Dir Mechanical Capital Project

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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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 Capital Projects, the position will direct a workforce of 150-200 contract employees and up to 15 non-contract employees assigned to major locomotive, coach car, and highliner overhaul projects, as well as, numerous capital funded rolling stock modifications. Manage daily operations including: planning, scheduling, and developing work tasks, codes, and processes; collaborating with managers to achieve labor, material, and production goals; and adjusting work to ensure it is completed on time, according to standard operating procedures, and in compliance with funding agency program requirements. Monitor and enforce consistent timekeeping requirements for all employees, ensure compliance with Federal Transit Authority required efficiency standards and Metra's quality management system, and implement a continuous improvement model to ensure quality and productivity controls. Oversee the supervision of contract employees to ensure compliance with all Metra policies and procedures, quality assurance plan, safety rules, and labor agreements. Supervise management employees including: assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, and issuing discipline. Coordinate movement of rolling stock between Metra's three districts and two Purchase of Service Agreement districts while maintaining passenger car and locomotive overhaul production line schedules and minimizing service disruptions. Interview candidates for non-contract and management positions, make hiring decisions, and coordinate work schedules to meet the overall objectives of each capital project. 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. 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.

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Maintenance Management, or related field -OR- in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience that equals four years in mechanical operations or rolling stock manufacturing.
2. In addition t#1, must have 15 years of mechanical operations or rolling stock manufacturing experience including five years of project management experience.
3. Must have five years direct supervisory experience.
4. Considerable knowledge of the operation, repair, and maintenance of rolling stock and maintenance facilities.
5. Good knowledge of the Maximo - Asset Management Program, Microsoft Dynamics AX Inventory Program, and Kronos timekeeping Program or similar systems.
6. Good knowledge of all applicable local, state, and federal regulations as they apply to passenger rolling stock, as well as, American Association of Railroads American Passenger Transportation Association guidelines, and passenger equipment safety standards.
7. Working knowledge of budgetary processes and basic accounting principles.
8. Working knowledge of Metra's labor agreements for position involved in rolling stock repair and maintenance.
9. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify employee strengths and weaknesses as they relate to production work and contract employees.
10. Strong management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
11. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
12. Good organizational and analytical skills.
13. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
14. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentially.
15. Ability to build consensus and work effectively with cross-departmental teams and committees.
16. Ability to overcome obstacles, shifting requirements, and inherent uncertainties while keeping control of project costs, schedules, and quality.
17. Ability to establish controls, processes, and procedures to mitigate challenges and risk.
18. Ability to effectively identify areas for improvement and efficiencies.
19. Must be CFR 238, 218, and 217 QMP certified or be able to obtain certification within 60 days of hire.
20. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
21. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
22. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
23. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
24. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
25. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
26. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

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. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or 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 RAC@Metrarr.com.

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.