Diesel Locomotive Mechanic/Electrician

Department: Transportation

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Assistant Manager Rail Operations and Manager Rail Operations

Updated: 09/30/2025                  

Job Description Summary / Objective

The Diesel Locomotive Electrician/Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, repairing, rebuilding, inspecting, and installing electrical wiring and equipment on diesel-electric locomotives. This position ensures safety and compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) standards and supports reliable locomotive operations for Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW).

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

Ensure compliance with RRVW safety rules, FRA regulations, and operating standards.

Wire, maintain, repair, rebuild, inspect, and install locomotive equipment including rheostats, control systems, transformers, motors, generators, welding machines, lighting fixtures, armatures, battery charging systems, magnet coils, switchboards, meters, compensators, rotors, and electrical collectors.

Perform wiring and electrical work on locomotives, shops, buildings, yards, and structures, including assembly of connections to control panels and junction boxes.

Diagnose and repair electrical malfunctions such as charging, transition problems, wheel slip, sander circuits, and high/low voltage grounds.

Safely perform work activities utilizing voltages up to 1200 and amperages up to 1500.

Inspect and examine parts for wear or defects, including brushes, contact tips, slip rings, armatures, diodes, bearings, and fuses.

Repair and maintain additional locomotive components including speed recorders, air compressors, turbo and fuel pumps, and temperature switches.

Conduct troubleshooting using test instruments, monitors, and printouts.

Perform basic building and locomotive maintenance, such as changing light bulbs.

Respond quickly to emergency situations, including use of fire extinguishers and administering first aid if necessary.

Wear and utilize appropriate PPE and safety equipment at all times.

Complete miscellaneous duties and responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not  have supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Work hours may include non-standard workweeks, overtime, various shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by operational needs.

Travel Requirements

Travel is not typically required for this position. Limited travel may occur for training or special assignments.

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED.

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Valid driver’s license.

Heavy machinery diesel mechanic experience

Minimum one year of experience reading blueprints and/or locomotive electrical prints.

Preferred Education and Experience

Two years of diesel mechanic/electrician experience.

Completion of an electrical vocational or trade school program.

Journeyman Electrician certification.

Physical Requirements

Heavy physical work, including lifting up to 70 lbs. frequently and up to 100 lbs. on rare occasions.

Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, climbing, and walking long distances over uneven terrain.

Ability to maintain auditory and visual acuity, including inspection and tracking functions.

Environmental Requirements

Work performed in locomotive shops, outdoors in varying weather conditions, and around moving mechanical equipment.

Exposure to noise, vibration, and potentially hazardous conditions.

PPE required: hard hat, safety-toe boots, gloves, hearing protection, fall protection, and other equipment as needed.

Cognitive Requirements

Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written communications.

Effective communication skills for providing clear instructions.

Ability to make sound decisions under stressful and emergency conditions.

Basic math skills for measurements, diagnostics, and calculations.

AAP/EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.