Sr. Manager, Locomotive Engineer

Job Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Training and Certification is responsible for the training of locomotive engineers, conductors and assistant conductors and other functions within the Transportation Division. The department conducts and oversees training programs that enable employees to meet regulatory mandates and develop necessary job skills.

Reporting to the Director of Workforce Development and Continuous Learning - Transportation, the Senior Manager, Locomotive Engineer oversees locomotive engineer trainers, and simulator instructors; monitors certification and recertification programs; manages operational testing and check rides; contributes to curriculum development; and serves as the Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE) for purposes of compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 governing locomotive engineer and conductor certification as outlined by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the agency's General Code of Regulations (GCOR) and best practices (rules, instructions, and policies) related to train handling.

The primary duties include: Serve and qualify as a DSLE and be qualified per 49 CFR to conduct knowledge and skills testing, check rides, and performance monitoring; prescribe remedial actions; and verify territorial qualifications as required; ensure training, certification, recertification, and ongoing monitoring meet CFR requirements. Conduct and document operational tests and inspections in accordance with the railroad's 49 CFR compliant written program, including rules efficiency tests, rules observations, and event driven evaluations, and follow through on identified corrective actions. Lead a team of instructors and simulator specialists by managing schedules, deliverables, and communications; maintain succession plans and process documentation; and oversee new-hire certification and recertification classes. Participate in the selection process for new hires; ensure compliance with all requirements for eligibility, training, testing, and monitoring of locomotive engineers; and supervise all operator trainees and train host trainees through end of training probationary period. Collaborate with the instructional design team to develop, implement, and regularly update agency air brake and train handling rules and related technical standards to ensure compliance with applicable FRA requirements; integrate blended learning methods (classroom, virtual, simulator); and enhance training through interactive e-learning modules, video-based demonstrations, immersive simulation, and AI-driven performance feedback to accelerate skill acquisition and retention. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED. A bachelor's degree in transportation, business or related field is preferred.
• In addition to #1, must have eight (8) years of railroad experience, which must include five (5) years' experience as a certified Locomotive Engineer.
• Must have five (5) years of experience managing training and certification programs, preferably in a railroad environment.
• Must have four (4) years of direct supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, discipline and termination.
• Knowledge of FRA operating, maintenance of way, safety, and roadway worker protection rules and special instruction training standards.
• Extensive knowledge of train operation and handling, labor agreements, and the following regulations governing locomotive engineers:
• Working knowledge of training and development principles, methodologies, best practices, evaluation models.
• Knowledge of adult learning and teaching techniques and technologies and informal learning tools such as Minute to Learn It videos, podcasts, simulators, role plays, etc.
• 49 CFR §§ 217 and 218 Railroad Operating Rules and Practices
• 49 CFR § 228 Passenger Train Employee Hours of Service; Recordkeeping and Reporting; Sleeping Quarters
• 49 CFR § 229 Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards
• 49 CFR § 236 Subpart I Positive Train Control Systems
• 49 CFR § 240 Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers
• 49 CFR § 240.307 Revocation of certification
• 49 CFR § 240.127 Criteria for Examining Skill Performance
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Planner) or similar productivity and collaboration tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to enable clear and concise messaging of complex technical concepts in an engaging manner, active listening, and to build strong relationships.
• Strong leadership skills to establish and maintain professional relationships and networks internally and externally, advocate for and support training functions, and foster teamwork, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Ability to set priorities, develop work schedules, monitor progress towards goals, meet deadlines, track and document all project activities.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and networks to advocate for and support training functions.
• Certified as a Locomotive Engineer.
• Free of decertification for a period of five (5) years.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon,evenings, or weekends.
• Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

• A bachelor's degree in transportation, business or related field.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact [email protected] . If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [email protected] .

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.