Union Machinist (Diesel Engine Mechanic) - Chattanooga, TN 2025

Norfolk Southern; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a skilled Union Machinist (Diesel Engine Mechanic) to join their Mechanical team in Chattanooga. This role involves inspecting, servicing, and maintaining diesel locomotives, ensuring optimal performance and safety. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, contributing to the reliability of rail transportation. Enjoy a competitive pay structure that increases with experience, along with comprehensive medical benefits and training opportunities. Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and operational excellence!

Benefits

Medical Benefits

401(K)

Paid Training

Union Benefits

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license.
• Preferred: One-year mechanical experience and two years diesel mechanic experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, service, repair, and maintain diesel locomotives.
• Perform daily and periodic inspections and maintenance on diesel-electric locomotives.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Decision Making

Problem solving and troubleshooting

Education

High School diploma or equivalent (GED)

Job description

Requisition 38628: Union Machinist (Diesel Engine Mechanic) - Chattanooga, TN 2025

Please note, applying for a position outside of your department will require a departmental release.

A resume helps you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters; your resume communicates your experience and your brand. While it is not required, we encourage you to include an up-to-date resume along with a job application to give you the best opportunity to be considered. A complete resume helps us to better understand your unique background, relevant experiences, and passions. We look forward to learning about you.

Note for Safety-Sensitive Positions: Any safety-sensitive position with Norfolk Southern will require the following pre-employment screenings:

• FRA Drug and Alcohol Screen


• Medical Screening


• Background Check

The Mechanical team at Norfolk Southern is crucial to the maintenance and reliability of our rolling stock and equipment. We focus on the inspection, repair, and improvement of locomotives and freight cars, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently across our network. Our team employs advanced technologies and best practices to optimize performance and minimize downtime while adhering to stringent safety regulations. Collaborating closely with other departments, we strive to enhance operational efficiency and support the company's strategic objectives. Join us in driving the future of rail transportation through exceptional mechanical expertise and innovation!

Job Description

Inspect, service, repair and maintain diesel locomotives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform daily and periodic inspections, servicing, and maintenance on diesel-electric locomotives, including but not limited to performing scheduled and preventative maintenance as determined by company policy and federal regulation.


• Fueling, checking, and changing oil and liquid levels; changing filters for engine air, air compressor, fuel, and lube oil.


• Replacing and maintaining engine components, traction motors, generators, air compressors, wheels, and truck components.


• Troubleshoot and diagnose diesel engine malfunctions and make required repairs.


• Performs disassembly, repair, replacement, rebuild, re-assembly, installation, adjustment, alignment, and lubrication activities on mechanical equipment.

Job Requirements

• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries


• Wear protective equipment such as hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses


• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examination


• May require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol


• Must pass all required assessments


• Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug screen


• This position is governed by a union agreement and membership is required

Additional Information

Skills and Abilities

• Mechanical aptitude.


• Communication skills.


• Decision Making.


• Problem solving and troubleshooting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.


• Valid driver's license.


• High School diploma or equivalent (GED).


• Preferred Qualifications:


• One-year mechanical experience


• One year experience reading and interpreting technical drawings or schematics


• Two years diesel mechanic experience


• Completion of a mechanical vocational or trade school program


• Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to apply. Military roles that often transition well to this position (but not limited to): 2T331, MR, MK, 2161, 91H, 44E are encouraged to apply.

Training

Travel for paid training to McDonough, GA. Locomotive Diesel Engine Mechanics will complete 1 week of Mechanical Safety Orientation and 6 weeks of craft specific training. Norfolk Southern will reimburse travel and pay for lodging as required per union agreement.

Compensation Data

Rate of Pay

• 1st 40 Working Days: (50% of Full Rate)


• Next 204 Working Days: (75% of Full Rate)


• Next 244 Working Days: (80% of Full Rate)


• After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $41.02 (100% of Full Rate - Journeyman)

Medical Benefits

• Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)


• 80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents


• Union Benefits


• Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)


• $20K Life Insurance


• 401 (K) First Day of Employment


• After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision

Work Conditions

Working hours will include shift work over all 3 shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are assigned/awarded by seniority. The work environment is a shop and outdoor work.

Pay Rates for Mechanical Craft: Noted Below:

Freight car repairer:

• 1st 40 Working Days: $20.44 (50% of Full rate)


• Next 204 Working Days: $30.66 (75% of Full rate)


• Next 244 Working Days: $32.70 (80% of Full rate)


• After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $40.88 (100% of Full Rate)

Union electrician:

• 1st 40 Working Days: (50% of Full Rate)


• Next 204 Working Days: (75% of Full Rate)


• Next 244 Working Days: (80% of Full Rate)


• After 2 Years/488 Days Working Days: $40.98 (100% of Full Rate - Journeyman)

Union machinist:

• 1st 40 Working Days: (50% of Full Rate)


• Next 204 Working Days: (75% of Full Rate)


• Next 244 Working Days: (80% of Full Rate)


• After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $41.02 (100% of Full Rate - Journeyman)

Mechanical laborer:

• 1st 12 calendar months - 75% of F&O rate


• 2nd 12 calendar months- 80% of F&O rate


• Completion of 24 months of service in any shop craft position (or combination) - $33.87

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.