WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
The Director, Engineering provides leadership and strategic direction for CapMetro rail track infrastructure and bridge/structures maintenance programs, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant maintenance of way (MOW) and bridge operations across the CapMetro Railroad. This role has full accountability for the operational performance, safety, and contract management of the track and bridge maintenance program currently maintained by CapMetro contracted service provider. The Director of Engineering will be responsible for signal and train control systems, rail systems engineering, Maintenance of Way & Bridges is responsible for aligning MOW and bridge maintenance operational initiatives with organizational goals and maintaining regulatory compliance across all track and structures maintenance functions. Reports directly to the VP, Rail Operations, and provides leadership to the Program Manager IV, Maintenance of Way, Bridges, and Structures and the contracted service provider responsible for track and bridge maintenance. The Director of Engineering will be responsible for capital programs development for all the rail department, budgeting for engineering services and strategic initiatives for the rail department.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Maintenance of Way & Bridges Program Leadership & Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight and accountability for CapMetro's rail track infrastructure and bridge maintenance programs, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations across CapMetro's track infrastructure and bridges.
- Direct scheduled track and rail maintenance activities and capital project coordination, ensuring work meets technical standards, schedule parameters, and engineering requirements developed in partnership with the Director of Engineering Services and Capital Projects.
Contractor Oversight, Inspections & Quality Assurance
- Oversee quality assurance and quality control for all track and bridge inspections performed by the contracted service provider, ensuring accurate assessments and timely corrective actions.
- Ensure regular inspections of rail infrastructure and bridges across commuter and freight corridors are performed to monitor condition, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Maintain oversight of the Bridge Safety Management Program, including recordkeeping and coordination with internal departments and the City of Austin on rail safety-related planning.
- Administer and oversee scheduling of “Employee in Charge” support for right-of-way projects to ensure safe access and work procedures.
Regulatory Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
- Enforce compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Track Safety Standards, CapMetro System Safety and Security Plan, and internal policies, rules, and standards across all rail infrastructure maintenance, working with internal stakeholders. Lead investigations of track and bridge maintenance-related incidents and failures, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous risk mitigation efforts.
- Promote and sustain a safety-first culture focused on regulatory compliance, operational excellence, accountability, and proactive risk management across all MOW and bridge maintenance activities.
- Coordinate with local, county, state, and federal agencies on rail infrastructure issues, oversee third-party work on CapMetro property, and support planning for future track improvements.
Budget, Performance & Strategic Initiatives
- Develop and oversee track and bridge maintenance operating and capital budgets using historical and operational data, control expenditures, and provide technical, cost, and schedule justification for contract changes.
- Establish, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for track and bridge maintenance; provide executive leadership with actionable reports, recommendations, and insights regarding operational performance and strategic priorities.
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve track and bridge asset reliability, maintenance effectiveness, and long-term infrastructure performance, coordinating capital and lifecycle planning priorities with the Director of Engineering Services and Capital Projects.
Workforce & Contractor Management
- Oversee, CapMetro staff and contracted service provider are responsible for track and bridge maintenance, ensuring performance excellence, accountability, and contractual compliance for commuter rail.
- Develop, mentor, and evaluate direct reports while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and safety.
CapMetro SMS Support & Other Duties Assigned
- Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follow safety and security policies, consider safety in every action, and ensure safety and security concerns are reported.
- Represent CapMetro to the community, government entities, vendors, and contractors on track and bridge maintenance matters.
- Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES - SUPERVISORY AND/OR LEADERSHIP EXERCISED
Direct and manage department personnel by planning, scheduling, delegating, and overseeing employee work assignments, authorizing, coordinating, and scheduling work with vendors and consultants, conducting personnel actions, including hiring, and interviewing, and overseeing hiring, training, work assignments, and performance evaluations.
WHAT YOU BRING
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field; advanced degrees preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to four years.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in rail or transit track, structures, or maintenance-of-way operations.
- Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible leadership experience directing track and bridge maintenance programs, including contractor and capital project oversight.
- Knowledge of FRA Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Parts 213 and 214) and Bridge Safety Management requirements (49 CFR Part 237, Subpart H) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Executive-level leadership and decision-making capabilities.
- Deep knowledge of rail track infrastructure and bridge/structures maintenance, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational, and performance management skills.
- Effective, professional communicator who can influence and lead across the organization and work courteously with co-workers, contractors, agency personnel, and the public.
- Ability to solve complex interpersonal, technical, financial, legal, and administrative problems.
- Working knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration principles, practices, and laws as they apply to track and bridge maintenance.
- Ability to demonstrate a fiduciary obligation to the division, department, and Capital Metro in handling materials and information of a confidential nature.
- Ability to effectively supervise and direct consultants and contractors.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in an office and outside environment with exposure to inclement weather and adverse weather conditions. This position works with multiple project timelines and is responsible for managing contractor personnel and inspection programs performing work of a complex, safety-sensitive nature. Incumbent must have the ability to stand, walk, and travel to track and bridge field locations as needed to conduct or oversee inspections and capital project reviews. This position may require the ability to work varying schedules, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, to respond to operational or capital project needs. The incumbent in this role serves as an on-call escalation point and may be required to respond to emergencies, major service disruptions, or other critical operational incidents outside of normal operating hours. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and use a telephone or headset equipment. Incumbents must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 6–8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions. This position may require work beyond a normal forty-hour weekly schedule. Regular and predictable attendance at assigned work location is an essential function. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.
WORK AUTHORIZATION
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
Mobility Status:
As an Onsite position, the incumbent's primary workplace is a CapMetro facility or field location. Expected to work in the office 4+ days a week. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions.
COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CapMetro is an equal employment opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. CapMetro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.
SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION
This position has been identified as a “Security Sensitive” position. CapMetro will conduct annual background checks on incumbents in this position. A position is “Security Sensitive” if the incumbent handles currency, has access to sensitive, computerized databases, has access to master keys, or works in an area of the CapMetro that has been designated as a security-sensitive area.
