Locomotive Mechanic

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Marshalltown (IA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with up to 6% company match

Medical/Dental/Vision and Life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company in Marshalltown, IA, is seeking a Locomotive Mechanic to inspect, repair, and maintain historic locomotives. The role includes ensuring compliance with safety regulations and performing emergency repairs.

Candidates should have a high school diploma and 2–5+ years of experience as a mechanic. Benefits offered include competitive salary, 401(k) plan, medical insurance, and more.

Qualifications

• Previous locomotive mechanic experience required.
• Must demonstrate ability to read and comprehend complex instructions.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing effectively.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspection, repair, and maintenance of diesel/electric locomotives.
• Diagnose malfunctions and perform emergency repairs.
• Maintain written and computer records for maintenance and repairs.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Mechanical aptitude

Knowledge of locomotive diesel engine components

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

2–5+ years of experience in mechanical work

Tools

Forklift

Precision instruments

Job description

Job Purpose

Performs the duties of locomotive mechanic involved in inspecting, repairing, fabricating, and maintaining historic diesel/electric locomotives to meet and exceed FRA regulations and CVSR expectations for a positive, safe and reliable customer experience while maintaining a clean and respectable fleet appearance.

Starting wage is $24 per hour, flexible with experience.

Key Job Elements

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Comply with the guidelines set forth by the FRA on Personal Blue Signal Protection of workers.
• Inspect equipment components for compliance with FRA, Association of American Railroads (AAR), APTA (American Public Transportation Association) and CVSR standards.
• Diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, trucks or other components to determine nature of problem and needed repair or replacement.
• Perform emergency repairs to locomotives.
• Replace locomotive and diesel engine components including but not limited to wheels or trucks, traction motors, springs, couplers, draft gear assembly, gear cases, cylinder heads, air compressors, and turbo chargers.
• Perform daily service of locomotive units: fuel, water, lubricate and oil; wipe down and clean unit/windows; check supplies and drinking water.
• Perform periodic and annual inspections and understand FRA regulations pertaining to inspections.
• Maintain written and computer records for maintenance and repairs as required.
• Properly utilize equipment and tools consistently, accurately and safely: roll-overs, torque wrench, pipe threaders, tubing benders, cutting torches, electric and air operated hand tools, forklifts, overhead cranes, other mechanical equipment.
• Work with little or no supervision consistently, accurately, and safely.
• Follow written/scope of work instructions and QWI’s consistently, accurately, and safely.
• Read schematics and blueprints and make needed repairs.
• Keep work area clean and organized.
• Complete and document jobs in a timely manner per requirements (QWIs, Travelers).
• Read and interpret blueprints.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures, utilize all PPE.

Advanced Duties and Responsibilities

• Align rotating equipment.
• Identify systems and conduct air tests.
• Utilize precision instruments and tooling.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

Education & Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous locomotive mechanic experience required.
• 2–5+ years of experience as a locomotive, diesel, automotive or aircraft mechanic; technical certifications a plus.

Qualifications and Experience

• Forklift and/or crane experience.
• Problem‑solving skills to properly assess and compensate for variations due to incoming part quality, process variations, engineering changes and part shortages.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of locomotive diesel engine components.
• Must demonstrate ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, technical correspondence, and memos.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate verbally or in writing.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and group situations to customers and employees of the organization.

Essential and Physical Activities Functions

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs, push and pull up to 50 lb.
• Constant walking, frequent and sustained bending, crouching, stopping, kneeing, squatting and overhead reaching, climbing ladders.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms.
• Works on varied surfaces, concrete floors, gravel, rail car and locomotive floors; at varied heights from floor level to tops of locomotives; in confined spaces; in a non‑temperature controlled environment with high noise and high dust levels.
• Comfortable working alone, given the noise, dust and personal protective equipment required.
• Must abide by all safety protocols, health/medical screenings and utilize all required PPE, including metatarsal boots, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, aprons, ear protection, etc.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability insurance
• Supplemental accident, critical care, and hospital insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Paid time‑off (PTO)
• Employee assistance plan
• Education assistance program
• Employee recognition programs
• Site‑specific production and incentive plans
• Site‑specific step and skill level wage adjustment plans
• Site‑specific relocation and sign‑on bonus programs
• Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full‑time/part‑time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
• EEO Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Category: Production ‑ Hourly

Facility: EMD Marshalltown, IA - 405