Railway locomotive engineers transport passengers/freight on railways. They operate communication systems to communicate with train crews/railway traffic controllers to ensure that trains operate safely and meet their schedules.

Yard locomotive engineers switch, couple, and uncouple cars for loading/unloading goods within the yards of railway, industrial, and other organizations.

Completion of secondary school is usually required.

Experience as a conductor is required for railway locomotive engineers and may be required for yard locomotive engineers.

Experience as a railway yard worker may be required for yard locomotive engineers.

Level "A" Certificate of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules is required for railway locomotive engineers.

Mobility between railway transport companies or between establishments employing locomotive engineers may be limited due to seniority provisions of collective agreements.