Sr Director, Mech Operations

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 Senior Director, Mechanical Operations plans, oversees, and leads mechanical operations and regulatory compliance for each of Metra's five districts including the purchase-of-service (PSA) districts (700 total employees). This position is responsible for the overall success of the organization's operational programs including on-time performance, state-of-good repair, and rolling stock utilization.

The primary duties include oversee mechanical operations and regulatory compliance of Metra's Milwaukee, Rock Island, and Metra Electric Districts and the purchase- of-service districts of Burlington Northern/Santa Fe, and Union Pacific. This includes providing leadership to director-level staff managing mechanical operations; establishing work priorities and assigning projects; monitoring on-time performance, resolving problems, and identifying opportunities for improvement; and ensuring that all shops, yards, and equipment are following current regulations and standards. Direct the administration of corporate policy and departmental initiatives; set district level goals for safety, on-time performance, state-of- good repair, and rolling stock utilization, including identifying key performance indicators to determine goal attainment; overseeing the development, implementation, and enforcement of maintenance standards and procedures; and ensuring quality standards are met through proper cleaning and maintenance of cars, high-liners, and locomotives. Oversee and participate in the development of the division's budget for equipment, manpower, and supplies; manage budget administration functions including approving or denying overtime requests, authorizing expenditures, and prioritizing budgetary adjustments. Direct analytical studies of car and locomotive maintenance practices and equipment reliability; review reports of findings, alternatives, and recommendations; and oversee the development of programs and practices to ensure rolling stock is reliable, sufficient, and cost efficient. Participate in contract negotiations and ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements including matters of discipline. 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 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field OR in lieu of the specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years of mechanical, engineering, or related experience.
2. In addition to #1, must have 10 years of progressively responsible mechanical engineering, mechanical manufacturing, or mechanical quality assurance experience including experience developing, implementing and leading multi-year large scale projects preferably in a railroad environment.
3. Must have six 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 and standards.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of electrical systems and components in locomotive equipment. Considerable knowledge of specification writing.
6. Considerable knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety rules.
7. Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.
8. Strong leadership and management skills.
9. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
10. Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with all levels of staff, external groups, and organizations.
11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis in Word, Excel, Access and Project.
12. Ability to manage a complex mechanical maintenance division.
13. Ability to direct the management of multiple complex projects.
14. Ability to control project costs, schedules, and quality.
15. Ability to establish processes and procedures that improve operating efficiencies.
16. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
17. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
18. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
19. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
20. 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 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.