Railroad Mechanical Manager

About the role

Located in East Brookfield, MA, this is an opportunity for an experienced railroad mechanical manager to join an established railroad operation in a key leadership role overseeing locomotive and railcar maintenance operations. The successful candidate will direct mechanical personnel, coordinate maintenance and repair activities, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure equipment is safe and available for daily railroad operations. This hands‑on leadership position requires direct railroad mechanical experience and comfort working in an active rail yard, managing multiple priorities, and responding to operational challenges in a 24/7 environment. Work occurs in mechanical shops, railroad yards, and outdoor industrial settings; the role demands physical capability to walk on uneven surfaces, climb equipment, stand for extended periods, and work around moving equipment and machinery, with proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily locomotive and railcar inspections, maintenance, servicing, and mechanical repairs.
• Supervise mechanical employees, assign work, and establish daily maintenance priorities.
• Ensure all work meets applicable FRA, AAR, and company safety requirements.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules, required inspections, and equipment repairs.
• Monitor mechanical shop productivity, equipment reliability, repair quality, and turnaround times.
• Manage locomotive availability, bad‑order railcars, and equipment return‑to‑service procedures.
• Work closely with transportation and operations teams to minimize service interruptions.
• Maintain accurate inspection, maintenance, repair, and regulatory documentation.
• Provide technical guidance, safety coaching, employee training, and performance oversight.
• Coordinate material needs, inventory, outside repairs, and vendor services.
• Respond to mechanical breakdowns, derailments, and emergency maintenance situations.
• Identify operational improvements and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Requirements

• Previous hands‑on railroad mechanical experience involving locomotives and/or railcars.
• Prior supervisory or management experience overseeing mechanical employees.
• Working knowledge of railroad inspection, repair, and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Familiarity with FRA and AAR regulations and applicable mechanical compliance standards.
• Experience coordinating shop operations, field repairs, and maintenance scheduling.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems and make sound operational decisions.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance or reporting systems.
• Ability to manage employees and maintenance activities in a continuous‑operation environment.