Sugar Express Passenger Car and Steam Locomotive Specialist

Why SugarExpress?

Employees are our most valuable asset. When we succeed, our employees succeed.  As we grow, we hire new employees who are knowledgeable, energetic and committed to keeping us on the cutting-edge of our industry. We reward them with challenging work, opportunities to learn and grow, competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment where safety is our top priority.

Job Description:

The Vintage Railroad Passenger Car & Steam Locomotive Specialist is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, restoration, and overhaul of vintage passenger cars, steam locomotive #148, and related railroad equipment used in excursion train operations. The specialist ensures all equipment is maintained in a safe, reliable, and historically appropriate condition while meeting all applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, OSHA safety requirements, and company operating standards.

This position requires extensive mechanical knowledge, sound troubleshooting skills, craftsmanship in restoration techniques, and a commitment to preserving historic railroad equipment while supporting safe passenger operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair steam locomotive #148, tenders, and passenger rail equipment in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and company safety standards.


• Perform daily, pre-trip, post-trip, preventive maintenance, and required periodic inspections of locomotives and passenger equipment.


• Service and repair locomotive mechanical systems, including boilers, fireboxes, running gear, valve gear, lubrication systems, air compressors, and braking systems.


• Inspect and maintain passenger coaches, dining cars, observation cars, and baggage cars, including mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, suspension, and safety systems.


• Perform mechanical repairs, welding, fabrication, and restoration work to maintain equipment safety, reliability, and historical integrity.


• Diagnose equipment failures, perform necessary repairs, and assist with annual inspections, boiler inspections, and mechanical audits.


• Read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.


• Maintain accurate inspection reports, repair records, and equipment maintenance histories.


• Ensure compliance with applicable FRA regulations, including 49 CFR Parts 215, 230, 231, 232, 238, 240, and 242, as applicable to assigned duties and equipment.


• Provide mechanical support during passenger excursions, special events, and seasonal operations, including equipment preparation and cleaning.


• Follow all railroad operating rules, safety procedures, and company policies while supporting safe train operations.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid Florida Class E driver’s license or higher.


• Experience maintaining or repairing steam locomotives, railroad passenger equipment, or similar heavy mechanical systems preferred.


• Technical training or apprenticeship in mechanical maintenance, welding, machining, or a related field preferred.


• Knowledge of steam locomotive systems, railroad equipment, and applicable FRA safety regulations.


• Experience in boiler repair, welding, machining, fabrication, or heritage railroad operations preferred.


• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems, interpret technical drawings, and maintain accurate documentation.


• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment to safe work practices.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, follow instructions, and communicate effectively with employees, train crews, and passengers.


• Ability to safely respond to unexpected operating conditions and prioritize work while maintaining regulatory compliance.


• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.


• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to stand for extended periods of time.


• Working conditions may be rainy, hot, cold, humid, dusty, foggy etc. depending on the weather.


• Working conditions may be hot for extended periods of time depending on tasks.


• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. 


• Duties of this job are occasionally performed in shops, yards, locomotives, and various passenger cars.


• Employees may be required to drive a vehicle for extended time periods.


• Employees must comply with all railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and company safety policies.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to operate and use all necessary equipment and use common office and shop equipment.


• Stand and/or sit for extended periods of time.


• Lift up to 75 pounds regularly.


• Climb locomotives, passenger cars, ladders, and scaffolding.


• Work in confined spaces.


• Work around hot boilers, steam, heavy machinery, and moving railroad equipment.


• Perform physically demanding work in all weather conditions.


• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment “PPE”.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. 

Employees will be expected to follow any other instructions, and perform any other duties, as may be required by supervision.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

SugarExpress provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.