How do I become a Railroad engineer?

Question

Does any one have some advice and information on becoming one in the USA? How long does it take to get the training and get the paper work to prove I'm qualified? What a good school to go to and what is a good company to work for? What are the physical requirements for the job?

Answer 1

since i work at the railroad. u will first have to take alot of test, you cant be color blind and must be able to see a signal from half a mile. u must do a physical and strenth test and also deal with the on call thing for atleast 10 or more years as you will be on the unassinged bored untill you get a full position. u will have to make a lifestayle change, no alcohol or drugs. also you will be required to travel and must be availble 2 hours after your call. also you will sumtimes have to walk a mile long train just to check to make sure its still attached and no overhang or damage is occuring. u cant be afraid of heights as sumtimes when you are called to probally take a tarin across states, there are many high brides that you as a conductor will have to walk across. just dont look down. also. there is wildlife. snakes love to curl up around the railroad ties during the summer. as far as being a railroad engineer, that wont happen untill you pass your exam and that comes after being a conductor for about 2 years or so but make sure thats what you want because you will be required to become a railroad engineer and if you not qualified enough even though you been a conductor for 2 years, u wont have a job because you will not be able to go back to a conductor, you can only move foward or they will release you and you wont have a job.      

             *CSX railroad employee*

Answer 2

http://www.unionpacific.jobs/      apply here (or a railroad near you) and let them train you.  It takes about 12 -18 months of being a student (a fireman) to get a license from the FRA  http://www.fra.dot.gov/ .  Physical requirements?  --  decent sight and hearing