PASSENGER ENGINEER TRAINEE
Employer: Amtrak
Location: New Orleans, LA
Pay: $34.42 / hour (student training rate during initial instruction; subject to collective bargaining increases)
Type: Full-time — Trainee → Class 1 Train Service Engineer (heavy travel potential)
What You’ll Do:
• Train (classroom + field) to safely operate locomotives and passenger trains in compliance with FRA and Amtrak rules.
• Complete 8–10 weeks of centralized classroom/field training at Amtrak’s Wilmington, DE Training Center, then extended on-the-job qualifying at your crew base.
• Operate equipment across varying shifts in a 24/7 environment while maintaining alertness, situational awareness, and clear verbal communication with crew and dispatch.
• Undergo periodic medical exams and random DOT drug & alcohol screening; comply with safety/security checks and reporting requirements.
Why It Stands Out:
• Direct path to a skilled, in-demand transportation career with Amtrak and railroad retirement benefits.
• Paid training (student rate) and structured certification to become a Class 1 Train Service Engineer.
• Comprehensive benefits package (health/dental/vision, 401(k), life insurance, paid time off, education reimbursement, rail pass privileges).
• Clear advancement and collective bargaining protections—wage increases governed by agreement schedule.
Potential Trade-offs:
• Travel requirement can be extensive (up to 100%) and shifts are irregular (overnight/holidays).
• Strict DOT/FRA drug and medical standards — marijuana positive is disqualifying regardless of state law.
• Must pass vision/color/hearing criteria and security background checks — some criminal offenses are disqualifying.
• Initial student pay rate during training — full engineer pay only after certification.
Qualifications / Requirements:
• High school diploma or GED required; some college or vocational training preferred.
• Satisfactory attendance and safety record; clean motor vehicle/drug & alcohol history per Amtrak/FRA timeframes.
• Willingness to sign release for prior railroad records and meet DOT/FRA physical/vision/hearing standards.
• Strong verbal & written communication skills.
• Successful completion of Amtrak’s Engineer Training program (classroom + field + qualifying runs) required; paid at the student training rate until certified.
• Must pass pre-employment drug test; DOT drug & alcohol history checks required.
Perks / Benefits:
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); flexible spending accounts.
• Paid time off, education reimbursement, Railroad Retirement benefits, and rail pass privileges.
• Collective bargaining agreement protections and potential negotiated wage increases.
Here is the link to view more job details or apply.
Would you take this job?
If you were applying, what would be your top three non-negotiables: (A) guaranteed pay range for trainee vs. certified engineer, (B) a clear training timeline with milestones and mentor support, or (C) limits on travel/shift scheduling? Which would you pick and why — and what would you ask Amtrak before accepting (pay during training, length of on-the-job qualifying, or sample day schedule)?