Deputy Director of Mechanical

Job Description

The Deputy Director of Mechanical will assist the Director of Mechanical in planning and supervising the day-to-day and long-range functions of the commuter rail and water service contractors and will supervise a small professional staff to ensure contractor compliance with contract requirements. This position focuses on mechanical services and operations, including revenue and non-revenue rolling stock.
• Execute duties and responsibilities in a multidisciplinary management role, including Capital, Operating, and Force Account project initiation and budget management.

• Initiate and manage multi-million-dollar Project Initiative (PI) via the Commuter Rail Operating contractor and local railroad.

• Develop, award, and manage multi-million-dollar Capital and Operating budgets in support of implementing extensive facility/yard expansions, upgrades, and SGR improvements concurrently.

• Ensure budgetary goals are met, and all work is performed in a timely, cost-effective manner.

• Develop, implement, and manage programs, procedures, and standards for Commuter Mechanical Department employees.

• Supervise contractors and vendors to ensure work meets contract specifications, MBTA standards, and established deadlines; take corrective action when necessary.

• Interface with agency staff, contractors, vendors, and federal and state agencies regarding rolling stock maintenance activities, including requirements of 49 CFR 200-299, MBTA Railroad Operations Standards, Operating Agreements, OEM life cycle manuals, and industry best practices, while supporting service demands.

• Interface with the commuter rail contractor, agency staff, and others in all phases of fleet planning and service delivery, including maintenance scheduling/production, alternative service plans, defect mitigation, and service delivery improvements.

• Collaborate daily with MBTA officials and internal Railroad Operations departments on prioritizing daily work activities and long-term planning that may affect commuter rail passenger movement.

• Define, uphold, and direct maintenance standards, ensuring adherence to FTA, FRA, NORAC, DTE, NTSB, and all other applicable policies and regulations.

• Direct and assist employees performing inspections of passenger trains, facilities, and other transportation assets to ensure effective and safe performance and compliance with operating rules, orders, recommendations, and requirements.

• Direct investigations of mechanical failures/issues and implement solutions that comply with applicable regulations, best practices, and the best interests of the Authority.

• Perform analysis, make recommendations, and decisions on vendors and mechanical parts purchasing through the RRO Mechanical Parts Program.

• Assist with departmental community relations activities and coordination of special events, such as special train operations.

• Respond to and direct available personnel during emergencies, extreme weather, or any abnormal conditions affecting service or safety, on a 24/7 basis.

• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and assist during emergencies and/or events as needed.

• Respond to inquiries from customers, vendors, and co-workers in a courteous and professional manner.

• Work any assigned shifts and/or locations as directed.

• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees.

• Assist in managing the workforce by ensuring fair, consistent application and strict adherence to Authority rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies, including EEO, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation policies.

• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Supervision

• Commuter rail contractors and administrative staff.

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Engineering, Business, or a related field from an accredited institution.

• Five (5) years of experience in railroad transportation operations, maintenance, and/or operations management.

• Two (2) years of leadership experience managing staff and/or large-scale projects.

• Experience with FRA operations compliance.

• A valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy.

• Effective organizational and analytical skills.

• Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.

• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications.

• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, employees, and vendors.

• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.

• Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.

• Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.

• Capacity to work effectively independently and as part of a team.

• Successful applicants must have the English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.

Substitutions

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.

• An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.

• A master's degree in a related subject substitute for two (2) years of general experience.

• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

• Experience with contract/vendor management in a passenger railroad environment.

• Experience with passenger train railroad operations and/or maintenance.

• Familiarity with FTA, FRA, NORAC, DPU, and NTSB policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Engineering, Business, or a related field from an accredited institution. • Five (5) years of experience in railroad transportation operations, maintenance, and/or operations management. • Two (2) years of leadership experience managing staff and/or large-scale projects. • Experience with FRA operations compliance. • A valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy. • Effective organizational and analytical skills. • Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately. • Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications. • Ability to communicate effectively with customers, employees, and vendors. • Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills. • Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience. • Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce. • Capacity to work effectively independently and as part of a team. • Successful applicants must have the English language skills required for the effective performance of the position. Substitutions • A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. • An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. • A master's degree in a related subject substitute for two (2) years of general experience. • A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience. • Experience with contract/vendor management in a passenger railroad environment. • Experience with passenger train railroad operations and/or maintenance. • Familiarity with FTA, FRA, NORAC, DPU, and NTSB policies and procedures.