Locomotive Mechanic

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.

11597

Marshalltown

Iowa

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.

• 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 and CVSR standards.
• Diagnose 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.
• Replace locomotive and diesel engine components including wheels or trucks, traction motors, springs, couplers, draft gear assembly, gear cases, cylinder heads, air compressors, and turbo chargers.
• Perform daily service of locomotive units: fuels, waters, lubricates and oils; wipe down and clean unit/windows; check supplies and drinking water.
• Perform periodic and annual inspections and understand FRA regulations pertaining to inspections.
• Maintain written and computer records for maintenance and repairs as required.
• Use 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.
• Align rotating equipment.
• Identify systems and conduct Air Test.
• Utilize precision instruments and tooling.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 3–6 years of industrial mechanical experience required.
• Previous locomotive mechanic experience preferred.

• Forklift and/or crane experience.
• Problem‑solving skills to assess and compensate for variations due to incoming part quality, process changes, engineering changes and part shortages.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of locomotive diesel engine components.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, technical correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to present information effectively in one‑on‑one and group situations to customers and employees.

• Strength – Able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs, push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Motion – Constant walking; frequent and sustained bending, crouching, stopping, kneeling, squatting and overhead reaching and climbing ladders.
• Vision/Hear…