive is returned to service, as applicable.
• Diagnose malfunctions involving locomotive diesel engines, air systems, trucks, electrical systems, cooling systems, fuel systems, and other locomotive components.
• Perform emergency and unscheduled locomotive repairs as operational needs require.
• Repair, replace, adjust, and service locomotive and diesel engine components as needed.
• Perform routine locomotive servicing, including sanding, watering, lubricating, and adding oils and other fluids as required.
• Complete and maintain required FRA inspection, repair, testing, and maintenance documentation accurately and timely.
• Follow applicable FRA requirements and company mechanical procedures governing locomotive inspection, maintenance, testing, recordkeeping, and return to service.

General Responsibilities

• Operate electrical and gas welding equipment and acetylene torches for cutting, shaping, repair, and fabrication when trained and authorized.
• Follow company safety rules, lockout/tagout procedures, environmental requirements, and required personal protective equipment practices.
• Properly handle, store, and dispose of used oil, filters, fuel, batteries, fluids, and other regulated or hazardous materials in accordance with company procedures and applicable environmental requirements.
• Maintain tools, equipment, shop areas, and work locations in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Communicate equipment status, required repairs, parts needs, and safety concerns to appropriate management and operations personnel.
• Stay current on diesel technology, diagnostic systems, regulatory requirements, and repair techniques through company-provided and independent training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of diesel engines, vehicle systems, electrical systems, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and repair practices.
• Proficiency with computerized diagnostic tools, electronic testing equipment, hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret service manuals, schematics, maintenance instructions, inspection criteria, technical information, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Working knowledge of DOT/FMCSA commercial motor vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements applicable to assigned duties.
• Working knowledge of locomotive mechanical systems, inspection requirements, preventive maintenance, repair practices, and applicable FRA requirements.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize repairs, and respond effectively to changing operational needs.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem‑solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely inspection, repair, maintenance, and regulatory records.
• Commitment to quality workmanship, regulatory compliance, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical‑school education, diesel mechanic certification, or related formal training preferred.
• Demonstrated experience as a Diesel Mechanic, Fleet Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, or in a similar role.
• Experience maintaining commercial motor vehicles and working within a DOT/FMCSA-regulated fleet preferred.
• Prior locomotive maintenance, railroad mechanical, or FRA-regulated equipment experience preferred.
• ASE certification or equivalent diesel/heavy-equipment training preferred.
• Experience with air brake systems, electrical troubleshooting, welding, fabrication, and machining preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required.
• Ability to meet applicable DOT/FMCSA inspector or brake inspector qualification requirements when assigned work requiring those qualifications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain company‑required FRA mechanical qualifications or designations for assigned locomotive inspection and maintenance duties.
• Must comply with applicable company, DOT, and FRA drug and alcohol testing requirements based on assigned safety‑sensitive duties.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in shop, yard, roadway, trackside, and outdoor environments and may involve extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, dust, grease, fuel, exhaust, noise, moving equipment, and other industrial conditions.
• May be required to work a variable schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency equipment repairs based on operational needs.
• Required personal protective equipment must be worn as applicable.
• Work may require travel to company locations, vendors, or equipment locations as operational needs dictate.

Functional Requirements

General Physical Demands

• Ability to safely work in and around active vehicle, shop, yard, railroad, and mechanical operations and maintain situational awareness.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and navigate shops, yards, ballast, uneven terrain, tracks, and other operating areas.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and position tools, parts, equipment, and materials required to perform mechanical work.

Mobility and Movement

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and safely mount and dismount vehicles, locomotives, and railroad equipment as job duties require.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, work overhead, and maintain balance while inspecting, servicing, and repairing equipment.
• Ability to work beneath, around, and within vehicles and locomotives in positions necessary to perform inspections and repairs.

Vision, Hearing, and Communication

• Ability to visually inspect equipment and components, read gauges and diagnostic displays, identify defects and hazards, and distinguish operating conditions.
• Ability to hear alarms, warning signals, equipment sounds, and verbal instructions in shop, yard, roadway, and railroad environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by radio, telephone, and electronically in office, field, and noisy operating environments.

Endurance and Safety

• Ability to perform physically demanding mechanical work for extended periods and respond to equipment issues and emergencies, including outside normal business hours.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with all company safety rules and applicable DOT, FMCSA, FRA, and environmental requirements.

Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.