Commuter Rail Mechanical Specialist

Salary range is $81,000 to $149,000, with a midpoint of $101,000. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity, and market.

Benefits

• Health Benefits: Two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans:
  • 401a – 10% employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit.
  • 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee-only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: 25 days annually, increasing at four, eight, and twelve years of service. Additional days for director-level and above. 12 paid holidays, up to 2 paid floating holidays, and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance discount.
• ORCA Card: Free for all full-time employees.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.

About the Role

Under the leadership of the Sounder Mechanical Superintendent, the incumbent in this position will inspect rolling stock and equipment to ensure contract compliance and consistency with established maintenance procedures as described in the contract, as well as compliance with FRA, AAR, and APTA regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and audit reports and records of Equipment Maintenance Services contractor.
• Review the Contractor's work for compliance with all regulations applicable to the rolling stock.
• Review proper execution of preventative and capital maintenance programs and training programs as described in the contract documents; interpret, negotiate, and resolve contract-related issues.
• Ensure Vehicle Maintenance and System Safety Plans are adhered to.
• Audit records using prescribed sampling techniques.
• Audit procedures at outlying locations; conduct physical inspections of maintenance facilities and vehicles; provide written records for preparing formal audits.
• Document maintenance of facility and vehicles; remove vehicles from service due to safety issues; address contractor and lessee contract performance and safety issues; prepare inspection reports and contract correspondence; make recommendations for changes to contracts and/or equipment.
• Monitor warranty issues on purchases, including oversight and implementation of corrective action; review all reported defects to comply with warranty and maintenance guarantees; ensure corrections have been made.
• Approve the qualifications of vendors used by the contractor for the maintenance and repair of Sound Transit rolling stock; ensure compliance with industry equipment safety standards and recommendations.
• Work with Sounder Operations and Maintenance personnel to recommend equipment modifications; evaluate mechanical failure trends to support reliability maintenance concepts; leverage remote diagnostics software for enhanced mechanical performance; participate in analysis and evaluation of strategic vehicle maintenance planning.
• Cooperate and work with other departments on related issues and perform other related duties as required.
• Required to be on-call beyond a standard workday to support reliability of revenue operations.
• Champion and model Sound Transit's core values and demonstrate values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• Follow Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to assigned duties and responsibilities, including systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• Integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, and at least four years’ experience with transportation industry standards and practices, and two years’ experience performing safety inspections; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required Licenses or Certifications: Valid state driver’s license.
• Required Knowledge and Skills:
  • Ability to understand and interpret FRA regulations CFR title 49 parts 200-399, AAR, and APTA industry standards and practices, and knowledge of railroad regulations, operating rules, and practices.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • At least one year of experience using database application programs, including preparing and generating reports and inputting data into a database.
• Preferred Knowledge and Skills: Experience with the design, maintenance, repair, and/or manufacturing of rail rolling stock and positive train control (PTC).

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and outdoors, exposed to the local climate in an active rail yard.
• Must be onsite in the office or field at least 3 days per week.
• Perform inspections of equipment in the field requiring walking over uneven ground, bending to inspect the underside of equipment, reaching, climbing ladders, and lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May frequently be exposed to dangerous machinery, loud noise, extreme weather conditions, wearing personal protective equipment, and potential physical harm when conducting site visits and working in the field.