Job Description
At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in locomotive maintenance and contribute to the reliability of our fleet, we invite you to explore the Locomotive Diesel Mechanic Trainee role.
This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in locomotive mechanical maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to inspect, service, and repair diesel-electric locomotives to ensure safe and efficient operations across our network.
What Should You Know
This is a seniority-based union position.
You must be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Extensive travel for training may be required.
Union membership is required within 60 days of establishing seniority.
Training
Training includes both classroom and field instruction:
Classroom Training: Mechanical Safety Orientation and craft-specific training in locomotive systems.
Field Training: Hands-on experience in locomotive shops and yards.
Duration: Approximately 7 weeks (1 week safety orientation + 6 weeks craft training).
Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement.
Job Responsibilities
Perform daily and periodic inspections, servicing, and maintenance on diesel-electric locomotives.
Fuel locomotives and check/change oil and fluid levels.
Replace filters for engine air, air compressor, fuel, and lube oil.
Replace and maintain engine components, traction motors, generators, air compressors, wheels, and truck components.
Troubleshoot and diagnose diesel engine malfunctions and make required repairs.
Perform disassembly, repair, replacement, rebuild, reassembly, installation, adjustment, alignment, and lubrication activities on mechanical equipment.
Ensure compliance with all railroad safety rules and regulations.
Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
Wear required protective equipment such as hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and safety glasses.
Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.
Complete required reports and maintain accurate records using computer systems.
Must pass all required assessments.
Qualifications – Required
High school diploma or GED.
18 years of age or older.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug screen.
Qualifications – Preferred
1+ year of mechanical experience.
Two years of diesel mechanic experience.
Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings or schematics.
Completion of a mechanical vocational or trade school program.
Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2T331, MR, MK, 2161, 91H, 44E).
Skills and Abilities
Mechanical aptitude.
Strong communication skills.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
Ability to make decisions under pressure.
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy, moving equipment.
Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
Ability to meet FRA & Company medical requirements:
Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
Hearing—no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).
Work Conditions
Shop and outdoor environments.
Shift work across all three shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Union membership required.
This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay Progression:
1st 40 Working Days: $21.33 (50% of Full Rate)
Next 204 Working Days: $31.95 (75% of Full Rate)
Next 244 Working Days: $34.12 (80% of Full Rate)
After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $42.66 (100% of Full Rate – Journeyman)
Benefits include:
Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire.
Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one.
Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.
Company Overview
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million car...