O*NET-SOC 53-4011.00
Locomotive Engineers
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
From O*NET 30.3
Tasks
From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them
Free · O*NET 30.3- Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.Core12752
- Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.Core12754
- Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.Core12753
- Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.Core12750
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.Core12751
- Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.Core12758
- Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.Core12755
- Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.Core12757
- Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.Core12756
- Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.Core12759
- Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.Core12762
- Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.Core12760
- Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.Core12761
- Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.Supplemental12764
Technology Skills
From O*NET 30.3, 5 examples in 5 categories, 2 Hot Technology
Free · O*NET 30.3Expert system software
- Electronic train management systems ETMS
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft ExcelHot Technology
Word processing software
- Microsoft WordHot Technology
Route navigation software
- Route mapping software
Time accounting software
- Time tracking software
Detailed Work Activities
From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it
Free · O*NET 30.3Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor loading processes to ensure they are performed properly.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor operational quality or safety.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Documenting/Recording Information
Prepare accident or incident reports.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Assisting and Caring for Others
Respond to transportation emergencies.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Job Zone
From O*NET 30.3
Free · O*NET 30.3Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source
WFA coverage: AI skills for this job
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openPilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.
Equivalents
NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents
Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)
Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)No NICE work role maps to this job.