Director, Mechanical Operations

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.

Mechanical coordinates and oversees the repair, inspection, cleaning, rebuilding, replacing and maintenance of 1,180 pieces of rolling stock used in commuter service. The department’s goal is to provide safe, clean and reliable service while maintaining the fleet to the standards of the Federal Railroad Administration, Association of American Railroads, American Public Transit Association and the original equipment manufacturers.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Mechanical Operations, the Director, Mechanical Operations is responsible for overseeing daily mechanical operations to ensure all work is performed in alignment with agency policies, procedures, and safety regulations; supervises Shop Superintendents and the locomotive, electric multi-units and car shops within the districts of the mechanical department; directs, coordinates, and monitors shop maintenance activities, special projects, repairs, and cleanings; and ensures all rolling stock complies with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), and Department of Transportation (DOT) standards; manages assigned capital improvement programs, oversees and monitors the budget; and collaborates with the security team to implement district security policies. This role requires flexible availability, including nonoperating hours, weekends, and holidays.

The primary duties include: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the district through supervision of the Shop Superintendents, Car Department Superintendent, and the Car Rehab Superintendents ensuring employees work within the guidelines of Metra's policies and safety regulations and rolling stock is maintained to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), and Department of Transportation (DoT) standards and regulations. Assign work activities, projects ,and programs; review and evaluate work product, methods, and procedures; and meet with staff to identify and resolve program issues. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs and projects; and work with security team to ensure compliance with district security policies. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; and recommend, within departmental policies, appropriate service and staffing levels. Participate on a variety of committees and prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as necessary. 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. 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

• Bachelor's degree Mechanical Engineering or a related field OR in lieu of degree any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years of mechanical engineering or related experience.
• In addition to #1, must have ten (10) years of mechanical experience in either a railroad or manufacturing environment.
• Must have five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of repair and maintenance of rolling stock and maintenance facilities.
• Considerable knowledge of safety rules and procedures.
• Good knowledge of labor agreements and Federal Railroad Administration regulations as they pertain to passenger cars and locomotives.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good planning and analytical skills.
• Good supervisory skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with all levels of management, employees, external groups, and organizations.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to understand and apply provision of labor agreements.
• Ability to direct others.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be FRA 238, 217, and 218 certified or be able to become certified within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Must 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 50 pounds.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

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.