Demo

Locomotive Technician | Diesel Mechanic | Heavy Equipment Mechanic

GATX
Saint James, LA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/16/2027
Overview:
The Locomotive Technician 1 assists other Locomotive Technicians in the maintenance, repair and inspection of GATX-owned locomotives. Ensures that all necessary work order information is complete in order to facilitate correct and timely customer billing. Must understand and follow GATX and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures. Must demonstrate good teamwork skills and knowledge of FRA regulations.

The Locomotive Technician 1 partners with the manager and other site personnel to ensure certifications, customer suitability requirements and other job requirements remain current. Works toward obtaining the skills necessary to advance to Locomotive Technician 2.
Responsibilities:
70% of time will be spent doing Locomotive Service and Repairs: Assists other Locomotive Technicians in performing scheduled and on demand maintenance, repair and inspection of GATX-owned locomotives as required to meet regulatory, quality and customer production needs. To include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Understands and follows company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures; wears prescribed personal protective equipment; operates GATX vehicles safely and responsibly; takes appropriate action when conditions threaten safety of self or coworkers; ensures equipment and work area are in safe operating condition before starting work.
  • Conducts locomotive inspections to insure each unit complies with regulatory, industry and customer-specific requirements, and to detect evidence of wear or needed fuel, oil and other consumables.
  • Removes and replaces defective components on rolling stock (trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, air brake systems).
  • Repairs rolling stock structural components. Fabricates, cuts, and performs rough finish operations on metal. Fastens and assembles locomotive parts by riveting, bolting, welding, and other methods.
  • Reads and interprets GATX policies, procedures, and engineering instructions, and FRA and DOT regulations.
  • Cleans and prepares surfaces for painting.
  • Performs air and brake tests.
  • Safely and effectively operates the following; acetylene torches, non-power tools (pliers, wrenches, hammers), power tools (drills, power saws, grinders); electric and gas welding equipment.
  • Communicates, verbally and in writing, technical information, job procedure recommendations, and other work-related information.
  • Cleans and supplies work areas.
  • Performs minor preventative maintenance on vehicles, tools and equipment used and other tasks as assigned.
10% of time will be spent on Customer Support: Meets the expectations and requirements of all customers. Ensures that customers are satisfied with the work.

10% of time will be spent on Clerical:
Ensures that all necessary work order information is complete in order to facilitate correct and timely customer billing. Monitors and audits completed repair work orders, systems and forms.

10% of time will be spent on Other Responsibilities: Maintains all certifications, including TWIC cards, Houston area safety council, and site-specific safety training requirements at various customer sites on the Gulf Coast. Demonstrates strong familiarity with FRA rules and regulations. Partners with manager and other site personnel to ensure certifications, customer suitability requirements and other job requirements remain current. Works toward obtaining the skills necessary to advance to Locomotive Technician 2.

Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and/or Experience Required (including certifications):
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Valid driver’s license required; commercial driver’s license preferred.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), or the ability to obtain, required.
  • Ability to pass a DOT mandated physical required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, in English required.
  • Broad mechanical and electrical aptitude required.
  • Ability to perform routine and scheduled maintenance on locomotives required, preferably with diesel engine repair experience.
  • Basic welding skills preferred.
  • Ability and willingness to learn basic electrical circuitry and operate electrical testing equipment required.
  • Ability and willingness to learn and adhere to FRA rules and regulations, GATX Rail Policies, Safety and Quality procedures and other training provided by company.
  • Ability and willingness to learn or background in locomotive inspection and repair, and the ability to progress to the Locomotive Technician 2 position required.
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, required.
  • Ability and willingness to meet all customer suitability requirements required.
  • Sensitivity to customer demands and be flexible in work hours, including weekends, required.
Key Competencies
  • Supportive of a respectful and inclusive work environment
  • Effective Interpersonal and Communication Skills
  • Results Driven and Self-Starter
  • Ability to problem-solve and use sound judgment required
  • Detail Oriented
  • Planning and Organization Skills
  • Customer service Skills and Focus
  • Team Player
  • Decision-making Ability
Other:
  • Must be able to travel within 150 to 400 miles of the work location, as necessary.
  • Must be able to work on call hours.
  • Must be able to work both Monday – Friday and Tuesday – Saturday schedules.
  • Occasional overnight stays away from home required.
  • Must be able to lift up to 90 pounds.
  • Must be able to stoop, climb ladders and safely perform work tasks.
  • Must work in all types of weather conditions.

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Posting Duration: This posting will remain open until the role is filled. : As of the post date, the salary range for this position is: Min: USD $43,500.00/Yr. Max: USD $56,375.00/Yr. : This role may be eligible to participate in the Company’s short-term incentive plan, the details of which will be provided to the applicant upon hire. : This range is a reasonable estimate and takes into account several factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including, but not limited to, geographic location, skill set, experience, education, training, internal equity, and other business needs.

Benefits:

Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Pension Plan

Salary : $43,500 - $56,375

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