Move forward with us! At NJ TRANSIT, you'll join us in transforming the third-largest transportation agency in North America. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable service that gets customers to their destinations on time–and we're looking to hire talented folks with a commitment to excellence to make it all possible.

As a Locomotive Engineer, you’ll join the ranks of the most trained and skilled of all rail workforces. You’ll control equipment that is complex and powerful and bear responsibility for the safety of others. Become part of a Rail team that transports over 500,000 passengers a day and starts moving towards a successful and lucrative career. If you’re constantly challenging yourself to do better, then this is the job for you!

The Locomotive Engineer (LE) position entails deep knowledge and application of train operating rules and regulations. It involves the operation of locomotives, performing pre-trip inspections and tests, monitoring track conditions during runs, controlling train speed by throttle adjustment and brake application, and ensuring the safety of passengers and equipment. Typically LEs monitor speed, air pressure, battery use, and other instruments to ensure that the locomotive runs smoothly. They observe the track for obstructions, such as fallen tree branches, and use a variety of controls, such as throttles and airbrakes to operate the train. In partnership with NJ Transit Conductors, LEs are part of a dynamic team that communicates in person and via radio to get information about delays or changes in the schedule to the public. The LE is also responsible for handling emergency situations involving troubleshooting repairs on equipment.

Prescreen: Applicants whose resumes pass the initial review will undergo a prescreening process to further confirm eligibility.

General Information Session: Qualified applicants will be invited to attend a general information session where they will learn more about the role and the company.

Test: After the information session, applicants will take a Locomotive Engineer Training Program (LETP) Aptitude Test to assess key skills and attributes required for the role.

Panel Interview: Applicants who perform well on the test will be invited to participate in a panel interview with representatives from Human Resources and Rail Transportation Operations.

Locomotive Engineer Trainees participate in a twenty (20) month training program, which includes classroom learning, on-the-job training, knowledge of NORAC rules and regulations, and general railroad information. Trainees go through equipment orientation where they learn about airbrakes, rules of the railroad, physical characteristics of divisional railroad lines, etc. They learn in-depth knowledge of equipment and electrical operations as well as safety training before they are qualified on the lines of their assigned railroad division.

New Locomotive Engineer graduates are usually assigned to work the “extra list” before being able to hold a regular assignment. Assignments are chosen by employees based on seniority; therefore, preferred day shift jobs and locations are often chosen by senior employees. New employees must work assignments with irregular hours or work the “extra list” with assignments and locations changing daily. The railroad is a twenty-four (24) hour operation. Train crews are subject to duty at any time and must report to assignments within four (4) hours of being called. After becoming a Locomotive Engineer, you will be required to pass yearly examinations that test your knowledge of operating rules and other aspects of information required to successfully continue in your position.

After completion of the training program, the nature of the Locomotive Engineer position may require that he/she work on one train, such as the rush hour train, have a period of time off, then work the next train that is scheduled to leave. This period of time off, in between trains, is called “layover” and the Locomotive Engineer is considered “held for duty”. Employees in passenger service will be paid overtime for time “on duty”, or “held for duty” in excess of eight (8) hours. An employee held for duty will not be paid for the largest segment of time, meaning eight (8) hours pay for nine (9) hours on duty.

Under the current labor agreement, the entry pay rate is $37.10 per hour and $53.00 per hour upon LETP promotion. Additional pay rate increases are according to the collective bargaining agreement.

Locomotive Engineer Trainees will be required to join the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLE) union upon ninety (90) days of hire.

To be a successful Locomotive Engineer, you must demonstrate:

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