Locomotive Diesel Technician

Location: Mayfield, KY

Employment Type: Full-time with weekly pay and benefits

Compensation: $19.00 – $23.50 per hour, based on experience and shift

What a day looks like

Picture this: You arrive at our Mayfield shop as the sun comes up over the yard. A historic diesel-electric locomotive is waiting for your trained eye. You review work orders, pull up schematics, and set out the torque wrenches, gauges, and precision tools you’ll need. By mid-morning, you’ve diagnosed an air system issue, swapped a component, and verified the repair. After lunch, you’re completing an FRA-required inspection, updating the electronic maintenance log, and fueling and lubricating a unit that’s scheduled to move this weekend. It’s hands-on, detail-driven work that keeps living history rolling safely.

Your core responsibilities

• Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain diesel and electric locomotives and related mechanical systems.
• Diagnose faults in diesel engines, air systems, trucks, and other locomotive subsystems.
• Execute preventative maintenance and respond to urgent repair needs.
• Repair/replace components: wheels and trucks, traction motors, springs, couplers, draft gear, gear cases, cylinder heads, air compressors, turbochargers, and more.
• Handle daily service tasks: fueling, watering, lubricating/oiling, cleaning, and supply checks.
• Complete periodic and annual inspections in alignment with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, work instructions, and other technical documentation.
• Document inspections, repairs, and PM activities accurately in both written and electronic systems; finish work orders and travelers on time.
• Operate tools and equipment safely, including torque wrenches, pipe threaders, tubing benders, cutting torches, electric/pneumatic hand tools, forklifts, and overhead cranes.
• Maintain orderly, clean work areas and well-kept tools.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while meeting safety, quality, and productivity targets.
• Share know-how and assist in training seasonal and part-time mechanical team members.
• Adhere to railroad safety rules, FRA rules, PPE requirements, blue signal/worker protection procedures, and company policies.
• Demonstrate advanced mechanical skills in your day-to-day work.

Additional responsibilities you may take on (experience-dependent)

• Align rotating equipment.
• Identify locomotive systems and conduct air tests.
• Use precision measuring instruments and specialized tooling.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical and air systems.

What you bring

• Solid mechanical aptitude with strong troubleshooting instincts.
• Working knowledge of diesel engines and mechanical systems.
• Ability to pinpoint faults and determine effective repairs.
• Comfort reading blueprints, schematics, and technical instructions.
• Skilled with hand/power tools, precision instruments, and shop equipment.
• Self-directed work style; minimal supervision needed.
• Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to safety.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn locomotive-specific systems and railroad procedures.

Physical demands and environment

• Lift and handle up to 50 lbs.
• Work in tight, confined, and hard-to-access areas.
• Frequent standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, stair climbing, and work around heavy equipment.
• Indoor/outdoor work in varied weather and temperature conditions.
• Regular exposure to noise, vibration, oils/lubricants, cutting torches, welding operations, and mechanical equipment.
• Consistent use of required PPE and adherence to all safety procedures.

This is a safety-sensitive role on and around railroad tracks, locomotives, and heavy equipment. You will strictly follow railroad safety procedures, FRA regulations, blue signal/worker protection requirements, PPE requirements, and company policies.

Expanded drug and alcohol screening requirements may apply in accordance with applicable regulations and company policy.

Schedules

• Day Shift: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM (40 hours / 10-hour shifts)
• Weekend Shift: Friday–Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Work 36 hours, Paid for 40 hours + $1.00/hr Shift Differential)

Your background might include

Experience with diesel engines, heavy equipment, commercial trucks, automotive systems, aircraft, agricultural equipment, or other mechanical systems—ready to apply your skills in a unique railroad setting.

Proficiencies

• Diesel Engine Systems
• Brake & Suspension Systems
• Transmission & Drivetrain Systems
• Automotive Repair
• Engine Repair
• Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
• Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
• Diesel & Heavy Equipment Systems
• Hydraulic Systems & Components
• Equipment Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
• Automotive Repair & Service Systems
• Locomotive Diesel Mechanic
• Railroad Mechanic

Machines & technologies you’ll use

• air brake systems
• couplers, draft gear, and gear cases
• cutting torches
• Diesel and electric locomotives
• draft gear, and gear cases
• electric and pneumatic hand tools
• overhead cranes
• pipe threaders
• precision measuring instruments
• torque wrenches
• traction motors
• tubing benders
• turbochargers

Apply now

If this sounds like you, apply online: https://iwsllc.applytojob.com/apply/tLorYiL6cd/Diesel-Mechanic?source=FactoryFix

Compliance notices

EOE

Thank you for your interest in Impact Workforce Solutions, we are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and participate in the E-Verify eligibility confirmation program.