Demo

Locomotive Mechanic

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
Marshalltown, IA Part Time
POSTED ON 5/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/10/2026
Job Purpose

Performs the duties of locomotive mechanic involved in inspecting, repairing, fabricating, and maintaining historic diesel/electric locomotives to meet and exceed FRA regulations and CVSR expectations for positive, safe and reliable customer experience while maintaining a clean and respectable fleet appearance.

Req ID

11914BR

City

Marshalltown

State:

Iowa

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

  • Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Comply with the guidelines set forth by the FRA on Personal Blue Signal Protection of workers;
  • Inspect equipment components for compliance with FRA, Association of American Railroads (AAR), APTA (American Public Transportation Association) and CVSR standards;
  • Diagnoses malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, trucks or other components to determine nature of


problem and needed repair or replacement;

  • Perform emergency repairs to locomotives;
  • Travel to other Progress Rail facilities as support for locomotive operations as needed;
  • Replaces locomotive and diesel engine components including but not limited to wheels or trucks, traction motors, springs, couplers, draft gear assembly, gear cases, cylinder heads, air compressors, and turbo chargers;
  • Performs daily service of locomotive units: fuels, waters, lubricates and oils; wipes down and cleans unit/windows; checks supplies and drinking water;
  • Performs periodic and annual inspections and understands FRA regulations pertaining to inspections;
  • Maintain written and computer records for maintenance and repairs as required;
  • Properly utilize equipment and tools consistently, accurately and safely: roll-overs; torque wrench; pipe threaders; tubing benders; cutting torches; electric and air operated hand tools; forklifts; overhead cranes; other mechanical equipment;
  • Work with little or no supervision consistently, accurately, and safely;
  • Follow written/scope of work instructions and or QWI’s consistently, accurately, and safely;
  • Read schematics and blueprints and make needed repairs;
  • Keep work area clean and organized;
  • Complete and document jobs in a timely manner per requirements (QWIs, Travelers);
  • Read and interpret Blueprints;
  • Follow all safety policies and procedures, utilize all PPE;
  • Ability to align rotating equipment;
  • Ability to identify systems and conduct Air Test;
  • Utilize precision instruments and tooling;
  • Any other duties assigned;


Education / Training

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required;
  • 3-6 years of industrial mechanical experienced required;
  • Previous locomotive mechanic experience preferred;


Qualifications And Experience

  • Forklift and/or crane experience;
  • Problem solving skills to properly assess and compensate for variations due to incoming part quality, process variations, process changes, engineering changes and part shortages;
  • Mechanical aptitude;
  • Knowledge of Locomotive diesel engine components.
  • Must demonstrate ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, technical correspondence, and memos;
  • Demonstrate ability to communicate verbally or as written;
  • Demonstrate ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to customers and employees of the organization.


Essential And Physical Activities Functions

  • Strength – Must be able to lift and carry up to 35lbs, push and pull up to 50lb;
  • Motion – Constant walking Frequent and sustained bending, crouching, stopping, kneeing, squatting and overhead reaching and climbing ladders;
  • Vision/Hearing Requirements – Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms;
  • Work Environment – Works on varied surfaces, concrete floors, and gravel, rail car and locomotive floors. Works at varied heights from floor level to tops of locomotives. Work in confined spaces. Non-temperature control environment, all weather conditions with high noise and high dust levels;
  • Emotional Demands – Due to the working environment, noise, dust, personal protective equipment, employee must be comfortable working alone;
  • Safety – Safety Sensitive positions because it works in and around active tracks, rail cars, locomotives, and other moving equipment. Employee must abide by all safety protocols, health/medical screenings and utilize all required PPE. Included but not limited to metatarsal boots, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, aprons, ear protection, etc.
  • Starting wage $22/ hour, flexible upon experience and education;


Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
  • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
  • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
  • Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
  • Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines. EEO Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.


Job Category

Production - Hourly

PRS Facility Location

EMD Marshalltown, IA - 405

Salary : $22

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