Locomotive Electrician - Dixie Railcar

Compass Rail Services LLC; Hamlet (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Life insurance

Vision benefits

401K on Day 1

Vacation and Holidays

Job summary

Compass Rail Services LLC is seeking a skilled Locomotive Electrician to inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain diesel-electric locomotives in an industrial setting. The role requires independent work and adherence to FRA, AAR, and company standards, with a focus on electrical systems and safety.

The ideal candidate has strong diagnostic skills, experience with heavy equipment or locomotive systems, and the ability to operate in outdoor rail environments.

Qualifications

• Industrial, heavy-equipment, or locomotive electrical experience required.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Strong understanding of AC/DC circuits, control circuits, relays, and high-voltage systems.
• Experience with diesel-electric locomotive systems preferred (training available).
• Ability to work outdoors in industrial environments including heights and weather.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver's license; ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug testing (DOT/FRA as applicable).

Responsibilities

• Conduct FRA-required electrical inspections and document findings accurately.
• Diagnose and repair electrical issues including shorts, open circuits, relays, sensors, switches, and wiring.
• Maintain and troubleshoot diesel-electric propulsion systems, including traction motors, alternators, control circuits, and excitation systems.
• Inspect, test, and replace wiring harnesses, connectors, breakers, fuses, and electrical assemblies.
• Utilize diagnostic tools such as multimeters, meggers, and laptop-based locomotive software.
• Maintain and service battery systems, charging circuits, and battery boxes.
• Support mechanical teams during locomotive rebuilds and reliability improvements.
• Complete all work in compliance with FRA, AAR, OSHA, and Compass Rail/Dixie Rail safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records in maintenance systems and ensure repairs meet quality expectations.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Schematic reading

AC/DC circuits

Diesel-electric locomotives

Independent work

High voltage systems

Tools

Multimeter

Megger

Locomotive software

Job description

About Us

Compass Rail and Dixie Railcar Services provide full‑service railcar maintenance, repair, and fleet support for customers across the US. We operate in a fast‑paced, safety‑driven environment where reliability, craftsmanship, and accountability are essential. Our teams support daily rail operations, ensuring equipment is compliant, dependable, and ready for service.

Position Summary

The Locomotive Electrician performs inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance on diesel‑electric locomotives. This role ensures all electrical systems meet FRA, AAR, and company standards. The ideal candidate has strong electrical diagnostic skills, experience with heavy equipment or locomotive systems, and the ability to work independently in an industrial rail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct FRA‑required electrical inspections and document findings accurately.
• Diagnose and repair electrical issues including shorts, open circuits, faulty relays, sensors, switches, and wiring.
• Maintain and troubleshoot diesel‑electric propulsion systems, including traction motors, alternators, control circuits, and excitation systems.
• Inspect, test, and replace wiring harnesses, connectors, breakers, fuses, and electrical assemblies.
• Utilize diagnostic tools such as multimeters, meggers, and laptop‑based locomotive software.
• Maintain and service battery systems, charging circuits, and battery boxes.
• Support mechanical teams during locomotive rebuilds, component change‑outs, and reliability improvements.
• Complete all work in compliance with FRA, AAR, OSHA, and Compass Rail/Dixie Rail safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records in company maintenance systems and ensure all repairs meet internal quality expectations.

Qualifications

• Industrial, heavy‑equipment, or locomotive electrical experience required.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Strong understanding of AC/DC circuits, control circuits, relays, and high‑voltage systems.
• Experience with diesel‑electric locomotive systems preferred (but training available for strong industrial electricians).
• Ability to work in outdoor, industrial environments including heights, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver's license; ability to pass pre‑employment background check and drug testing (DOT/FRA as applicable).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50+ lbs.
• Frequent climbing, bending, kneeling, and walking on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work around moving equipment and high‑voltage systems safely.

Why Join Us?

• Health, Dental, Life, and Vision Benefits
• Vacation and Holiday Pay
• 401K on Day 1
• Travel reimbursements and more!