Senior Field Systems Engineer - Locomotive Automation

Railspire; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Railspire is seeking a hands-on locomotive electrical and systems expert who can also troubleshoot Linux-based onboard systems and networks. The role sits between the locomotive and our engineering team, with duties spanning fault tracing, interfacing with onboard computers, and providing field support.

You will work in the field, tracing faults, connecting to onboard Linux devices, and collaborating with maintenance personnel to resolve complex technical issues.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or commissioning diesel-electric locomotives.
• Strong locomotive electrical and control systems experience.
• Experience with older locomotive platforms and legacy electrical systems.
• Working knowledge of Linux and IP networking.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across both hardware and software systems.
• Ability to work independently in field environments.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot locomotive electrical, pneumatic, control, and EAB systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot onboard computing and communications equipment.
• Support Linux-based systems using terminal applications, command-line tools, and SSH.
• Troubleshoot Ethernet, cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, radio, telemetry, sensors, and industrial I/O.
• Support commissioning, validation, testing, and field troubleshooting.
• Collect logs, diagnostics, and field data for engineering analysis.
• Work directly with railroad maintenance personnel and internal engineering teams to resolve complex technical issues.

Skills

Locomotive electrical systems

Linux troubleshooting

IP networking

Troubleshooting hardware/ software

Fieldwork independence

Tools

Embedded systems

Industrial automation

Onboard computing

Job description

About the Company

Railspire is developing technology that enables autonomous locomotive operation, combining advanced software with onboard locomotive systems to control throttle and braking in real-world railroad environments.

About the Role

We are looking for a rare combination: someone with deep hands-on locomotive electrical and systems experience who is also comfortable troubleshooting Linux-based computers, networks, communications equipment, and other modern onboard technology.

This role sits directly between the locomotive and the engineering team building our system. In the field, you may trace a locomotive electrical fault, troubleshoot an electronic air brake interface, connect to an onboard computer through Linux, diagnose a network or communications issue, collect system data, and work directly with engineering to determine what is actually happening.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot locomotive electrical, pneumatic, control, and EAB systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot onboard computing and communications equipment.
• Support Linux-based systems using terminal applications, command-line tools, and SSH.
• Troubleshoot Ethernet, cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, radio, telemetry, sensors, and industrial I/O.
• Support commissioning, validation, testing, and field troubleshooting.
• Collect logs, diagnostics, and field data for engineering analysis.
• Work directly with railroad maintenance personnel and internal engineering teams to resolve complex technical issues.

Required Skills

• 5+ years of experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or commissioning diesel-electric locomotives.
• Strong locomotive electrical and control systems experience.
• Experience with older locomotive platforms and legacy electrical systems.
• Working knowledge of Linux and IP networking.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across both hardware and software systems.
• Ability to work independently in field environments.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with EMD and/or GE locomotives.
• Experience with NYAB or Wabtec electronic air brake systems.
• Experience with in-cab electronics or PTC.
• Experience with embedded systems, industrial automation, or cellular communications.

Pay Range and Compensation Package

This is a highly field-oriented role requiring up to 75% travel throughout North America.

This is one of several related field technical roles we are hiring for. We are also considering candidates with deeper specialization in either locomotive electrical systems or field service technology and may consider applicants for the role that best matches their experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.