DMU Rail Technician

CapMetro; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

CapMetro North Operations seeks a DMU Rail Technician to inspect, troubleshoot, test, diagnose, repair, and maintain CapMetro DMU passenger equipment in compliance with FRA regulations and CapMetro safety protocols.

The role emphasizes complex mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and related systems, demanding a technical school or apprenticeship, a high school diploma or GED, and 3 years of railroad maintenance experience, with the ability to obtain CapMetro designations and work in a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3 years of troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance experience with heavy mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic equipment.
• Railroad experience preferred; ability to obtain CapMetro certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform exterior and interior calendar day mechanical inspections of DMU passenger equipment in accordance with FRA rules and CapMetro programs.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, suspension, and related systems on DMUs.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, defects, repairs, and designations in CapMetro systems; follow safety rules.
• Mentor less experienced staff and support on‑the‑job training and designation processes.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training or apprenticeship

Tools

CapMetro training programs

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Job Description

PLEASE NOTE: This position is open exclusively to CURRENT Herzog employees. Applications from individuals who are not currently employed by Herzog will not be considered.

Who We're Looking For

The DMU Rail Technician is responsible for the inspection, troubleshooting, testing, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of CapMetro Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) passenger equipment and related systems in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations (primarily 49 CFR Parts 229, 238, 214, 218, and 239), CapMetro’s Mechanical Safety Rulebook, and the CapMetro Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program (49 CFR 238.109). This position focuses on complex mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and related systems troubleshooting and repairs to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operations of the DMU fleet during and after the transition to in-house mechanical services.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Inspections & Compliance

• Perform exterior and interior calendar day mechanical inspections of DMU passenger equipment in accordance with 49 CFR 238.303 and 238.305 (and corresponding locomotive requirements under 229.21) as a designated qualified person under CapMetro 238.109 program and 229.21(c).
• Conduct equipment familiarization and hands‑on verification of safety‑critical items, emergency systems, and undercar components.
• Perform air brake system inspections, tests, defect identification, and repairs in support of yard movements and service readiness.

Diagnostics, Maintenance & Repair

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, suspension, truck, wheel/wheel‑set, coupler, draft gear, and related systems on DMUs.
• Use test equipment, measuring tools, and diagnostic methods to identify root causes of failures and determine corrective actions.
• Perform welding, cutting, and fabrication tasks as required and qualified.

Operations & Safety

• Perform or support MFOE/MFOC (Mechanical Facility Operating Employee / Conductor) functions for authorized yard movements of DMUs when qualified.
• Apply CapMetro Blue Flag Protection, Roadway Worker Protection (49 CFR 214), and all applicable CapMetro and FRA safety rules while working on or near equipment and track.

Documentation & Asset Management

• Maintain accurate records of inspections, defects, repairs, and designations in CapMetro EAM (Hexagon) system and/or designated LMS.
• Maintain proper care, use, and accountability of tools, test equipment, materials, and personal protective equipment.

Training, Development & Leadership

• Participate in on‑the‑job training (OJT), efficiency testing, drills, and continuous improvement activities.
• Mentor less experienced personnel and support the formal designation process for other mechanical employees.

CapMetro SMS Support & Other Duties Assigned

• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and ensures safety and security concerns are reported.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support safe and efficient fleet operations.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING

• Completion of a technical school, apprenticeship program, or equivalent military training preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Three (3) years of experience in troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of heavy mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic equipment (railroad experience strongly preferred).
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required designations under CapMetro Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program (49 CFR 238.109), including but not limited to:
  • Calendar Day Inspection designation (Exterior 238.303 / Interior 238.505)
  • Air Brake and Train Handling (Mechanical)
  • MFOE / MFOC certification for yard DMU movement (as assigned)
  • Roadway Worker Protection (49 CFR 214)
  • CapMetro Blue Flag Protection
  • North Operations Physical Characteristics
  • Emergency Preparedness and DMU Emergency Systems
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to operate company vehicles and motorized equipment as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience maintaining passenger rail equipment, locomotives, or DMUs.
• Welding certifications (SMAW, GMAW, or equivalent).
• Forklift certification.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Experience with FRA-regulated environments and formal qualification/designation programs.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Basic computer skills for recordkeeping in EAM/LMS systems.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex equipment failures using systematic diagnostic methods.
• Knowledge of applicable FRA regulations (Parts 229, 238, 214, 218, 239) and CapMetro operating/safety rules.
• Skill in the use of hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, and diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a safety‑critical environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in shop, yard, and field environments at CapMetro North Operations and related facilities. Conditions include moderate to high noise levels, varying lighting, exposure to weather (heat, cold, rain), uneven surfaces, moving equipment, and potential contact with oils, greases, and cleaning agents. Employees must wear required personal protective equipment and comply with all CapMetro and FRA safety rules, including Blue Flag and Roadway Worker Protection requirements.

Incumbents must have the ability to stand, walk and travel 90% throughout the workday. This position will need to have the ability to work varying shifts, days, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts, to meet the department’s needs. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment. Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including frequent bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs. regularly (occasionally heavier with assistance or mechanical aids), perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions. This position may require work beyond a normal forty-hour weekly schedule.Regular and predictable attendance at assigned work location is an essential function.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Mobility Status

As an Onsite position, the incumbent’s primary workplace is aCapMetrofacility or field location.Expected to work in the officeor field location4+ days a week.Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions.

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CapMetrois an equal employment opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.CapMetromakes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION

This position is identified asanFTAsafety-sensitive position. An employee in this positionis required toparticipatein the Employer’s testing program for prohibited substances. Participation in this program is a condition of employment withCapMetro.A safety-sensitive employee is randomly tested for prohibited drug use or alcohol misuse while the employee is performing safety-sensitive functions; just before the employee is to perform safety sensitive functions; or just after the employee has ceased performing such functions.