Supply Chain & Transportation

Locomotive Engineer

What To Learn

High School

Suggested Steps to Prepare for a Locomotive Engineer Career (Grades 6-12)

Check out the recommended classes, activities and skills below for each grade level. These recommendations are very general -- discuss your specific course plan with your school counselors and teachers.

AI-assisted and curriculum-reviewed guidance. Talk with your counselor or teacher about your specific plan.
Grades 6-8

Helpful Classes

  • Math
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Design

Things to Try

  • Measure, sketch, and improve a simple design so it works better or wastes less material, Build a small model or prototype and test how shape, force, or motion changes the result, Read a diagram, map, or drawing and explain what each part does, Interview a locomotive engineer about design, testing, and solving problems

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Algebra I
  • Engineering Design
  • Computer Applications
  • Physical Science
  • Technical Drawing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • design process
  • measurements
  • technical drawing
  • basic systems
  • data recording

Things to Try

  • Join engineering, robotics, or design projects and record each test, measurement, and change, Practice using technical drawings, maps, or diagrams to build or explain a system, Compare materials, layouts, or designs and explain which one works best and why, Shadow a locomotive engineer or technical designer to see how plans are reviewed

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Geometry
  • Engineering Design
  • Physics
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Algebra II

Recommended Learning Areas

  • engineering design
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • testing
  • materials
  • problem-solving

Things to Try

  • Create a prototype, drawing, or model and test it against a clear design goal, Use measurements, formulas, or software tools to compare two design options, Practice documenting changes, tolerances, or test results in a clear format, Observe how engineers balance function, safety, cost, and reliability

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Physics
  • Precalculus
  • Engineering
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Technical Writing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • system design
  • technical analysis
  • prototyping
  • calculations
  • documentation

Things to Try

  • Complete an engineering project that includes design, testing, revision, and documentation, Use Computer-Aided Design, calculations, or technical diagrams to explain how a system works, Compare loads, motion, energy, materials, or layouts depending on the role, Interview engineers about project review, validation, and teamwork

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Calculus or Precalculus
  • Physics
  • Engineering Design
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Technical Writing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • design validation
  • technical communication
  • applied math
  • project planning
  • quality standards

Things to Try

  • Build a portfolio with designs, calculations, test results, and technical writing, Complete a capstone tied to analysis, prototyping, drafting, or system improvement, Compare pathways in design, field engineering, drafting, testing, and technical support, Practice presenting technical work clearly to both experts and non-experts

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school (GED), plus on-the-job training

Rail companies typically require workers to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, employers may prefer to hire workers who have postsecondary education, such as coursework, a certificate, or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Locomotive engineers typically receive 3 or more months of on-the-job training before they can operate a train on their own.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Just about everyone who applies for a job at a railroad needs a high school diploma or equivalent. While the job doesn't require post-secondary education, there's so much competition that any extra education will put you ahead. It also shows the company that you may have management potential -- a path often pursued by locomotive engineers who decide they no longer want to be on the track.

Most railroads require that applicants for locomotive engineer jobs be at least 21 years old. Federal regulations require that beginning engineers complete a formal engineer training program, including classroom and hands-on instruction in locomotive operation. The instruction is usually administered by the rail company or through an engineer union.

At the end of the training period, they must pass qualifying tests covering locomotive equipment, air brake systems, fuel economy, train handling techniques and operating rules and regulations. The company issues the engineer a license once the applicant successfully passes the examinations.

New employees usually start as brakemen or conductors. Various railroads offer on-the-job training and classroom instruction. If the trainee passes the railroad's examinations, they become a qualified locomotive engineer. But the successful candidate must be promoted before they can work as an engineer.

In addition, students must be certified and licensed in accordance with the Federal Railroad Administration. That means minimum federal safety requirements must be met -- having no substance abuse problems, meeting vision and hearing standards, and undergoing testing for operating rules, schedules, performance and train handling.

There are a number of colleges in the U.S. offering associate degrees in railroad operations. In addition, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers offers training courses at centers around the country.

Extra Requirements

Locomotive engineers and conductors must be certified by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The certifications, conducted by the railroad that employs them, involve a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a supervisor determination that the engineer or conductor understands all physical aspects of the particular route on which he or she will be operating. Engineers who change routes must be recertified for the new route. Even engineers and conductors who do not switch routes must be recertified every few years.

For additional information, visit these websites: