Mechanic- Diesel Engines - Los Angeles, CA

Union Pacific Railroad; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 57,859; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Educational assistance

Job summary

Union Pacific Railroad is seeking an experienced mechanic to join our Mechanical team in maintaining a large fleet of diesel locomotives. This role focuses on safe, efficient servicing, inspection, and repair of locomotives to support North American transportation of goods.

You will diagnose malfunctions, read schematics, and perform tasks with a team that respects safety standards and federal regulations. Applicants should be able to lift, operate heavy equipment, and relocate as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• 4+ years mechanical experience or journeyman card.
• Ability to read and interpret instructions, diagrams, and safety rules.
• Willingness to relocate and work at designated locations.
• Assessment in English required before interview.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment and hand tools, measure instruments, and material handling equipment.
• Communicate technical information and job procedures to others.
• Read diagrams, schematics, graphs, and input data into a computer.
• Ensure equipment and materials are available and ready for use.
• Maintain positive working relationships and comply with safety and FRA regulations.
• Diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines and related systems; repair/rebuild components.
• Inspect and service locomotives and related systems; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanic experience

Reading schematics

Safety compliance

Verbal & written communication

Relocation willingness

Education

4+ years mechanical experience

Journeyman mechanical card

ASE diesel mechanic certification (preferred)

Tools

ASE certification

Job description

Jul 18, 2026

Reference Number: 4424

Department: Mechanical

Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.

Rate of Pay: $41.07/hr.

Most communications will be done electronically. Please check email, including spam folders, daily.

If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.

Description

Are you an experienced mechanic or looking to start your career in the field? Union Pacific is offering exciting opportunities and fresh challenges to work on our extensive diesel locomotive fleet. As a valued member of our innovative team, your primary objective will be to guarantee the safe and efficient servicing of our locomotives, while adhering to both company and federal standards. By doing so, you will contribute to the seamless transportation of goods to our customers across North America. We are powered by our people, will you join our team?

Accountabilities

• Efficiently operate equipment including measuring instruments, precision machines, hand tools, and material handling equipment, i.e. forklifts, cranes and overhead hoists
• Communicate technical information, job briefing information, job procedure recommendations and other work-related information with others verbally, through writing, telephone, radio, and intercom
• Read and interpret information from diagrams, schematics, graphs and charts, and input into a computer as needed
• Ensure all equipment or materials are available and ready for use as needed
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors and/or customers and efficiently handle controversy
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines, air brake systems, fuel systems, and other issues related to the locomotive mechanical system
• Repair, replace or rebuild our locomotives and diesel engine components as needed
• Inspect and service diesel locomotives fleet within compliance of company, federal, and industry standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications - Required

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with colleagues and supervisors
• Possess at least 4 years of education or work experience as a mechanic repairing trucks, ships, farm equipment, airplanes, trains, automobiles, or diesels; alternatively, hold a current journeyman's mechanical card
• Experience in conducting quick and accurate visual inspections at varying distances
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, including operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents
• Willingness to relocate and work at designated locations
• Commitment to practicing safe work habits
• To be considered for this position, candidates are required to successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage. For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Holds a valid certification and/or license as a diesel mechanic from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• Successfully completed a formal auto/diesel engine training program, which could include training provided by a community college, trade/vocational school, or military.
• Possesses an Associate's degree in a mechanical-related field.
• Demonstrates experience as a mechanic in diverse fields such as military, aviation, nuclear, or marine.
• Proficient in welding or possesses a welding certificate, acquired through professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
• Exhibits a track record of working outdoors in various weather conditions, gained from professional, personal, or volunteer experiences.
• Has prior experience working in environments that require the use of personal protective equipment like safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• Familiar with working with, on, and around moving heavy equipment, with a range of experience obtained from professional, personal, or volunteer engagements.
• Displays a willingness to work in confined and/or small spaces.
• Shows availability to work different shifts, including overtime, holidays, and weekends.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

• To be considered for employment, candidates must successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT), which is distinct from the medical exam. For more detailed information, please refer to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
• Endurance: Ability to remain standing or sitting for more than one-half of each workday, with the opportunity to change positions periodically for comfort.
• Sensory Perception: Capable of detecting unusual sounds and smells during inspections and testing.
• Color Vision: Must have normal color vision.
• Lifting and Physical Strength: Able to occasionally bend, stoop, and kneel, as well as lift and carry objects weighing up to 65 lbs.
• Coordination: Capable of making frequent coordinated hand movements to grasp, place, or move objects. Also, should be able to walk safely and maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
• Visual and Auditory Perception: Able to detect and interpret various visual color signals and displays, identify the speed of moving objects at different distances (near or far), and respond quickly to sounds.
• Overhead Work: Occasional ability to perform overhead work for short periods of time.

Work Conditions

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
• Apply exclusively to locations where you are willing and able to reside and perform your job duties.
• Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining safe work practices.
• Perform tasks at elevated heights reaching 18 feet or higher.
• Consent to wearing necessary personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection, as mandated by the company.

Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.

What we offer

• A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
• Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs