Demo

Locomotive Mechanic

Progress Rail
Patterson, GA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/22/2026

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

12110BR

Work Location Options

Patterson

City

Patterson

State:

Georgia

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

Duties and responsibilities
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • Give direction and share knowledge to part time seasonal mechanical staff;
  • Properly utilize equipment and tools consistently, accurately and safely:
o roll-overs;
o torque wrench;
o pipe threaders;
o tubing benders;
o cutting torches;
o electric and air operated hand tools;
o forklifts;
o overhead cranes;
o 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.

Advanced duties and responsibilities
  • Ability to align rotating equipment;
  • Ability to identify systems and conduct Air Test;
  • Utilize precision instruments and tooling.

Essential and Physical Activities Functions
  • Strength – Position requires lifting of 50lbs. Requires stamina and strength to work in tight and confined spaces while repairing locomotive or locomotive components;
  • Motion – Position requires standing majority of the day. Frequent walking, squatting, kneeling and climbing of steps and stairs;
  • Vision/Hearing Requirements – Position is exposed to high levels of noise and vibration from using tools. Position is exposed to cutting torches and welding operations. The use of proper PPE is required. The Position requires the ability to read QWI and schematics and understand instructions;
  • Work Environment – Position can be located inside or outside, dependent on situation. When inside, the employee is subject to temperature extremes in non-temperature-controlled environments. When outside employee is subject to all weather elements. In both cases, employees will work with oils, lubricants and other lubricants;
  • Emotional Demands – Employee is expected to work and cooperate as part of team in order to meet production requirements;
  • Safety – Position is safety sensitive, as it requires working in and around live tracks and operation and repair of heavy equipment. Position requires strict adherence to safety policies (i.e blue flag) and use of all PPE.

Education / Training

  • Skill Level I – 0-2 years of experience as locomotive, diesel, automotive or aircraft mechanic;
  • Skill Level II – 2-5 years of experience as locomotive, diesel, automotive or aircraft mechanic or Technical Certifications;
  • Skill Level III – 5 years of experience as locomotive, diesel, automotive or aircraft mechanic or Technical Certifications.

Qualifications and Experience

Preferred Skills
  • Mechanical aptitude;
  • Knowledge of locomotive components;
  • Knowledge of Locomotive diesel engine components.

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

Patterson, GA Locomotive - 131

Benefits:

Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off

Salary.com Estimation for Locomotive Mechanic in Patterson, GA
$44,299 to $58,429
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