Locomotive Mechanic - Minden, LA

Louisiana Southern RR LLC; Minden (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco is hiring a Locomotive Mechanic in Minden, LA. You will inspect, repair, and maintain locomotives in accordance with company policies and FRA regulations, performing mechanical maintenance as required.

The role requires passing FRA-related tests and obtaining certifications; a valid driver's license and potential Class B CDL are needed. Opportunities for growth within the Watco network are offered.

Qualifications

• Must pass required FRA-related testing and certifications.
• Valid driver's license; Class B CDL preferred.
• Be eligible to become a FRA Service Engineer.
• Three-year Railroad Apprenticeship may be required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair, and maintain locomotives per FRA regulations.
• Dismantle devices using hoists, cranes, and tools to replace parts.
• Record maintenance and FRA reports as needed.
• Perform emergency repairs and re-railing of rolling stock.
• Inspect wheels and safety equipment; check for leaks and defects.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Class B CDL

FRA regulations knowledge

Railroad apprenticeship

Mechanical maintenance

Tools

Welders

Torches

Hand tools

Forklifts

Cranes

Job description

Career Opportunities: Locomotive Mechanic - Minden, LA (34049)

Requisition ID34049-Posted10/21/2026-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 . Here's what you can expect from Watco:

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

Job Summary

The Locomotive Mechanic inspects, repairs, and maintains locomotives consistent with company policies and FRA regulations, and perform mechanical related maintenance as required.

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