Description
Diagnose, maintain, repair, and overhaul diesel-electric locomotives, including prime movers, traction equipment, and auxiliary systems. Perform mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical troubleshooting, inspections, and FRA-compliant service on rail motive power.
- • Use hand tools, precision instruments, and power tools, including welders, hydraulic jacks, and overhead cranes.
- • Inspect air brake systems, traction equipment, wheelsets and bearings, couplers, and other critical components for proper operation.
- • Perform routine maintenance such as oil and filter changes, coolant and lube checks, and lubrication of running gear.
- • Adjust and replace brake shoes, align couplers and draft gear, torque fasteners, and reassemble components.
- • Raise and position heavy components, such as prime movers, alternators, and trucks (bogies), using cranes or jacks.
- • Conduct yard runs and load-box tests to diagnose faults and verify repairs.
- • Inspect, test, and listen to engines, compressors, and traction motors using diagnostic software, multimeters, and pressure gauges.
- • Examine and adjust guards, shields, loose bolts, and required safety devices to meet regulations.
- • Measure and verify clearances and tolerances of engine and running gear to OEM and FRA specifications.
- • Specialize in servicing fuel injection systems, turbochargers, governors, and engine management systems.
- • Connect test instruments and read meters, dials, and onboard displays to identify malfunctions.
- • Rewire control circuits, lighting, cab instrument panels, and signal circuits.
- • Recondition or replace pistons, bearings, gears, valves, liners, and seals.
- • Inspect, repair, and maintain auxiliary systems such as air compressors, fuel pumps, cooling fans, and radiators.
- • Disassemble and overhaul prime movers, main alternators/generators, traction motors, and gear cases.
- • Rebuild diesel engines and overhaul cylinder heads and fuel injectors.
- • Align and adjust trucks (bogies), suspension springs, and journal boxes.
- • Grind and lap valves; set injector and valve lash to specifications.
- • Diagnose and repair cab heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and engine cooling systems.
- • Adjust or repair computer-controlled emissions systems, engine controls, and power electronics as required.
- • Follow environmentally responsible practices for handling waste fluids, parts cleaning, and energy conservation.
- • Maintain or repair locomotives with alternative fuel or hybrid systems, including biodiesel, battery-diesel, or LNG units.
- • Measure exhaust emissions to confirm compliance with regulatory limits.
- • Install or repair cab accessories such as radios, event recorders, PTC equipment, horns, and bells.
- • Repair or adjust cab seats, doors, windows, and access hatches.
- • Inspect and service wheelsets and bearings; replace brake shoes; coordinate wheel truing or change-outs.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
