Manager-Commuter Rail Mechanical

Salary range is $100k to $200k, with a midpoint of $145k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.
  
  

General Purpose

Under general direction, manages, supervises, and coordinates all mechanical operations of the Sounder system including maintenance strategies and modifications of the equipment, procurements, and special projects; responsible for quality assurance/quality control for the Sounder program; ensures adherence to all regulations of the Sounder trains including the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and any other state or local regulations including guidelines from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA); plans for the future needs for the expansion of the Sounder system including equipment and mechanical facilities, and overhaul requirements; oversees and ensures contract adherence and requirements for fleet maintenance; and provides duty officer and additional assistance to division/department as assigned.

Essential Functions

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Plans, manages, and leads the fleet maintenance program for commuter rail. Directs, monitors, and administers contract oversight of assigned contracts for equipment and maintenance to ensure compliance with contract terms, including the rolling stock equipment maintenance contract; administers contract changes; investigates contract issues/changes and resolves as appropriate; review and oversight of material inventory and warranty management structures as outlined in agreements works with Accounting to resolve any invoice issues; establishes, maintains, and updates records and files; and serves a point of contact for contract questions.
• Manages and oversees all mechanical projects from conception to completion such as head end power unit engine installations on Locomotives, and emergency access decals for all commuter rail vehicles; performs essential project management activities, including coordination of project scope, quality, schedule, budget, and risk; provides leadership and oversight of project objectives and goals; prioritizes, reviews, and participates in the work of the project; identifies resource needs and reviews with appropriate management; develops project plans for implementation, including installation, procurements, testing, and communication; schedules project meetings and work sessions; and provides updates and presentations on status as requested.
• Directs, oversees, and/or conducts safety inspections of fleet maintenance and overhaul contractors; conducts vehicle surveillances and/or audits, and inspects Sounder oversight to ensure compliance to Federal Regulations; and based on results of audits/inspections, recommends repairs and changes as necessary. Oversees performance and maintenance of Positive Train Control system on vehicles.
• Reviews all invoices for contracts in assigned area of responsibility; takes action as appropriate; approves all invoices for assigned projects; develops capital programs for vehicles within budget; and manages and administers all projects and contracts within budget and contract adherence.
• Leads monthly contract oversight meetings with Rail mechanical partners, assesses performance, requires corrective actions, final decider for contract incentives and disincentives, and provides accountability for contractual performance and agency stewardship of mechanical funds.
• Performs duties of the Sounder Commuter RaiI Duty officer; resolves problems regarding a variety of operational issues from weather to accidents and incidents; is on-call 24/7; serves as a first responder to any situation with Sounder such as a major derailment, vehicle accident, and serious injury. Responsible for securing event recorder download for Sounder rail incidents.
• Serves as a member of the Joint Rail Safety Committee and actively participates in discussion, provides input, and makes recommendations as appropriate; supports program development and mission of safety culture including Operation Lifesaver as requested.
• Develops and implements reliability measures using root cause analysis on all systems in assigned responsibility.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, priorities, and budgets for assigned projects, services, and functional area within the Division; and makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Provides support to the division/department and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies, and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations. May provide occasional oversight role associated with related railroad disciplines, including maintenance of way for track, signals, and structures.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Transportation Planning, Business Administration, or closely related field and five years of railroad project management experience that includes contract administration and compliance functions. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning, and workforce management experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses Or Certifications

• Valid state driver's license. This position is responsible for transporting parts and making site visits that are not always public.
  
  

Required Knowledge And Skills

• Principles and practices regarding railroad operations including scheduling, train control, communications, capacity, and signalization.
• All applicable rules and regulations in the Railroad Section 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49CFR), the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), and the Federal Railroad Administration Track Safety Standards Compliance Manual.
• Requirements and standards of the Federal Transit Administration(FTA), the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the National Incident Management System(NIMS), and the BNSF Railway safety rules as they apply to operations and train handling.
• All aspects of railroad operations, locomotive engineer qualifications, locomotive operations and maintenance, passenger car operations and maintenance, and design skills for track and yard layout, and shop design and operation.
• Project and program management techniques, principles, development, and administration.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Standard safety precautions.
• Contract and procurement strategies and management principles.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Policy and procedure development.
• Positive customer service orientation with both internal and external clients.
• Other pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as they apply to commuter rail operations.
• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of track and signal and bridge maintenance inspection rules.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Understanding and managing commuter rail operations, services, and maintenance in accordance with applicable requirements and laws.
• Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Maintaining good customer relations with positive customer service orientation.
• Contract management and administration.
• Developing, interpreting, and reviewing policies and procedures.
• Utilizing proper procedures and maintenance of records and files.
• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Responding to inquiries and communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, agency officials, and outside agencies.
  
  

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office, field, shop, warehouse, and transit vehicles environments.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• Position includes a rotating role as the Sounder Duty Officer, which requires occasional on call and weekend/night shifts.
• Position is responsible for being present in rail yard and shop environments to transfer parts. May be subject to bending, hearing, talking, seeing, walking, and carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
  
  

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.