Assistant Chief Mechanical Officer

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 144,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Metro-North Railroad seeks an Assistant Chief Mechanical Officer to lead the Maintenance of Equipment department, directing shop and field operations, planning, and maintenance of work equipment and rolling stock, while guiding capital projects for fleet and facility replacements.

You will develop and implement safety programs, manage budgets, and drive staff development under the Corporate Leadership Team to deliver safe, reliable service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Transportation, Business/Industrial Management or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 10 years in rolling stock maintenance management.
• Minimum 7 years managing diverse employees.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the department’s resources to maintain rolling stock safely and efficiently.
• Develop and implement KPIs and maintenance programs to improve reliability and reduce costs.
• Lead safety programs and ensure regulatory compliance across departments.
• Oversee budgeting, staffing, and collaboration with other teams and contractors.

Skills

Rolling stock maintenance knowledge

Leadership

Safety program leadership

Forecasting & planning

Public speaking / diplomacy

Microsoft Office

Organizational skills

Education

BA/BS in Engineering or related field

Masters preferred

Tools

Hexagon (rolling stock maintenance)

Asset Management System (AMS)

Job description

Description

Job Title: Assistant Chief Mechanical Officer

Department: Maintenance of Equipment

MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): 420 Lexington Avenue & North White Plains

Salary Range: $ 143,713- $194,713

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: General Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Non-agreement

Closing Date (if applicable): November 3, 2026

Shift (if applicable): 8:00AM- 4:00 PM

Title 55-a (yes or no): No

Other: NotTelework Eligible

ABOUT THE AGENCY

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is accountable for assisting the Chief Mechanical Officer (CMO) in directing all activities of the Maintenance of Equipment (MofE) Department in a safe and efficient manner, including but not limited to, shop operations, field operations, engineering and planning, maintenance and repair of all work equipment, rail bound work, and rubber-tired equipment fleet and supporting equipment of Metro-North Railroad (MNR). Responsible for the development and integration of capital projects for fleet and facility replacements while fostering cultural and process changes maximizing the benefits derived from the investments. This position is also responsible for directing all activities of the MofE support shops including but not limited to shop operations, maintenance planning, and production.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and manage all aspects of the Department’s resources (i.e., budgets, labor, material and equipment) to ensure MNR's work equipment and rolling stock fleet are maintained in safe, reliable operating condition. Lead long range forecasting, planning, and implementation of maintenance programs, including Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) strategies, to increase reliability and improve operational efficiency across multiple divisions.
• Direct and review allocation of manpower, material, and equipment for maintenance of work equipment and rolling stock. Develop and maintain practices to decrease equipment downtime to ensure operational efficiency, and coordinate with client departments. Establish and oversee a preventive and predictive maintenance program for all work equipment and rolling stock and continuously reduce costs and repair cycle time.
• Develop and implement key performance indicators for tracking Mean Working-Time Between Failure (similar to Mean Distance Between Failure), major types of equipment and institute maintenance practices to ensure continuous process improvement. Ensure coordinated support for equipment and maintenance needs across all MNR departments.
• Direct and review work of personnel in the Work Equipment and Operation division to ensure optimal staffing, operational consistency, and alignment with user needs. Implement and oversee safety programs ensuring compliance with MNR, federal, and state regulations.
• Assist in the development of the annual budget submission and ensure that the Department operates within the established budget by designing and instituting the necessary internal processes, protocols and controls.
• Direct and manage all aspects of the Department’s support shops to ensure parts forecasting, planning, and production are executed reliably and efficiently. Review support shop manpower, material, equipment, and functions to ensure alignment with all rolling stock equipment needs.
• Ensure Work Equipment and Operation staff are compliant with company and governmental regulations. Manage Work Equipment and Operation staff training and development through collaborative efforts with the Metro-North's training Department.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manager team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Serve as an active member of Metro-North’s Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), translating the company’s strategic priorities into action while reinforcing a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and leadership expectations across teams. Partner across departments to advance enterprise-wide priorities, identify risks and operational barriers, and provide leadership with feedback, insights, and recommendations to support informed proposed solutions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable.
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable.
• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable.
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable.
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge of industry rolling stock maintenance practices and federal regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of daily operational demands for shop/yards.
• Demonstrable leadership skills to motivate and foster teamwork within the department.
• Demonstrable leadership skills in the areas of safety, project management, cause analysis, forecasting and planning.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products and/or comparable applications.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to create a climate of continuous improvement.
• Effective communication skills with a prominence on effective public speaking use of diplomacy, tact and employee relations within a political environment.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with labor agreements and their implementation.
• Demonstrable knowledge of administration and operation of an equipment repair facility.
• Familiarity with rolling stock maintenance programs such as Hexagon, Asset Management System (AMS).
• Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis and be available for routine weekend coverage.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Engineering, Transportation, Business/Industrial Management or a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credential to include four (4) additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively more complex general management experience in rolling stock maintenance. AND:
• Minimum 7 years of experience in managing a diverse group of employees at various levels.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in Public Administration, Management or related field.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Required: Valid driver’s license

OTHER INFORMATION

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
• Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
• Employees driving company vehicleswill be subject to License Monitoring andmust complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employersandencourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If youseekareasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance,to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.