National Occupation Code (NOC): 73310

Railway locomotive engineers operate railway locomotives to transport passengers and freight. They are employed by railway transport companies. Yard locomotive engineers operate locomotives within yards of railway, industrial or other establishments. They are employed by railway transport companies and industrial or commercial users of rail transport.

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Job Duties for Railway and yard locomotive engineers

• Railway locomotive engineers

• • Operate locomotives to transport passengers and freight on railways
  • Operate communication systems to communicate with train crews and traffic controllers to ensure safe operation and scheduling of trains
  • Inspect assigned locomotives and test operating controls and equipment.

• Yard locomotive engineers

• • Operate locomotives to switch, couple and uncouple cars for loading and unloading
  • Perform switching operations according to written switching orders or dispatched instructions
  • Inspect locomotives, replenish fuel or perform routine maintenance on locomotives.

Employment Requirements for Railway and yard locomotive engineers

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• Experience as a conductor is required for railway locomotive engineers and may be required for yard locomotive engineers.
• Experience as a railway yard worker may be required for yard locomotive engineers.
• Railway locomotive engineers require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.

Alternate Job Titles

• Diesel Locomotive Engineer - Railway
• Freight Train Engineer
• Industrial Locomotive Engineer
• Locomotive Engineer - Railway
• Locomotive Hostler
• Passenger Train Engineer
• Passenger Train Locomotive Engineer
• Railway Engineer
• Railway Engineer Trainee
• Railway Hostler
• Railway Locomotive Engineer
• Switch Engineer - Railway
• Train Engineer
• Transfer Hostler - Railway
• Yard Engineer - Railway
• Yard Locomotive Engineer - Railway