What You’ll Be Doing:

• Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining diesel‑electric locomotives
• Working with electrical systems, engines, motors, generators, and mechanical components
• Diagnosing issues, performing inspections, and keeping equipment operating at its best
• Using a wide range of tools and equipment in an active shop and field environment

What We’re Looking For:

• Mechanical and electrical experience
• Comfort working with voltage systems and diesel engines
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to safety and teamwork

Interested? See full job description below!

Company: Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.

Business Unit: AGZ

Department: Locomotive Repair

Travel may also be required as needed 30%.

Schedule: Varies. M-F and may include holidays and/or weekends. 07:00-16:00 with additional hours as necessary.

Summary:

The Diesel Mechanic/Electrician position installs and maintains electrical wiring and equipment, such as motors, generators, air-conditioning units, electrical outlets, and lighting fixtures of railroad locomotives. Diesel mechanics are responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance of the locomotive engine and mechanical components on diesel, electric, heavy equipment & small engine repair.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

• Diesel electricians/mechanics are responsible for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of the electrical and mechanical components on diesel electric locomotives.
• Conduct inspections on locomotive electrical and Locomotive Engine components.
• Perform scheduled electrical inspections in compliance with Company, Industry, and Federal standards.
• Inspect various small (relays, voltage regulators) and large components (traction motors generators).
• Inspect and test circuitry with electrical testing equipment.
• Inspect wheels, trucks, cab, and internal diesel engine parts, inspect for usual smells, overheating, and small changes in the visual appearance of objects/materials.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions.
• Diagnose electrical malfunctions in locomotive or diesel engine components; assess nature of problem and determine needed corrective action; includes both high and low voltage equipment.
• Perform maintenance and repairs.
• Replace electrical components in the locomotive cab or diesel electrical compartments (junction boxes, voltage regulators, traction motors) as needed.
• Disassemble and clean electrical parts.
• Assemble components.
• Provide maintenance for miscellaneous equipment and facilities using blueprints, schematics, and location circuit plans.
• Replace locomotive and diesel engine component (wheels, traction motors, and worn or cracked engine components).
• Safely and effectively operate the following: high and low precision measuring instruments (micrometers, tape measures, dial calipers); precision machines (drill and punch presses, bench lathes); electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic tools (drills, wrenches, grinders); material handling equipment (forklifts, cranes, overhead hoists); acetylene torches and electric welders.
• Understand and follow company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures.
• Must wear prescribed safety apparel.
• Take appropriate action when conditions threaten safety of self or coworkers.
• Ensure equipment and work area are in safe operating condition before starting work.
• Read and comply with all train orders, signals, railroad rules, and regulations.
• Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strong Mechanical and Electrical Background. Railroad experience a plus.
• Experience with both AC and DC voltage systems.
• Must be willing to work flexible schedules/hours.
• High integrity, ethics, and a positive work attitude
• Problem solving, oral & written communications, organizational and interpersonal skills, perception, creativity.
• Possess analytical and calculating ability.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

• 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent on feet standing. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
• Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.

Environmental:

• Continuous: Exposure to electrical hazards, stand on concrete, works with others, concentration, eye/hand coordination.
• Frequent: Works in cramped quarters, exposure to dust & smoke, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works in hot & cold temperatures, travel required & on-call, works inside & outside, noise, wet conditions, working with interruptions, works on feet-foot pedals, dexterity with fingering-picking, pinching, calculator, and handling, holding & grasping. Prepares reports.
• Occasional: Exposure to chemicals, vibration, walk on uneven or slippery surface, works alone, works with moving machinery, repetitive flexion/rotation wrist motion.
• Rare: Exposure to toxic materials, shift work & money handling.

Education and Training:

• GED or Higher, with 2 – 3 years’ experience working as a diesel mechanic.
• Preferred bachelor’s degree or an associate degree or diploma in electrical, mechanical, or automotive engineering or any other related field of study from an accredited institution.
• Leadership experience a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.

2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

4. Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).