Mechanical Lead

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation (SPRING) LLC; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation (SPRING) LLC in Denver, CO seeks a skilled maintenance technician to support safety-compliant operations and ensure railcar and locomotive reliability. You will perform preventive maintenance, diagnose issues, and coordinate with teams across shifts to maintain equipment readiness.

Ideal candidates have a strong safety mindset, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to read schematics and manuals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Journeyman or Master Trades Qualification is a plus.
• Ability to travel regularly and work long shifts.
• Experience with heavy equipment operation.
• Familiarity with maintenance of railcars and locomotives.

Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of safety and report hazards per FRA and company policies.
• Support equipment readiness and availability for operations.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, service, and repair railcars, locomotives, and related systems.
• Read schematics and manuals to diagnose issues and complete repairs.
• Collaborate with teams and contractors to ensure reliability.

Skills

Safety culture

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Communication

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Journeyman or Master Trades Qualification

Tools

Hand tools

Welding equipment

Testing instruments

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• - Promote a culture of safety by consistently demonstrating safe work practices, complying with FRA, GCOR, GOI, host railway requirements, and company safety policies.
• - Identify, protect, and report hazards, maintain a clean and safe work environment, and support workplace incident investigations and corrective actions.
• - Maintain required certifications, including company-provided First Aid, and proactively address risks that may impact team members, guests, partners, or operations.
• - Model accountability and sound judgment when making decisions in safety-sensitive environments.

Operations & Equipment Availability

• - Support the successful execution of operating plans by ensuring equipment readiness and availability.
• - Assist with safe train movements, switching activities, and railway operations, including operating handbrakes, track switches, derails, air hoses, HEP cables, and water connections.
• - Execute materials handling strategies and effectively utilize available resources to meet operational requirements.
• - Maintain accurate and timely communication, documentation, and reporting to support informed decision making and operational effectiveness.
• - Adapt to changing priorities, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute ideas that enhance efficiency and reliability.

Mechanical Maintenance & Reliability

• - Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, service, and repair railcars, locomotives, facilities, and related equipment.
• - Read and interpret schematics, manuals, technical drawings, and maintenance instructions to diagnose issues and complete repairs.
• - Execute preventative maintenance and reliability programs while ensuring work orders are completed to established quality and brand standards.
• - Respond to service failures, support cross-functional repairs, and collaborate with contractors and internal partners to resolve equipment issues efficiently.
• - Utilize tools, equipment, and technology effectively while continuously seeking improvements to maintenance processes and service delivery.

Team Collaboration & Development

• - Foster positive working relationships by communicating openly, sharing relevant information, and supporting team decisions.
• - Provide on-the-job coaching, guidance, and technical support to team members and contractors while contributing to a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• - Seek feedback, participate in development initiatives, expand technical expertise, and support knowledge sharing across teams.
• - Demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a solutions-focused approach when addressing challenges and changing operational needs.

What You Bring

• - Strong commitment to safety, accountability, and quality workmanship.
• - Mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
• - Ability to build trust, collaborate across functions, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• - Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• - Adaptability, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset with a willingness to embrace change and identify innovative ways of working.
• - Proficiency with computer applications and maintenance-related technologies.
• - Understanding of mechanical systems including electrical and refrigeration systems.
• - Experience with fabrication, welding, millwork, locomotive maintenance, railcar maintenance, railroad operations, or 480VAC three-phase electrical systems is considered an asset.

Experience & Qualifications

• - High School Diploma or equivalent.
• - Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• - Demonstrated knowledge of safe operation of heavy equipment, including forklifts, cranes, or similar equipment.
• - Demonstrated knowledge of safe use of hand and power tools.
• - Journeyman or Master Trades Qualification is an asset.
• - Previous qualification under Railway Operating Rules is an asset.
• - First Aid Certification is an asset.
• - Ability to travel regularly, work extended shifts in a 24/7 operation, perform physically demanding work, and work in both indoor and outdoor environments.