Deputy Chief Mechanical Officer

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 Chief Mechanical Officer, the Deputy Chief Mechanical Officer is responsible for oversight of operations, maintenance, budgeting, staff, and strategic planning; will direct the activities and operations of the division including capital projects and procurement processes through subordinate managers; implement a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) framework to create effective objectives that prioritize and deliver overall agency objectives and goals while ensuring communication channels are clearly established and monitored; and work closely with all agency districts, including the purchase-of-service (PSA) district to meet or exceed on-time performance expectations, state-of-good repair mandates, and rolling-stock utilization strategies.

The primary duties include: Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to the division's professional and management staff including those responsible for rolling-stock procurements and capital project activities; establish work priorities, assign projects, resolve complex problems, and identify opportunities for improvement; and ensure all activities are performed and shops, yards, equipment, and districts operate in compliance with current local, state, and federal regulations and meet industry and agency standards. Direct the administration and enforcement of agency policies and procedures; monitor on-time performance, state-of- good repair, and rolling stock utilization is sufficient and cost effective; set district level goals for safety; and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to determine goal attainment. Lead in the development, execution, and implementation of agency and division strategies and initiatives to optimize mechanical systems and processes; and ensure processes and procedures for the proper cleaning and maintenance of cars, high-liners, and locomotives are followed to maintain quality standards. Oversee repairs and replacement of consumables, light overhauls, improvements, and retrofits; and participate in the development, administration, and management of the division's budget for equipment, manpower, and supplies including approving or denying overtime requests, authorizing expenditures, and prioritizing budgetary adjustments. Oversee the development of periodic and special reports; implement a data-driven approach in the collection, examination, and interpretation of information related to the upkeep of rail vehicles to improve efficiency, enhance safety and reliability, reduce costs, and implement more effective maintenance strategies; and assess report findings to identify alternative solutions and make recommendations and decisions based on data. 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. 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.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or in similar field is required.
2. In addition to #1, have ten (10) years of experience of progressively responsible mechanical engineering, mechanical manufacturing, or mechanical quality assurance and experience developing, implementing and leading multi-year large scale projects preferably in a railroad environment.
3. Must have six (6) years of supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, budgeting, hiring, conflict management, disciplining and termination.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering principles, practices, and standards.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of electrical systems and components in locomotive equipment.
6. Considerable knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety rules.
7. Considerable knowledge of FRA regulations, APTA Standards and Recommended Practice for Rail Passenger Equipment, and OEM requirements.
8. Considerable knowledge of specification writing.
9. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access and Project).
10. Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to develop and present information to senior leadership, external groups and organizations.
11. Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
12. Strong leadership and management skills.
13. Ability to contend with changing priorities, emergencies, and conflicting demands.
14. Ability to manage a complex mechanical maintenance division.
15. Ability to lead and direct multiple complex projects, control costs, schedules, and quality and translate project requirements into actionable items and specifications.
16. Ability to establish processes and procedures that improve operating efficiencies.
17. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
18. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
19. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
20. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
21. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
22. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Journeyman certification.

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 talentacquisition@metrarr.com. 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 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.