Locomotive Mechanic

General Summary:

Performs scheduled inspections, makes repairs, and performs preventive maintenance on both inbound and outbound locomotives in accordance with FRA and customer specifications and following company guidelines and checklists, using handtools, power tools and precision measuring and testing tools, by performing the following duties.



Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned, as requested or required.



1. Observes mechanical devices in operation and listens to their sounds to locate causes of trouble.



2. Dismantles devices to gain access to and remove defective parts, using hoists, cranes, handtools, and power tools.



3. Examines form and texture of parts to detect imperfections.  Inspects used parts to determine changes in dimensional requirements, using rules, calipers, micrometers, and other measuring instruments.



4. Adjusts functional parts of devices and control instruments, using handtools and levels.



5. Sets up and operates grinders and other metalworking tools to make and repair parts.



6. Records hour meter readings on locomotives coming in for inspection, preventive maintenance and repair.



7. Takes lube oil samples, cooling water samples.



8. Cleans oil separator screens and lube oil strainers and spark arrestor traps. 



9. Cleans and services toilet.



10. Checks journal box oil levels and traction motor gear grease levels and replenishes as needed.



11. Checks operation of low water and crankcase protectors.



12. Checks for air-fuel, oil, lube oil, water, and exhaust leaks; checks under main generator for oil and cleans as needed.



13. Performs air brake tests and tests safety equipment.



14. Inspects cab weather-stripping and records condition; inspects cab equipment and lists missing items; inspects engine room and cab fire extinguishers; inspects engine base bolts, dowel pins, bearing cap bolts, gear case and gear bolts; inspects turbo screen for cracks and plugging.



15. Checks fuel tanks, brake shoes, riggings, trucks, steps, handrails, crossing chains, and crosswalks, hoses and clamps for defects, damage, leaks according to company specifications.



16. Inspects wheels according to wheel inspection report and signs off on report.



17. Drains condensation from fuel tank sump, opens all carbody, generator, and sump drains; drains box retention tanks.



18. Changes all impingement type air filters, lube oil filters, engine air filters, and air compressor filters and oil; changes all main reservoir and dirt collector elements, fuel oil filters and strainer elements.



19. Removes and inspects traction motor support bearing wicks.  Checks for water, renews gaskets, adds support oil to full level.



20. Torques crab nuts, head nuts, basket bolts, exhaust stacks, and rocker arm nuts.



21. Times all injectors and valves, sets racks, verifies pointers.



22. Checks turbo, idler backlash, AR-10 Bearings.



23. Cleans, services, and stencil dates handbrakes.



24. Performs modifications as required.



25. Changes valves and main reservoir according to specifications.



26. Performs main bearing checks according to company specifications.



27. Repairs and installs mechanical units, such as fuel and water pumps, control valves, governors, distributors, windshield wiper motors using mechanics’ hand tools.



28. Operates overhead cranes, truck cranes, forklifts, welding equipment, and cutting tools as needed.

 

29. May assist electricians in performing electrical maintenance duties.

 

30. Performs other duties as requested or required. Requirements

Education/Experience:

High school education or general education development (GED); or 3 to 6 months mechanical experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.



Certificates and Licenses:



None required.



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of and skills in using handtools, including screwdrivers, socket wrenches, torque wrenches, pry bars, and specialized mechanic tools.



2. Knowledge of and skills in using power tools including cut-off saws, drills, portable band saws, skill saws, air impact wrenches, grinders.



3. Knowledge of and skills in using hydraulic tools including hydraulic wrenches and barring over tools.



4. Knowledge of and skills in operating welding equipment and cutting tools.



5. Knowledge of and skills in operating heavy equipment including overhead cranes, truck cranes, and forklifts.



6. Knowledge of and skills in mechanical maintenance.



7. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, blueprints, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.



8. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as area, circumference, length, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic shop math.



9. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.



10. Ability to read and interpret gauges and precision measuring tools.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.



Must be able to see well enough to read gauges, precision measuring instruments, schematics, maintenance manuals 100% of time.



Must be able to talk and hear well enough to communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others within the company 100% of time.



Must be able to reach with arms and hands to  perform inspection, maintenance, and repair duties 100% of time.



Must be able to bend, stoop, twist, kneel, squat 100% of time.

Must be able to use hands to grasp, handle, finger and feel 100% of time.

Must be able to climb and balance well enough to mount locomotive by climbing up and down steps 30% of time.

Must be able to walk on level or uneven ground 100% of time.



Physical Dimensions:



The employee is regularly required to exert up to 20 pounds of force; and/or frequently required to exert up to 50 pounds of force; and/or occasionally required to exert up to 125 pounds of force.









Work Environment:



The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.



While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly exposed to a high noise level; moving mechanical parts, moving machinery, outside weather conditions and elements; fumes from gasoline, oil, and grease.  The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. 



Supervisory Responsibilities:



Employees in this job do not have supervisory responsibilities.