Commuter Rail Mechanical Specialist

SoundTransit; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Sound Transit seeks an experienced inspector of rolling stock under the Mechanical Superintendent. The role ensures contract compliance and adherence to FRA, AAR, and APTA standards while maintaining safety and reliability across facilities and field sites.

The incumbent will monitor contractor performance, review maintenance plans, and conduct audits and inspections. Strong knowledge of railroad regulations, plus on-site presence, are essential for success at Sound Transit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• At least four years' experience with transportation industry standards and practices.
• Two years' experience performing safety inspections.
• Valid state driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and audit reports and records of Equipment Maintenance Services contractor.
• Review the Contractor's work for compliance with regulations applicable to rolling stock.
• Review for proper execution of preventative and capital maintenance programs and training programs; interpret, negotiate, and resolve contract related issues.
• Ensure Vehicle Maintenance and System Safety Plans are adhered to.
• Audit records using prescribed sampling technique.
• Audit procedures at outlying locations; conduct physical inspections of maintenance facilities and vehicles; provide written records for preparing formal audits.
• Document maintenance of facility and vehicles; remove vehicles from service due to safety issues; address contractor and lessee contract performance and safety issues; prepare inspection reports and contract correspondence; make recommendations for changes to contracts and/or equipment.
• Monitor warranty issues on purchases including oversight and implementation of corrective action; review all reported defects to comply with warranty and maintenance guarantees; ensure that the corrections have been made.
• Approve the qualifications of vendors used by the contractor for the maintenance and repair of Sound Transit rolling stock; ensure compliance with industry equipment safety standards and recommendations.
• Work with Sounder Operations and Maintenance personnel to recommend equipment modifications; evaluate mechanical failure trends to support reliability maintenance concepts; leverage remote diagnostics software for enhanced mechanical performance; participate in analysis and evaluation of strategic vehicle maintenance planning; cooperate and work with other departments on related issues and perform other related duties as required.
• Required to be on call duty, as needed, beyond a standard work day in order to support reliability of revenue operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Database basics

Job description

Salary range is $81k to $149k, with a midpoint of $101k. 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 a 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 discount.
• 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 the leadership of the Sounder Mechanical Superintendent, the incumbent in this position will inspect rolling stock and equipment to ensure contract compliance and consistency with established maintenance procedures as described in the contract as well as compliance with FRA, AAR, and APTA regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitor and audit reports and records of Equipment Maintenance Services contractor.
• Review the Contractor's work for compliance with any and all regulations applicable to the rolling stock.
• Review for proper execution of preventative and capital maintenance programs and training programs as described in the contract documents; interpret, negotiate, and resolve contract related issues.
• Ensure Vehicle Maintenance and System Safety Plans are adhered to.
• Audit records using prescribed sampling technique.
• Audit procedures at outlying locations; conduct physical inspections of maintenance facilities and vehicles; provide written records for preparing formal audits.
• Document maintenance of facility and vehicles; remove vehicles from service due to safety issues; address contractor and lessee contract performance and safety issues; prepare inspection reports and contract correspondence; make recommendations for changes to contracts and/or equipment.
• Monitor warranty issues on purchases including oversight and implementation of corrective action; review all reported defects to comply with warranty and maintenance guarantees; ensure that the corrections have been made.
• Approve the qualifications of vendors used by the contractor for the maintenance and repair of Sound Transit rolling stock; ensure compliance with industry equipment safety standards and recommendations.
• Work with Sounder Operations and Maintenance personnel to recommend equipment modifications; evaluate mechanical failure trends to support reliability maintenance concepts; leverage remote diagnostics software for enhanced mechanical performance; participate in analysis and evaluation of strategic vehicle maintenance planning; cooperate and work with other departments on related issues and perform other related duties as required.
• Required to be on call duty, as needed, beyond a standard work day in order to support reliability of revenue operations.
• 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 Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or a related field, and at least four years' experience with transportation industry standards and practices, and two years' experience performing safety inspections; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications: Valid state driver's license. Position is responsible for performing inspections and transporting parts to multiple sites along the alignment.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to understand and interpret FRA regulations CFR title 49 parts 200-399, AAR, and APTA industry standards and practices, and knowledge of railroad regulations, operating rules, and practices.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Have at least one year of experience using database application programs including experience preparing and generating reports and inputting data into a database.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with the design, maintenance, repair, and/or manufacturing of rail rolling stock and positive train control (PTC) is preferable.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and outdoors, exposed to the local climate in an active rail yard. Must be onsite in the office or field at least 3 days per week.
• Will perform inspections of equipment in the field requiring walking over uneven ground, bending to inspect the underside of equipment, reaching, climbing ladders, and lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May frequently be exposed to dangerous machinery, loud noise, extreme weather conditions, wearing personal protective equipment, and potential physical harm when conducting site visits and working in the field.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

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