Engineer Regulatory Standards & Operational Oversight

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, seeks an Engineer to lead FRA/LIRR testing compliance and manage the Engineering Department’s regulatory standards program.

The role includes directing investigations, advising on FRA/DOT/NTSB matters, and coordinating with safety, public relations, and external agencies while shaping policy changes and training integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Business or related field.
• Minimum 8 years progressively responsible railroad engineering experience.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, coordinate, and evaluate an audit and validation plan for all FRA/LIRR required asset testing.
• Develop testing procedures to ensure proper testing per FRA/LIRR rules and regulations on all engineering assets.
• Assist senior management with direction of multi-division investigative teams responding to engineering system failures and derailments.
• Serve as Principal Engineer & Assistant Chief Engineer advisor on all FRA/LIRR test requirements and liaise with safety, public relations, and external agencies.
• Monitor, review and provide guidance on policy changes regarding FRA rules and regulations.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department and provide career development.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management and support weather policy development.

Skills

FRA Regulations

Leadership

Auditing

Safety Compliance

Project Management

Regulatory Affairs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business

4+ years related experience in railroad engineering

Tools

Windows

ISO Audits

Job description

Engineer Regulatory Standards & Operational Oversight

Job Title: Engineer Regulatory Standards and Operational Oversight

MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road

Primary Location(s): Bethpage

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: N/A

Shift (if applicable): Day

Drivers License Required: Yes

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible to ensure that all FRA/LIRR testing is performed in accordance with FRA/LIRR rules and regulations. Lead and manage the Engineering Department compliance program by validating testing to ensure timely compliance and performance with FRA/LIRR procedures. Assist with multi-discipline regulatory and industry standards involving maintenance and construction of Engineering Department assets. Lead and manage multi-discipline investigative teams as directed by senior management.

This position will also support 24/7 weather and extreme event policy development, planning, implementation, and execution.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, manage, coordinate, and evaluate an audit and validation plan for all FRA/LIRR required asset testing. Maintain test documentation to ensure compliance with FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) Rules and Regulations.
• Develop testing procedures to ensure proper testing in accordance with FRA/LIRR rules and regulations on all engineering assets. Direct the development of testing procedural manuals for distribution to field personnel. Work with the training department to ensure all procedures are included in training courses.
• Assist senior management with the direction of multi-division investigative teams responding to Engineering system failures and derailments. Coordinate and develop centralized Engineering report for multi-division investigations, including after-action response, lessons learned, and recommendation follow-up.
• Serve as the Principal Engineer & Assistant Chief Engineer advisor on all FRA/LIRR test requirements. Support Engineering Department as liaison to safety, public relations, Transportation, and outside agencies, FRA/DOT (Federal Railroad Administration/Department of Transportation), NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), PTSB (Public Transportation Safety Board), regarding signal system safety matters. Monitor, review and provide guidance on policy changes regarding new FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) rules and regulations.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management. Assist and support weather and extreme event policy development, planning, implementation, and execution.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Business or related field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Minimum 8 years progressively responsible railroad engineering experience.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of engineering principles as they apply to all Engineering disciplines.
• Must possess extensive knowledge of signal systems, with working knowledge of signal and right of way maintenance standards, methods, and regulations.
• Must be able to plan, schedule, coordinate and analyze FRA/LIRR tests.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements as they apply to railroads.
• Demonstrated knowledge of LIRR operations and Engineering Department functions, including knowledge and understanding of company/department policies, procedures, operating rules, and related LIRR disciplines.
• Must possess proven leadership and staff management skills to effectively lead a diverse technical workforce across railroad engineering disciplines, including experience managing staff, developing and motivating technical personnel, supervising during emergencies, and accountability for subordinate performance.
• Must possess the ability to establish goals and deadlines, provide clear direction to staff, and coordinate activities with other disciplines, departments, and MTA agencies.
• Must be a seasoned manager with a high level of professional integrity and work ethic.
• Must possess knowledge of QA techniques and the ability to exercise sound judgment to provide effective resolutions to complex issues.
• Must be self-motivated and possess strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, project management, communication, and presentation skills to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Must demonstrate a high level of initiative, professional integrity, professional demeanor, and strong work ethic.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills with working knowledge of various Windows applications.
• Must possess business administrative skills to provide written reports and spreadsheet manipulations.
• Must possess working knowledge of labor agreements.
• Must be available during non-working hours and during emergencies to provide management support.
• Must have a valid drivers license.
• Knowledge and formal training in the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) for emergency management, along with knowledge of rail safety incident investigation procedures and investigative interviewing.
• Knowledge and experience with International Organization for Standardization(ISO) control procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with auditing and validation of data.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Employees driving company vehicles must 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.
• LIRR: In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / ADA DISCLAIMER:

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.

Disclaimer

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Disclaimer

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.