Union Machinist (Diesel Engine Mechanic) - Roanoke, VA 2026

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Roanoke, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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).

Nice To Haves

• 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).

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED