Locomotive Engineer

Sullivan Environmental Services Inc•Galveston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Locomotive Engineer is responsible for the safe operation of locomotives during various rail movements, ensuring compliance with all Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and company policies. This role requires strong communication skills, excellent judgment, and a commitment to safety in a dynamic industrial environment. The engineer will perform equipment inspections, coordinate with ground crews, and manage train handling in high-traffic areas, supporting terminal objectives for efficient and reliable rail operations.

Requirements

Valid FRA Locomotive Engineer certification (CFR Part 240).
Completion of company locomotive engineer training program.
Participation in annual operational monitoring and efficiency testing.
Participation in rules classes and safety training.
Recertification every 36 months or as required.
Successful completion of required hearing, vision, and drug/alcohol compliance programs.
Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call‑outs.
Perform duties around moving trains, railcars, heavy equipment, and industrial operations.

Responsibilities

Safely operate locomotives during switching, spotting, pulling, pushing, and yard movements.
Maintain full control of train speed, braking, and positioning to protect personnel, equipment, and infrastructure.
Obey all instructions from designated ground personnel related to safe locomotive operation.
Immediately stop operations if unsafe conditions are observed or communicated.
Exercise sound judgment when handling long consists, grades, curves, and yard congestion.
Maintain current qualification and certification under FRA CFR Part 240 (Locomotive Engineers).
Comply with Hours of Service (CFR Part 228), Drug & Alcohol Testing (CFR Part 219), and all applicable FRA regulations.
Participate in required efficiency testing, operational monitoring, recertification, and remedial training as assigned.
Maintain working knowledge of railroad operating rules, special instructions, and terminal timetables.
Maintain constant, clear radio communication with ground crews, lead operators, and supervisors.
Properly acknowledge and repeat critical instructions, including movement authority, track designation, and Red Zone establishment and release.
Communicate known restrictions, special handling requirements, or equipment concerns before movement begins.
Coordinate closely with operations to ensure safe and efficient railcar placement.
Immediately place the locomotive in full brakes and neutral when a Red Zone is established.
Verbally confirm “Set and Centered” prior to personnel accessing railcars or track areas.
Do not move equipment until the Red Zone has been officially released by the lead operator.
Treat any Red Zone violation as a serious safety matter subject to corrective action.
Perform required locomotive inspections prior to use and document findings as required.
Report mechanical defects, damage, or unsafe conditions immediately.
Operate locomotives in a manner that minimizes wear, damage, and unplanned downtime.
Do not operate equipment known to be unsafe or out of compliance.
Support efficient switching, blocking, and spotting of railcars to meet terminal throughput and production goals.
Minimize delays, re‑handles, and unnecessary movements through effective train handling.
Maintain awareness of yard layout, track capacity, active work zones, and adjacent operations.
Handle long consists, including pulling, pushing, and controlling trains of up to approximately 150 railcars.
Block, sort, and spot railcars accurately to support terminal operations, unloading sequences, and yard organization.
Perform switching and blocking movements in a busy, active rail yard with multiple simultaneous operations, personnel on the ground, and heavy equipment operating nearby.
Maintain situational awareness of track occupancy, clearances, radio communications, and hand signals while managing long‑train dynamics.
Apply proper slack control, braking techniques, and speed management to prevent derailments, run‑ins/run‑outs, product damage, or personnel exposure.
Coordinate closely with ground crews and supervisors to ensure efficient car placement while maintaining strict compliance with all safety rules.
Demonstrate a safety‑first mindset at all times.
Exercise Stop Work Authority when conditions are unsafe.
Promptly report near misses, incidents, or unsafe acts.
Treat coworkers, contractors, and supervisors with respect.
Communicate clearly and professionally, especially during high‑risk movements.
Accept coaching, feedback, and corrective action constructively.
Take ownership of locomotive operation decisions and outcomes.
Follow all rules and procedures whether supervised or unsupervised.
Understand that violations of FRA rules or company policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Support terminal objectives for safe, efficient, and reliable rail operations.