Alumni Spotlight: Engineering grad Taylor Richard is thriving at Union Pacific

AUGUST 25, 2023 — While every day at Union Pacific is different for Taylor Richard, manager-locomotive maintenance, mechanical, her team focus and passion for safety remain consistent.

Richard joined UP in September 2021 after graduating from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in mechanical engineering.

“I was looking for a field job that would enhance my leadership and management skills and allow me to be hands on,” she said.

She started as an operations management trainee (OMT) at Englewood Shop in Houston – not far from her hometown of Katy, Texas – where she worked regularly with the transportation department.

“She produces quality results, ensures the team is safe and effective, and takes complete ownership of her responsibilities.”

With nearly two years of railroading under her belt, Richard currently works as the second shift overhaul and modification manager at Jenks Shop in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

“I try to balance being out on the floor with my workgroup, juggling projects and continuous improvement opportunities and making sure our team is safe and productive,” Richard said.

Richard’s supervisor, Heath Johnson, senior manager-locomotive facility, mechanical, said she stands out from the crowd by owning her business and being a “champion of safety.”

“She produces quality results, ensures the team is safe and effective, and takes complete ownership of her responsibilities,” Johnson said.

Johnson added that he noted that Richard’s drive helped increase team productivity by 15% in three months.

Outside of work, Richard likes to travel, spend time with friends and family, read and try out new places to eat. A huge Marvel fan, she wears a Marvel T-shirt to work every Friday.

Her favorite part of being a railroader: being a part of the impact rail industry has on the economy.

“Before joining UP I never knew how many goods and products were transported by rail or how much more fuel efficient it was,” Richard said. “I’ve met a lot of great people and learned a lot.”