Locomotive Mechanic - Belle, WV

Kanawha River RR, LLC; Belle (WV); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid on-the-job training

Watco University programs

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Watco in Belle, WV is hiring a Locomotive Mechanic. Starting pay is $24.00 per hour, depending on experience, with paid on-the-job training and access to Watco University programs.

You will support maintenance of locomotives, check air systems, inspect wheels, and perform emergency repairs to keep trains moving safely. Candidates must meet FRA-related certification requirements, have a valid driver's license (CDL preferred), and be willing to complete a railroad apprenticeship if required.

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass and obtain all required FRA-related tests/certifications.
• Valid driver’s license needed; CDL preferred.
• Ability to become a FRA-qualified Service Engineer.
• Willingness to complete a Railroad Apprenticeship if required.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service consistent with company expectations.
• Use gauges and testing equipment correctly.
• Complete FRA reports for locomotive maintenance tasks.
• Perform inspections and maintenance on locomotives and safety devices.
• Dismantle and repair components using hand and power tools.
• Record hour meter readings and schedule preventive maintenance.
• Inspect air, fuel, oil, water systems and components on locomotives.
• Perform wheel inspections, bearing checks, and brake tests.
• Carry out emergency repairs and re-railing as needed.

Skills

FRA regulations knowledge

Valid driver’s license

Class B CDL

Service Engineer qualification per FRA

Railroad Apprenticeship willingness

Education

Railroad Apprenticeship program

Job description

Career Opportunities: Locomotive Mechanic - Belle, WV (33883)

Requisition ID33883-Posted09/10/2026-Mechanical - Railroad

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco .

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation andbenefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco'sSafe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

Starting Pay: $24.00 per hour, depending on experience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a level of customer service consistent with company expectations
• Obtain working knowledge and proper use of gauges and testing equipment
• Complete written documents for any necessary FRA reports pertaining to mechanist job duties
• Able to become qualified service engineer certificate related to FRA inspections and regulations
• Interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Observe mechanical devices in operation to identify issues
• Dismantle devices using hoists, cranes, hand tools, and power tools to remove, repair or replace defective parts
• Record hour meter readings for inspections and preventative maintenance repair
• Check locomotives for air-fuel, oil, water, exhaust leaks, etc. clean as needed
• Inspect safety equipment, securing bolts and pins as required
• Clean and lube screens, strainers and traps
• Check locomotives for defects, damage, leaks, etc, in accordance with company standards
• Perform main bearing checks and air brake tests according to specifications
• Perform emergency repairs and re-railing of railroad rolling stock
• Inspect wheels according to wheel inspection report
• Basic knowledge of welders, torches, hammers, jacks, pneumatic, hand tools, forklifts and cranes

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass and or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications required for this position, such as troubleshooting and repair of motors, generators, and transformers
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by company insurance provider
• Have or be able to obtain Class B CDL
• Have the ability to become a qualified Service Engineer according to FRA regulations
• Able to complete a three-year Railroad Apprenticeship, if required