Locomotive Operator - Coatesville, PA

SMS; Coatesville (Chester County); On-site; USD 30,060 - 42,814; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive compensation package

Opportunities for growth

Dynamic team environment

Job summary

SMS Mill Services, LLC in Coatesville is hiring a Locomotive Operator to support rail operations. The position requires safely operating locomotives and rail equipment within a steel mill environment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and coordinating with team members.

Ideal candidates should have high school diplomas and preferably prior experience. SMS offers competitive pay of $26.45/hour along with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Previous locomotive, rail switching, track mobile, or railroad experience preferred.
• Experience in steel mill or industrial environments preferred.
• Ability to read and understand railroad operating rules.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate locomotives and rail equipment.
• Coordinate rail movements with crane operators and supervisors.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of locomotives and railcars.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Mechanical aptitude

Ability to work independently

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

SMS Mill Services, LLC is a leader in the steel mill services industry prioritizing recycling and environmental/worker safety and handling all operations with integrity. We partner with our customers to design custom, cost-effective solutions, which focus on adding value and achieving goals for the operation and the environment. Our range of services includes, but is not limited to scrap yard management, finished or semi‑finished product services, melt shop services, logistics/transportation support, and slag processing.

Position

SMS is seeking a highly skilled, results‑driven and hands‑on Locomotive Operator to support scrap handling and rail operations on Cleveland‑Cliffs property. The successful candidate will safely operate locomotives and rail equipment to move scrap railcars, position cars for loading and unloading, and support daily steel mill operations in a heavy industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate locomotives, track mobiles, and other rail equipment within the facility
• Move, spot, classify, and assemble railcars containing scrap metal and related materials
• Coordinate rail movements with crane operators, heavy equipment operators, supervisors, and customer personnel
• Conduct pre‑shift inspections of locomotives, railcars, switches, tracks, and safety devices
• Perform coupling and uncoupling of railcars
• Inspect railcars for defects and ensure compliance with operating procedures
• Complete required paperwork, inspections, and operational reports
• Follow all company, customer, FRA, OSHA, and site‑specific safety regulations
• Maintain radio communication and situational awareness during rail operations
• Assist with general yard, scrap, and operational duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Previous locomotive, rail switching, track mobile, or railroad experience preferred
• Experience in steel mill, scrap recycling, heavy industrial, or manufacturing environments preferred
• Ability to read and understand railroad operating rules and safety procedures
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Mechanical aptitude and equipment inspection experience preferred

Safety

• Adhere to all local, state, OSHA, environmental and site‑specific regulations. Perform and document daily safety checks, follow all safety rules, wear PPE, provide a safe environment for all employees and visitors

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces and work around rail equipment
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to safely mount and dismount locomotives and railcars

Work Environment

• Heavy industrial steel mill environment
• Exposure to noise, dust, vibration, moving equipment, and varying weather conditions
• Rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, and holiday work may be required

What We Can Offer

• $26.45/hour
• A comprehensive compensation package including bonuses and benefits
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high‑performing team
• Opportunities to grow and learn with the industry

Schedule

• Rotating Shift

SMS Mill Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SMS Mill Services, LLC makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.