Arthur Jones is a graduate of the Michigan Technological University ECE department. After working for two summers (2012 and 2013) as an intern for Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), a major locomotive manufacturer based in La Grange, IL, he joined their electrical traction systems department full time in June, 2014. Arthur’s work focuses on the design and test of systems related to the electric drives on locomotives. “There is never a dull day at EMD; there is always more to do and so much to learn”. EMD has a long history of innovation including pioneering AC traction drives, and self-steering radial bogies.

“The rail industry is a very interesting field to be involved in. Our customers, the railroads, expect a lot out of the machines we produce. Quality and reliability must be factored into every facet of design as these locomotives are expected to run well for decades.” Arthur became interested in electric machines and power electronics through the Michigan Tech’s ECE lab courses on the topics. He pursued graduate studies in the field, enabling him to gain the expertise needed to be able to understand the electrical systems on locomotives. “During my time here I took classes specialized towards power generation and hybrid-electric vehicles. A locomotive combines both of these together; it is basically a series diesel-electric hybrid with grid size generation on board.”