You are independent, conscientious, flexible and have a hands-on approach. As a Cargo engine driver, you transport goods all over Switzerland, making an important contribution to the economy.
Irregular working times and a high level of independence in the work – I value my freedom.
ChristianKlaas
Cargo engine driver, travelling journeyman and skier.
On the move regionally.
Our Cargo engine drivers (Category B100) operate in the marshalling yard and transport goods regionally at a maximum speed of 100km/h. You adjust your driving behaviour to suit the wide variety of loads. Challenges posed by the weather ensure your working day is full of variety.
On the move throughout Switzerland.
As a Cargo engine driver (Category B), the range of goods is as unlimited as your speed. You travel throughout Switzerland and bear great responsibility. Thanks to the beautiful Swiss scenery, your journey is never dull.
Daily life with variety.
A paperless cab does not mean pure app operation. A hands-on approach and thinking independently are of utmost importance. You inspect, couple and secure locomotives. You are also responsible for the brake tests for the freight trains. At the destination, you are personally responsible for removing the train from service and shunting. If no shunting specialist is on site, you manoeuvre the composition of multiple units by radio remote control. You perform this task in some instances with centimetre precision. Although you drive the train independently, you are part of a team.
Have you always wanted to be in charge of over 10,000 horsepower at work? Then you’ve come to the right place with us. Changes to your timetable or your working time are part of your daily life.
Starting your career.
Several training courses begin every year in different locations in Switzerland.
Theoretical training in German takes place in Olten or Zurich Altstetten. Practical experience during and after your training by arrangement.
Theoretical training in French takes place in Lausanne. Practical experience during and after your training takes place in Geneva, Yverdon, Denges, St Maurice, Sion or Biel.
We recommend that you attend an information event. You will get an insight into the working day of a Cargo engine driver as well as information about training, the requirements and application procedure.
Information events.
Click on one of the dates below to register for an event. After filling out the registration form, you will receive a booking confirmation by e-mail.
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Recorded information event.
No time? Event fully booked? No problem. By following the link below, you can register to receive a recording of the fact-finding event by e-mail. Watch the event whenever and wherever suits you best.
In the second training programme as an engine driver or Cargo engine driver (Category B100), you learn driving techniques and how to shunt the wagons. The training programme is held five times per year and lasts around 14 months. You will complete the theoretical training in Olten, Zurich Altstetten or Lausanne and gain initial practical experience in a regionally allocated marshalling yard.
After successfully qualifying as an engine driver or Cargo engine driver (Category B100), you will be employed in the region where you are trained and gain at least 24 months’ practical experience. You will then have the opportunity to start further training as an engine driver or Cargo engine driver (Category B). The further training lasts three to four months and involves a change of location.
Applicants for engine driver or Cargo engine driver training must meet the following requirements:
You have completed at least two years of a recognised course of vocational training, including a certificate of proficiency, ideally basic training in skilled manual work, or a general qualification for university entrance (Matura).
Good working knowledge of computers and tablets.
Oral and written language proficiency in the workplace language.
For this demanding job, you are prepared to work in 24-hour working shifts.
You have perfect colour vision (no red/green colour blindness), are in perfect physical health and your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35 or below, in line with the requirements of the Federal Office of Transport (Article 23, paragraph Q).
Apply online for a job vacancy. The application process takes three to five months and involves psychological and medical fitness tests, among other things.
The variety of our train fleet makes your working day exciting and interesting. As you travel on all our varied routes, you help us keep Switzerland on the move.
SBB operates around the clock, which means you’ll be travelling regionally or throughout Switzerland on weekdays, weekends and holidays. Irregular working times are normal at SBB. Our engine drivers and Cargo engine drivers work primarily at night but usually have the day off on Sunday. Furthermore, we work with the help of annual work plans, which is unusual for this job. It also means enjoying quieter ski slopes during the week, never again having to shop during peak hours and having more flexibility in your leisure time.
Remuneration system.
We pay competitive salaries. Our remuneration system takes into account the requirements for a given position, rewards individual performance and creates transparency. We recently became the first company to be awarded the “Excellence in Fair Compensation” label in recognition of our extremely fair remuneration system.
Your salary during training.
Your gross monthly salary including the thirteen month's pay depends on age, experience and location. The graphics show the salary scale excluding extra pay.
Extra pay.
Up to CHF 250 for night and Sunday work, depending on the shift plan (Hourly rate for night work: CHF 6 / hourly Sunday rate: CHF 16)
Flat-rate subsistance allowance: CHF 19 per day
Child benefit: CHF 320 for the first child (CHF 205 for each additional child) and other SBB benefits
Individual salaries will be fixed as part of the employment contract following our remuneration system which forms part of the collective agreement. Find out more about your salary after training at a career information event.
Special offers for SBB employees.
Our employees benefit from attractive discounts with companies throughout Switzerland – this includes everything from insurance through to language courses and electronic devices.
GA travelcard.
Our employees receive a 2nd class GA travelcard – the only requirement for this is a level of employment of at least 50 percent and an employment period of more than one year at SBB. Our staff also benefit from discounted rail travel abroad.
