What is a Locomotive Engineer?

A locomotive engineer, also known as a railroad engineer, train operator, train driver, or engine driver, is the person responsible for operating a passenger or freight train.

One or more locomotives, or engines, are attached to either passenger or freight cars, and can run on diesel, electricity, or a combination of both. Locomotive engineers, also called railroad engineers, are only in charge of the locomotives (as opposed to conductors, who oversee what happens inside the passenger or freight cars).

Along with operating the engine during a route, the locomotive engineer must make sure the locomotive is in good condition, by inspecting it mechanically before and after each route. During the trip, the locomotive engineer is in charge of the mechanical operation and speed of the train. The locomotive engineer must keep in touch with the conductor, as well as the other train workers, during every trip. He or she must also have quick reflexes and be prepared to handle any emergency.

Locomotive engineers are almost always promoted from within, since the job requires a thorough knowledge of many aspects of railroads. The locomotive engineer must understand the engine itself, how to operate a train, and be familiar with the routes the train may take. Usually, locomotive engineers start their careers as assistant conductors, and then move up to become conductors and then engineers. Some countries, inlcuding the United States, require locomotive engineers to update their certification every 2 or 3 years, to make sure that the engineers are still able to perform their duties.