Locomotive Mechanic — Hands-On Rail Equipment Tech

Watco; Merryville (LA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco is seeking a skilled Locomotive Mechanic to inspect, maintain, repair locomotives and rail equipment, and ensure safe, reliable operation across our network. You will perform inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs, documenting findings as required.

Work schedule is Mon–Fri, 7am–3pm with competitive pay and benefits. You must follow FRA regulations and Watco safety standards, demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, safety focus, and teamwork in a

Qualifications

• Pass required certifications for motors, generators, and transformers.
• 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.

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

Skills

Customer service

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Reading gauges

Education

High School or GED

Tools

Gauges and testing equipment

Welding equipment

Hoists and cranes

Hand tools and power tools

Job description

Watco is seeking a skilled Locomotive Mechanic to inspect, maintain, repair locomotives and rail equipment, and ensure safe, reliable operation across our network. You will perform inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs, documenting findings as required.

Work schedule is Mon–Fri, 7am–3pm with competitive pay and benefits. You must follow FRA regulations and Watco safety standards, demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, safety focus, and teamwork in a