Chief Mechanical Officer

Springrecruits; Lancaster (SC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Springrecruits seeks a Chief Mechanical Officer to lead locomotive maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance across the fleet. You will balance strategic planning with hands-on engineering, ensuring zero Out-of-Service status during peak demand while optimizing power use and reducing downtime.

You will mentor mechanical personnel, oversee Blue Card documentation, CFR 49 compliance, and evaluation of engine platforms (EMD, GE, Cummins, MTU).

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of locomotive mechanical maintenance and railroad operations.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex locomotive issues and interpret electrical schematics.
• Strong regulatory knowledge: CFR Title 49 and locomotive safety standards.
• Ability to manage overhaul projects and shop flow.
• Willingness to work in shop and field environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure regulatory compliance and safety adherence for locomotives.
• Provide technical leadership for EMD and GE locomotives and other engines.
• Monitor fleet usage to optimize power and minimize fuel use.
• Plan long-term maintenance to avoid Out of Service status.
• Develop and deliver training programs for mechanical personnel.
• Research and implement technology upgrades for fleet.

Skills

Locomotive troubleshooting

Reading electrical schematics

Technical leadership

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Fleet optimization

Tools

Blue Card documentation

EPA compliance tracking software

Job description

The Chief Mechanical Officer (CMO) is a critical leadership position responsible for the mechanical integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency of the locomotive fleet. This role blends strategic fleet management with "boots-on-the-ground" technical expertise. The CMO ensures that all locomotives are maintained to the highest safety standards while optimizing power usage and minimizing downtime to support the railroad’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance & Safety: Maintain absolute adherence to CFR Title 49 (Parts 223, 224, 229, 231, & 232). Oversee all Blue Card documentation, including precise Out-of-Use and inspection date calculations, ensuring all record-keeping is precisely correct, in the event of being audited by the FRA.
• Technical Leadership: Act as the primary subject matter expert for EMD and GE locomotives, as well as various engine platforms (Cummins, MTU, etc.). Perform advanced troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Fleet Management & Optimization: Monitor fleet usage to maximize power availability and minimize fuel consumption. Plan long-term maintenance schedules to ensure zero "Out of Service" (OOS) status during peak seasonal demands.
• Environmental Stewardship: Manage maintenance protocols for Tiered Emission locomotives to ensure compliance with EPA regulations and internal sustainability goals.
• Training & Mentorship: Develop and deliver technical training programs for mechanical personnel, focusing on troubleshooting techniques, EPA compliance, and the use of internal maintenance software.
• Strategic Planning: Future-proof the fleet by researching and implementing technological advancements and updating fleet requirements as the industry evolves.

Technical Expertise

• Extensive Locomotive Troubleshooting: Proven ability to diagnose complex failures and read/interpret electrical schematics.
• Multi-Platform Knowledge: Deep understanding of EMD & GE locomotive systems, including mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic components.
• General Engine Proficiency: Familiarity with a diverse range of engines including Cummins, MTU, EMD, and GE.

Regulatory & Administrative

• Legal Literacy: Comprehensive knowledge of 49 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter 2, specifically regarding safety glazing (223), reflectorization (224), locomotive safety standards (229), safety appliance standards (231), and brake system safety (232).
• Documentation Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of Blue Card requirements and EPA-mandated record keeping.

Strategic & Managerial

• Project Management: Ability to structure workloads, manage shop flow, and plan complex overhaul projects.
• Resource Efficiency: Skilled in monitoring power optimization to enhance operational efficiency.
• Adaptability: A forward-thinking mindset regarding locomotive technology and industry shifts.

Requirements

• Industry Experience: A minimum of 5 years (8-10 preferred) of progressive experience in locomotive mechanical maintenance and railroad operations is strictly required.
• Education: While no specific degree or certification is required, the candidate must demonstrate a career trajectory that reflects mastery of the KSAs listed above.
• Physical Demands: Ability to work in railroad shop and field environments, including climbing on/off equipment and working in various weather conditions.