Locomotive Mechanic

Cando Rail; Blaine (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Locomotive Mechanic position at Cando Rail focuses on inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and servicing diesel‑electric locomotives and related equipment to keep them safe, reliable, and compliant with regulations. Based in Blaine, WA, travel may be required to support fleet needs.

You will diagnose mechanical and electrical issues, perform preventive maintenance, document work orders, and contribute to continuous improvement in locomotive availability and safety.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of locomotive maintenance experience, including electrical.
• Ability to weld and use a cutting torch to repair or modify locomotive equipment.
• Familiarity with periodic inspection requirements and procedures.
• Ability to interpret oil sample analysis.
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing EMD locomotives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of locomotive maintenance.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot low- and high-voltage AC/DC circuits.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and respond to mechanical or electrical emergencies on a 24/7 on-call basis.
• Commitment to safe work practices, including proper PPE use and adherence to established safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Travel periodically as required.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and inspections on locomotives.
• Diagnose and repair locomotive mechanical, electrical, and air brake systems.
• Use diagnostic equipment and manufacturer service information to identify problems.
• Complete work orders, inspection reports, and parts documentation accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Communicate equipment condition and repairs to supervisors and maintenance staff.
• Support continuous improvement efforts for locomotive reliability, safety, maintenance costs, and availability.
• Follow all safety policies and applicable regulations.

Skills

Locomotive maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting

Welding & cutting

Read electrical schematics

AC/DC circuit knowledge

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Teamwork

24/7 on-call

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Diagnostic meters

Welding equipment

Cutting torch

Job description

The Locomotive Mechanic is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and servicing of diesel-electric locomotives and related mechanical equipment. This position ensures locomotives are maintained in a safe, reliable, and operational condition while meeting company, customer, regulatory, and environmental requirements.

The Locomotive Mechanic will diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and locomotive control-system problems and perform preventive and corrective maintenance as required.

Success in this position will be measured by safety performance, quality of repairs, locomotive availability, preventive maintenance completion, troubleshooting effectiveness, documentation accuracy, response time, and overall equipment reliability.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Position will require travel periodically.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and inspections on locomotives.
• Diagnose and repair locomotive mechanical, electrical, and air brake systems.
• Use diagnostic equipment, meters, gauges, and manufacturer service information to identify problems.
• Complete work orders, inspection reports, and parts documentation accurately and timely.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Communicate equipment condition and outstanding repairs to supervisors and other maintenance personnel.
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on locomotive reliability, safety, maintenance cost, and equipment availability.
• Follow all company safety policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Knowledge and skills

• At least 5 years of locomotive mechanic experience, including electrical
• Ability to weld and use a cutting torch to repair or modify locomotive equipment.
• Familiarity with periodic inspection requirements and procedures.
• Ability to interpret oil sample analysis
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing EMD locomotives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of locomotive maintenance.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot low- and high-voltage AC/DC circuits.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and respond to mechanical or electrical emergencies on a 24/7 on-call
• Commitment to safe work practices, including proper PPE use and adherence to established safety procedures.

Education & Experience

• Minimum five (5) years' experience in locomotive maintenance, heavy diesel equipment maintenance, or railway mechanical operations.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance team.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.

Note: This description is not intended to limit the assignment of work or be construed as a complete list of the many duties to be performed by the incumbent. The qualifications are provided so interested candidates understand of the level of expertise required in this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.