Profession rolling stock engine tester

Rolling stock engine testers test the performance of diesel and electric engines used for locomotives. They position or give directions to workers positioning engines on the test stand. They use hand tools and machinery to position and connect the engine to the test stand. They use computerised equipment to enter, read and record test data such as temperature, speed, fuel consumption, oil and exhaust pressure.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Operation of different engines

    Know the characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.

  • Mechanics

    Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

  • Engine components

    Know the different engine components, and their operation and maintenance. Understand when repairs and replacement should be undertaken.

  • Mechanics of trains

    Possess basic knowledge of the mechanics involved in trains, understand the technicalities and participate in discussions on related topics in order to solve problems related to the mechanics.

  • Engineering processes

    The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

  • Electromechanics

    The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.

  • Electricity

    Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

Skills

  • Use testing equipment

    Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.

  • Diagnose defective engines

    Diagnose engine damage or malfunctions by inspecting mechanical equipment; utilise instruments such as chassis charts, pressure gauges, and motor analysers.

  • Evaluate engine performance

    Read and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.

  • Conduct performance tests

    Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.

  • Control compliance of railway vehicles regulations

    Inspect rolling stock, components and systems to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

  • Operate precision measuring equipment

    Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.

  • Record test data

    Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.

  • Read engineering drawings

    Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.

  • Read standard blueprints

    Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

  • Perform test run

    Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.

  • Use technical documentation

    Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

  • Create solutions to problems

    Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.

Optional knowledge and skills

supervise staff write records for repairs manage maintenance operations operate lifting equipment supervise work lead inspections send faulty equipment back to assembly line liaise with engineers maintain test equipment disassemble engines engineering principles quality assurance procedures re-assemble engines position engine on test stand

Source: Sisyphus ODB