Machinist Journeyman(diesel/engine mechanic) - 90411414 - Los Angeles

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Wage

$30.95 – $41.26/hr

Apply for This Position

Posted on September 1, 2026

Job Description

Overview

Amtrak is seeking a Machinist Journeyman (diesel/engine mechanic) to be responsible for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of locomotives and rolling stock equipment in accordance with FRA and Amtrak standards. The company values safety, accountability, and effective communication, aiming to connect businesses and communities across the country.

Responsibilities

  • Perform inspection, testing, and maintenance repair of locomotive diesel engines, components, and running gear.
  • Responsible for mechanical repairs to drive systems, wheels/wheel sets, suspension, and other components of the propulsion system.
  • Diagnose, test, and repair air systems and air brake equipment.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance of locomotives and move locomotives.
  • Operate lifting/hoisting equipment and apply knowledge of internal combustion engines.
  • Troubleshoot equipment to determine corrective actions and causes of equipment failures.
  • Calibrate pressure switches and valves in compliance with regulations and established standards.
  • Maintain proper care and use of materials, test equipment, machines, and hand tools.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Completion of technical school or apprenticeship program preferred.
  • Experience in troubleshooting, repair, replacement, or rebuilding mechanical equipment and systems.
  • Prefer welding and cutting experience.
  • Experience in the maintenance of railroad equipment preferred.
  • Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
  • Ability to read mechanical drawings.
  • Knowledge and skill in the use of electrical tools and equipment.
  • Some computer skills.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate proficiently.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k

Additional Information

  • Work locations may have moderate to high noise levels and various heat/cold conditions.
  • Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull loads in accordance with safety rules.
  • Pre-employment background check and drug screening are required.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
401k

How this job compares in Los Angeles, CA

Pay in context

At roughly $36/hr, this posting comes in about 10% below the $40/hr median for welding jobs in Los Angeles, CA, where the middle half runs $30–$57/hr across 73 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 34% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. That gap is worth raising directly — in a market this size there is normally room to negotiate toward the median, particularly if you already hold the certifications the posting asks for.

The local market in Los Angeles, CA

We're tracking 101 other active welding openings in Los Angeles, CA right now, from 61 different employers. 51 of them were added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 627 other active welding openings from 306 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Los Angeles, or widen the search to California.

Amtrak currently has 1 other opening live in California, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in California at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (31), Aerotek (16), and Volt (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within California, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Redondo Beach at $51/hr, Santa Ana at $48/hr, and Long Beach at $40/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Los Angeles, CA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Machinist Journeyman(diesel/engine mechanic) - 90411414 - Los Angeles figures were last recalculated when this page was built.