Master Mechanic

About the role

Responsible for directing and managing the activities of General Foremen who manage line supervision in maintenance, car cleaning, inspection and running repair activities and oversee all activities of workforce. This position also handles all personnel, administrative and labor/union matters, addresses discipline, and develops and manages budget activities. Must be able and available to continuously work various shifts, holidays and weekends to support a 24/7 operation.

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. This is a non-represented position designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law and the MTA Code of Ethics, requiring completion of a Financial Disclosure Statement provided by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise the activities of General Foremen and oversee all activities of maintenance, car cleaning, inspection and running repair of the rolling stock consistent with service needs and FRA CFR regulations.
• Manage personnel, administrative and labor issues within jurisdiction; act as a charging official in disciplinary situations; oversee and initiate disciplinary charges; enforce carrier policies and procedures.
• Participate in formulation of grievance responses, disciplinary actions up to termination, and assessment of discipline decisions.
• Participate in development of the budget and manage budget activities.
• Evaluate and oversee all maintenance, repair, and inspection activities to identify training, tooling, or other needs.
• Analyze daily train performance reports and identify failure trends; re-align maintenance or operational practices to address failure trends when needed.
• Provide technical expertise and recommend appropriate course of action to pertinent departments regarding movement of equipment.
• Assist in long-range planning activities for capital projects, facilities, machinery, and materials.
• Ensure appropriate level of staffing resources are provided within budgetary restraints.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel; provide career development for subordinates; provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling.
• Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary; review direct reports and approve performance appraisals.
• Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions; create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to company safety policies and procedures; lead by example.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
• Comply with all policies and standards.
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours.
• Observe work performed by contractors.
• Review invoices and approve them if work meets contractual standards.
• Address performance issues with contractors when possible.
• Escalate issues to other parties when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in a technologically generic field such as industrial management, Engineering, Business, or related field. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 10 years demonstrated technical experience in an industrial or related field, 5 of which must be demonstrated managerial or front-line supervisory experience in an industrial or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of managerial or front-line supervisory experience in an industrial or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible mechanical equipment related experience demonstrating responsibility for managing employees (represented and management) in a large, complex, unionized organization.
• Strong administrative, planning, scheduling, and computer skills.
• Experience handling related labor and personnel issues, evaluating employee performance, and addressing discipline when necessary.
• Solid technical (electrical and mechanical) and practical experience including familiarity with rolling stock equipment including MUs, locomotives and push-pull units, diesel-hauled passenger cars and freight equipment, FRA and other regulations relating to car maintenance and maintenance operations.
• Extensive knowledge of railroad operations and railcar maintenance activities at all levels of responsibility; good understanding of the operational needs of the LIRR.
• Demonstrated effective communications and human relation skills, with ability to professionally deal with all levels of the organization.
• Effective management, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and judgment skills.
• Working knowledge of shop craft collective bargaining agreements.
• Prior experience managing a function/projects with budget management development responsibility.
• Progressively responsible mechanical equipment related experience demonstrating responsibility for managing employees (represented and management) in a large, complex, unionized organization.
• Ability to deal with unions, federal, state, and local agencies as well as the public.
• Valid driver’s license.
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours.

Pay

Annual salary range: $134,390 – $167,988. Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.

Schedule

Must be able and available to continuously work various shifts, holidays, and weekends to support a 24/7 operation. May be required to work hours outside regular work hours.

Additional Information

This position is designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law and the MTA Code of Ethics. Employees in policymaking positions must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. 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. Current employees should be in their current position for 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. Union affiliation: None. Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Yes. Closing date: Open until filled.