Jared Bifulk
Maple Grove,MN
Summary
Seasoned Locomotive Engineer with solid background in overseeing train and engine movements over demanding territory. Proven track record in diagnosing and resolving complex issues, ensuring optimal equipment performance. A life long student of the Steam Locomotive. I have studied for years the inner and outer working of steam locomotive and era specific freight and passenger equipment. I have studied many period books and manuals that refer to the operation of appliances on railroad equipment, to include, air compressors, feed water heaters,
26l, k-series, and ab series brake equipment, locomotive injectors, valve gear, and train handling techniques for both passenger and freight trains.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Service Technician
M&g Trailer Sales, Rental & Service
08.2021 - 09.2025
- Assisted in diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Learned safety protocols and operational procedures for handling tools and machinery effectively.
- Repaired and replaced worn and damaged components.
- Participated in training sessions to gain proficiency with industry-standard tools and technologies.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area, adhering to safety standards and best practices.
- Documented service requests and completed work orders accurately for record-keeping purposes.
- Enhanced team productivity, conducting thorough training sessions for new technicians.
Maintenance Technician
Packaging Corporation Of America
11.2019 - 08.2021
- Conducted routine inspections to identify maintenance issues and ensure operational efficiency.
- Performed preventive maintenance on equipment to minimize downtime and extend asset lifespan.
- Utilized hand tools and power tools to execute repairs and installations effectively.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot mechanical failures and implement corrective actions.
- Rebuilding pneumatic and hydraulic pumps, solenoids, and cylinders.
- Operate and maintain high pressure boiler and steam system.
- Perform chemical testing of high pressure boiler.
- Work with operators to determine the cause of failures or to ascertain possible problems.
- Reading and understanding mechanical and electrical prints.
- Troubleshooting low and high voltage including 3 phase.
- Maintain plumbing systems in PVC, copper, and black iron.
- Weld aluminum, steel, and stainless steel, using MIG and Tig techniques.
- Machine parts using lathe or milling machine to fabricate, modify, or repair parts for equipment.
Maintenance Engineer
Ameripride
07.2019 - 11.2019
- Conducted routine inspections and maintenance on machinery and equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Diagnosed and resolved mechanical issues, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
- Reduced downtime through efficient troubleshooting and root cause analysis of equipment failures.
- Dismantled defective machines and equipment and installed new or repaired parts.
- Operate and maintain two high pressure boilers and their steam system.
- Replace worn bearings and cylinders on equipment.
Lead Maintenance Technician
WestRock
09.2017 - 07.2019
- Led preventive maintenance programs to enhance equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
- Supervised team of technicians, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and operational standards.
- Developed training materials and conducted workshops to improve staff skills and knowledge retention.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues, implementing timely repairs to maintain operational efficiency.
- Perform preventative maintenance on corrugated industrial equipment.
- Coordinate daily with production on machine availability for routine maintenance.
- Replace bearings, print cylinders, and feed rolls.
- Operate and maintain high pressure boiler and steam system.
- Maintain plumbing systems in PVC, copper, and black iron (steam system).
- Fabricate broken or worn pieces, both structural and cosmetic to maintain the plant machinery.
Locomotive Engineer
Union Pacific
08.2004 - 09.2017
- Operated locomotives in compliance with safety regulations and operational protocols.
- Knowledgeable in air brakes and train handling techniques, both freight and passenger service.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections to ensure equipment readiness and safety standards.
- Monitor gauges that measure speed, amperage, and air pressure.
- Interpret train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives and trains.
- Knowledgeable in GCOR rules.
- Monitored train performance, identifying and addressing operational issues promptly.
- Coordinated with yardmasters to ensure the efficient movement of trains within rail yards, optimizing space utilization and minimizing delays.
- Assisted in training new Locomotive Engineers, sharing knowledge and best practices for optimal job performance.
- Operated tonnage trains up to 21,000 lbs on grades as high as 2% where manned helpers are assigned.
- Operated manned helper service on tonnage trains in assigned territories.
- Operated multiple company passenger trains over qualified territory.
Education
High School Diploma -
White Bear Lake High School
White Bear Lake, MNSkills
- Boiler maintenance
- Pipefitting
- Water treatment
- Work with minimal supervision
- Compliance documentation
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Air compressors
- Punctual and reliable
- Equipment inspection
- Safety procedures adherence
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
Accomplishments
Building a 1/5th scale live steam Garrat locomotive modeling the D&RGW k-37. The locomotive is being built from original blue prints, dated 1929. The locomotive is a concept design. My skills involve the ability to read blue prints and interpret them into manufacturing individual components of the locomotive. Using modern welding, machining and casting practices.
Member of St. Croix Railroad, scale model railroading. Operate live steam locomotives, safely and efficiently while handling trains carrying passengers.
Timeline
Lead Service Technician
M&g Trailer Sales, Rental & Service
08.2021 - 09.2025
Maintenance Technician
Packaging Corporation Of America
11.2019 - 08.2021
Maintenance Engineer
Ameripride
07.2019 - 11.2019
Lead Maintenance Technician
WestRock
09.2017 - 07.2019
Locomotive Engineer
Union Pacific
08.2004 - 09.2017
High School Diploma -
White Bear Lake High School