Grace Butts

Grace Butts is a prominent figure in the railroad industry, currently serving as the Director of Locomotive Engineering & Quality at Union Pacific Railroad. Her career at Union Pacific has been marked by steady progression and significant contributions to locomotive technology and engineering.

Career Progression

Grace Butts joined Union Pacific as part of the Operations Management Training (OMT) program about 8 years ago.3 She has held various positions within the company, including:

1. Manager of Maintenance
2. Manager of Mechanical Maintenance
3. Director of Locomotive Engineering & Quality (current role)

Responsibilities and Achievements

In her current role, Grace oversees critical aspects of Union Pacific's locomotive engineering and quality control:

• She leads efforts in developing and implementing low-emission locomotive technology, including Tier 4 Genset switchers.1
• Grace is involved in the company's initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Union Pacific's science-based target of reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 26% by 2030.1
• She has been instrumental in addressing challenges related to new locomotive technologies, such as resolving issues with emissions technology in EMD GP22 ECO units.1
• Grace is part of the team working on specifications for Union Pacific's future battery-electric locomotive fleet.1

Background and Education

• Grace comes from a family of engineers, which influenced her career path.2
• She has a strong background in math and science, which led her to pursue engineering.2
• While her specific educational details are not provided, her role suggests a solid engineering background.

Notable Projects

1. Oversaw the implementation of seven "Genset" locomotives at Union Pacific's Proviso Yard in Chicago.1
2. Involved in the operation of 10 Tier 4 single-engine switching locomotives in California, which can improve local air quality by more than 90%.1
3. Participated in resolving technical issues with EMD GP22 ECO units in Northern California.1

Grace Butts' career at Union Pacific demonstrates her expertise in locomotive engineering and her commitment to advancing environmentally friendly technologies in the railroad industry. Her work contributes significantly to Union Pacific's efforts to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.