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.

Other names for Locomotive Engineers: Conductor, Diesel Engine Operator, Diesel Engineer, Diesel Locomotive Engineer, Engine Pilot, Engineman, Freight Engineer, Locomotive Engineer, Locomotive Operator, Lokie Driver, Lokie Engineer, Motor Driver, Motor Operator, Motor Runner, Motorman, Narrow Gauge Engineer, Narrow Gauge Operator, Operator, Passenger Locomotive Engineer, Pilot, Rail Car Operator, Rail Detector Car Operator, Railroad Engineer, Railroad Operating Engineer, Relay Motorman, Train Engineer, Train Operator, Trainman, Trainmaster, Transportation Specialist, Trip Motor Operator,

• Monitor gauges and meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, and air pressure in brakelines and in main reservoirs.
• Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
• Interpret train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
• Receive starting signals from conductors, then move controls such as throttles and air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives.
• Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations, and to assemble and disassemble trains within rail yards.
• Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
• Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
• Call out train signals to assistants in order to verify meanings.
• Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, and other supplies before each run, and to check for mechanical problems.
• Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.
• Check to ensure that documentation, including procedure manuals and logbooks, is in the driver's cab and available for staff use.
• Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
• Drive diesel-electric rail-detector cars to transport rail-flaw-detecting machines over tracks.
• Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight and rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.