Who is Watco?

Watco is a US-based business established in 1983 in Pittsburg, Kansas with strong roots tied to our 'Customer First' Foundation Principles.

Watco

Australia operates rail services on the West and East coasts of Australia, providing container and bulk transportation solutions for customers in the grain, agriculture, livestock, rail infrastructure, minerals and steel manufacturing industries. Due to our continual growth, we have an opening for a Field Service Technician (Locomotive Maintainer) to join our locomotive maintenance team in Port Kembla, NSW.

About the Role

As a Field Service Technician (Locomotive Maintainer), you will carry out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, fault-finding, inspections, and repairs on diesel locomotives. This role suits candidates with EMD locomotive experience, or heavy diesel or truck mechanics (including Cummins QSK engines) looking to transition into the rail industry. This is a permanent full-time position.

Duties include

- Conduct scheduled and unscheduled locomotive inspections and servicing.

- Diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and electronic locomotive systems using observation and testing methods.

- Perform mechanical maintenance and repair tasks, including fault diagnosis and component upgrades.

- Conduct in‑field maintenance repairs and follow isolation procedures within defined networks or designated areas.

- Dismantle and reassemble major locomotive components using hoists, cranes, and approved tools.

- Examine components to identify defects and wear, assess suitability for re‑use, and measure components using gauges, callipers, and micrometres.

- Service and adjust mechanical and electrical control devices across locomotive fleets.





- Complete scheduled maintenance on cooling, lubrication, and filtration systems.

- Safely operate power tools and pneumatic equipment.

- Complete maintenance documentation and reports in line with company and regulatory requirements.

What You’ll Need

- Certificate III in Mechanical, Fitting, Heavy Diesel, or equivalent trade qualification.

- Solid mechanical maintenance and repair skills.

- Experience with locomotives, rail equipment, or heavy diesel engines. Cummins engine experience highly regarded.

- Truck or heavy diesel mechanics without rail experience are encouraged to apply. Training will be provided to develop locomotive-specific skills.

- Solid equipment, breakdown and reactive maintenance knowledge and willingness to cross-skill in wagon maintenance if required.

- Valid ‘C’ class driver’s licence (required). Heavy rigid truck, forklift, crane dogman or rigger licences desirable but not essential.

- Ability to apply Rail Safety guidelines and company procedures, and comply with OHS and regulatory requirements.

- Ability to read and understand safety rules, manuals, regulations, and maintenance instructions.

- Knowledge of control wiring systems and the ability to interpret electrical schematics hihgly regarded.

Classification and Pay





This role is covered by the Watco East Coast Maintenance and Rollingstock Enterprise Agreement 2025.

Level 3

- $107,821.53 per year ($51.84/hr).

- Trade qualified with demonstrated competence in maintenance and repairs.

- Ability to follow schematics and safety procedures.

- Extensive locomotive maintenance experience.

- Ability to handle complex diagnostics and system upgrades.

- Experience with EMD and/or GE equipment desirable.

- Ability to mentor and support other team members where required.

Level 4

- $113,548.78 per year ($54.59/hr).

- All Level 3 requirements .

- Perform advanced locomotive diagnostics, fault finding and repairs across a diverse fleet.

- Maintain and service critical locomotive mechanical and electrical systems to ensure secure and reliable operations.

- Conduct testing, commissioning and compliance checks in line with operational and safety standards.

- Undertake complex troubleshooting and component change-outs with minimal supervision.

What We Can Offer

- Paid parental leave.

- Career development and growth opportunities.

- Novated leasing.

- Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members.

- Uniform and PPE provided.

- Be a part of a close-knit and supportive team.

Our team are recognised, acknowledged, and rewarded for the amazing work they do. Apply now, to start your career with Watco Australia!

Watco Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to maintaining, growing and supporting our diverse and inclusive culture, by seeking and promoting diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse community groups and ages including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, women, and other diversity groups.

📌 Field Service Technician (Locomotive Maintainer) (Port Kembla)
🏢 WATCO WA Rail
📍 Port Kembla