Locomotive Mechanic Electrician

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Marshalltown (IA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Job summary

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company in Marshalltown, IA is seeking a skilled locomotive electrician to inspect, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance on mechanical and electrical locomotive systems. You will install components, read schematics, and ensure compliance with FRA and company standards.

The role demands hands-on work on diesel engines, traction motors, air brake systems, and related equipment, with safety as a priority.

Qualifications

• Skill Level I: 0-2 years as electrician, locomotive preferred. If no electrical background must have locomotive, diesel, automotive or aircraft mechanic experience or training.
• Skill Level II: 2-5 years of experience as electrician; locomotive required.
• Skill Level III: 5 years of experience as locomotive electrician.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and repair locomotive mechanical and electrical systems to meet FRA, company and customer specifications.
• Diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, trucks and related components.
• Perform inspections, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance; install and repair locomotive components as required.
• Complete inspection and repair reports per FRA specifications and guidelines; perform emergency repairs when needed.
• Follow safety rules and read manuals, schematics and service bulletins to ensure proper operation.

Education

Skill Level I

Skill Level II

Skill Level III

Job description

Job Purpose

Responsible for the efficient inspection, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems / equipment and electrical systems / equipment such as diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels / truck repair, air brake, wiring/lighting systems and other mechanical / electrical components to ensure conformance with FRA, company, and customer specifications. This is accomplished by performing the following duties or ability to be trained to perform.

Req ID

12268BR

City

Marshalltown

State:

Iowa

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting‑edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

Duties and responsibilities

• Specific site‑based duties and responsibilities may apply, consult with local team;
• 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;
• Perform required inspections, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance to ensure that locomotive mechanical and electrical systems conform to specifications and operate properly within design limits and intent;
• Diagnoses malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, trucks or other components to determine nature of problem and needed repair or replacement;
• Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines;
• Perform emergency repairs to locomotives;
• Replaces 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;
• Following general safety rules, perform diagnostics, installation and repair of locomotive components to ensure proper operation and compliance with required federal and company specifications;
• Able to, or able to learn to read with accuracy diesel engine manuals, locomotive schematics, service bulletins, maintenance instructions and other craft related documentation for an EMD locomotive;
• Tests, installs and repairs system components including but not limited to: pumps, radiators, power assemblies, compressors, air brake repair / change, brushes replacement, commutator repair, panel lighting, circuit breakers, regulator repair / change to ensure all function and equipment conform to required specifications for an EMD unit;
• Regularly examines and verifies flow / pressure measurements, installation and alignment of rotating equipment, control points, relays and wiring and adjusts or replaces defective parts as needed;
• Operational qualification of mechanical and electrical control systems to verify conformance to specifications on EMD locomotives using a variety of test equipment and procedures i.e.: gages, dial indicators, manometers, meters, insulation break‑down test devices, specialized tooling and live system measurements;
• Able to read and understand FRA and company rules, specifications and guidelines. Able to legibly document items of non‑compliance;
• Analyzes and able to correct faults related to inspection, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive equipment;
• Assists in all other repairs and maintenance as required by supervision;
• May rewind armatures;
• May be designated according to specialty as Accessories Repairer; Electrician, Control Equipment; Wirer, Passenger Car;
• 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;

Advanced duties and responsibilities

• Ability to test all locomotive components based on FRA Standards to ensure proper operation;
• Utilize precision instruments, tooling and computers;
• Ability to train others;

Education / Training

• Specific site qualifications and progression may apply, consult with local team;
• Skill Level I – 0-2 years of experience as an electrician, Locomotive preferred. If no electrical background must have locomotive, diesel, automotive or aircraft mechanic experience or training;
• Skill Level II – 2-5 years of experience as electrician, locomotive required. Locomotive technical Certifications can substitute for experience;
• Skill Level III – 5 years of experience as locomotive electrician

Qualifications And Experience

Preferred Skills

• Certified Electrician;
• Locomotive or Aircraft Experience preferred;
• Knowledge of locomotive components;
• Knowledge of Locomotive diesel engine components

Essential and Physical Activities Functions:

• Strength – Position requires lifting of 50lbs. Requires stamina and strength to work in tight and confined spaces while repairing locomotive or locomotive components;
• Motion – Position requires standing majority of the day. Frequent walking, squatting, kneeling and climbing of steps and stairs;
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Position is exposed to high levels of noise and vibration from using tools. Position is exposed to cutting torches and welding operations.
• Work Environment – Position can be located inside or outside, dependent on situation. When inside, the employees are subject to temperature extremes in non-temperature-controlled environments. When outside employees are subject to all weather elements. In both cases employees will work with oils and other lubricants;
• Emotional Demands – Employee is expected to work and cooperate as part of team in order to meet production requirements;
• Safety – Position is safety sensitive as it requires working in and around live tracks and operation and repair of heavy equipment. Position requires strict adherence to safety policies (i.e blue flag) and use of all PPE;

Starting wages $24-26/hour dependent on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• 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.
• Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines. EEO Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Job Category

Production - Hourly

PRS Facility Location

EMD Marshalltown, IA - 405