Mechanical Department: General Foreman

South Shore Line; Chesterton (IN); On-site; USD 93,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Health club stipend

Medical benefits

Dental and vision benefits

Health savings account

Railroad Retirement benefits

Professional development

Executive leadership opportunities

Supplemental pension

Job summary

Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line, seeks a General Foreman to oversee Passenger Railroad Shop operations ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. You will lead a team of skilled personnel, manage maintenance programs, and ensure compliance with FRA and other regulations.

The role requires 7–10 years in railroad maintenance with supervisory experience, strong leadership, and proficiency in maintenance management software and MS

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or associate degree preferred.
• 7–10 years railroad maintenance experience with at least 7–10 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of railroad machinery, systems, and FRA regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Proficient in maintenance management software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive safety program and audits.
• Develop, implement, and manage maintenance schedules for passenger cars.
• Coordinate repairs, overhauls, and inspections of rolling stock.
• Review and approve maintenance work orders to ensure quality.
• Supervise and mentor mechanics, technicians, and support staff.
• Report maintenance activity and safety performance to upper management.
• Foster continuous improvement in shop operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in mechanical/electrical or related field preferred

Tools

Maintenance management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line, is seeking a proactive and safety-focused General Foreman to oversee our Passenger Railroad Shop operations. This role is critical for maintaining the integrity, safety, and reliability of our fleet of passenger cars. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in railroad maintenance, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Safety Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive safety program, ensuring all shop personnel adhere to established safety procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and drills; promptly address any safety concerns or incidents.
• Organize and facilitate ongoing safety training sessions and workshops to educate staff about best practices, hazard recognition, and emergency response.

Maintenance Oversight

• Develop, implement, and manage a detailed maintenance schedule for passenger cars, ensuring compliance with maintenance standards and minimizing service interruptions.
• Coordinate and prioritize repairs, overhauls, and inspections of rolling stock, ensuring timely and efficient maintenance operations.
• Review and approve maintenance work orders, ensuring that tasks are completed to specifications and quality standards.

Team Management

• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of skilled mechanics, technicians, and support staff to ensure high-quality workmanship and productivity.
• Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, and provide feedback to team members to foster professional growth and improve overall team performance.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among team members and with other departments (e.g., scheduling, operations).

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing railroad operations and maintenance practices.
• Ensure that all paperwork and documentation related to maintenance, inspections, and repairs are completed and filed appropriately for compliance audits.

Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting

• Identify recurring maintenance issues and develop strategies to minimize their occurrence through root cause analysis and process improvements.
• Support emergency repairs and fault diagnosis as needed, working alongside team members to quickly restore service.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Analyze maintenance data and performance indicators to identify trends, areas for improvement, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Prepare and present regular reports to upper management on maintenance activities, safety performance, and resource allocation.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovative ideas from team members on enhancing maintenance processes and shop efficiency.
• Stay informed of industry best practices and emerging technologies to improve shop operations and passenger service reliability.
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or an associate degree in mechanical, electrical, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in railroad maintenance or a closely related field, with at least 7 to 10 years in a supervisory or leadership position.
• Strong knowledge of railroad machinery, systems, and safety regulations (e.g., FRA regulations).
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Proficient in using maintenance management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Salary and Benefits:

The annual salary is $110,000. Credit for time served in other railroad employment, including military leaves, will be applied in determining vacation day entitlements. Benefits include paid vacation, paid holidays, health club stipend, comp time, medical benefits, dental and vision benefits, health savings account, Railroad Retirement benefits, professional development and executive leadership opportunities, supplemental pension, and other competitive employee benefits.

Sorry, the following application instructions have been removed from this posting.

This posting is scheduled to close on Wednesday, August 19, 2026