Director, Rail Systems

Basic Function

Directs and manages METRO’s Systems Engineering Team, which is responsible for providing engineering and project management support to maintain and enhance existing rail operations and any proposed new builds.  Develops scopes, identifies internal and external resources, oversees project planning, engineering and construction, testing and commissioning on a variety of multidisciplinary projects in alignment with the agency’s mission of providing safe and reliable transit service. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides guidance, direction and oversight to Chief Mechanical Engineer, Chief Signals & Train Control, Chief Safety Engineer for safe and reliable operation of METRORail assets
• Works closely with Director of Rail Maintenance of Way, Director of State of Good Repair, and VP Program Controls to develop a Capital Improvement Program project list for consideration and review during the annual budgeting cycle.
• Develops and monitors the annual budget for the Operational Engineering functional area and provides updates and forecasts for the agency level Quarterly Management Review 
• Reviews weekly status reports on all projects and takes proactive actions to progress work, mitigate risk, and increase positive outcomes by applying industry best practices and lessons learned
• Provides leadership and oversight on projects critical to the agency such as asset upgrades on the rail fleet and wayside equipment.
• Actively manages the team by identifying issues including knowledge gaps, evaluating options, removing obstacles, and applying professional judgement where necessary to progress work
• Monitors the Systems Specifications and Design Criteria for the agency and revises them periodically to stay in alignment with industry and regulatory requirements
• Assists the Procurement and Program Controls personnel in developing scope and contract terms for selection of consultants, contractors, and products 
• Discharges duties under the Change Control Board and oversees the implementation of the Agency Safety Plan within Operational Engineering
• Participates in Regional and National Rail industry forums to keep the agency abreast of technological advances and lessons learned from other properties.
• Provided perspective and examples of approaches from peer properties where competency and process gaps may exist 
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation Engineering or related field.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of fifteen (15) years’ project management and systems engineering experience on either light rail or heavy rail in the private industry or at an agency with direct responsibility of rail systems engineering; specific experience managing multidisciplinary team of systems engineers.  

Knowledge & Skills Required

Strong project management experience in rail systems. Excellent communication (written/verbal) skills. Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the state of Texas is preferred but not required.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.

Pay Range: $125,600 - $171,400

This is an on-site position.