Senior Vehicle Engineer (Rail)

Company: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 9, 2025

Job Description:

Join our team as a Senior Vehicle Engineer and take the lead in optimizing the performance and safety of our rail vehicle fleet. In this vital role, you will apply your expertise in railcar systems and engineering to tackle complex technical challenges, oversee high-impact projects, and drive the ongoing improvement of our transportation services.As a subject matter expert, you will conduct engineering analysis, testing, and deliver innovative solutions to enhance rail vehicle performance. Your extensive knowledge of railcar systems, design principles, and mechanical and electrical engineering will be key to ensuring the operational excellence of our fleet.Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical oversight and review for the vehicle program office on:
• Performing rail and maintenance of way (MOW) vehicle engineering tasks such as troubleshooting, vehicle/subsystem testing, and component/subsystem design.
• Reviewing and developing technical documentation.The ideal candidate brings experience with both established and emerging technologies, as well as a strong foundation in Quality Assurance and Control. If you're ready to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply!Minimum Qualifications:Education
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical or a related Engineering field
    • In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a High School Diploma and four (4) years of experience performing vehicle engineering tasks as outlined above may be considered.Experience
      • Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience performing rail/MOW vehicle engineering tasks as outlined above.Certification/Licensure
        • NonePreferred
          • Experience in developing mechanical equipment specifications.Possession of a valid District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia motor vehicle operator's permit issued from the jurisdiction of residence. Registration as a Professional Engineer by NEC examination is highly desirable.Medical Group:Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.Job Summary/Duties:The Senior Vehicle Engineer is responsible for performing professional engineering, project management, engineering analysis and testing activities. The incumbent serves as a subject matter expert on technical aspects of rail vehicle equipment and its performance in passenger service. Responds to difficult and complex engineering problems/issues.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
            • Serves as the lead engineer on projects related to equipment on railcars and maintenance of way (MOW) vehicles.
            • Reviews design documents in order to evaluate the constructability and maintainability of vehicle systems.
            • Reviews contractor submitted shop and manufacturing drawings, design calculations and computations related to vehicles, various railcar systems/track equipment and subsystems.
            • Reviews technical submittals of vehicle/track equipment design and fabrication. Provides engineering support to ensure conformity with specifications and design criteria.
            • Serves as the lead of interdisciplinary engineering groups charged to address special rail/maintenance of way vehicles, fabrication and operational related problems towards developing remedies.
            • Generates appropriate correspondence and documentation to maintain configuration control for implemented solutions.
            • Develops engineering specifications for rail cars, rail car sub-systems/components and Maintenance of Way equipment.
            • Develops the technical basis for change orders to ongoing rail vehicle/track equipment projects and programs. Drafts change order documentation to support post-bid design, pre- and post-production field changes.
            • Prepares and/or reviews feasibility studies and special reports on vehicle/track equipment systems and subsystems. Prepares cost estimates as required.
            • Participates, as required, in Vehicle and System Commissioning, Substantial Completion Inspections, Safety and other field/site investigations.
            • Serves as WMATA's expert on one or more vehicle systems and/or train/MOW vehicle performance. Provides expert testimony when called upon to address equipment design and performance issues during accident investigations and litigation.
            • Provides the vehicle program office with technical oversight and review/approval of the following: Railcar Qualification Testing Plans; Railcar Acceptance Plans; Railcar Systems Integration Matrices/Plans; and technical investigations and problem solving at new car delivery sites.
            • Performs investigations and studies and prepares reports to document recommendations in response to incidents, operations, maintenance or procurement needs.
            • Supports the Configuration Control Management process by developing and/or maintaining engineering design technical documentation, maintenance manuals and drawings.OTHER FUNCTIONS
              • Perform on-call duty as assigned.The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.Evaluation CriteriaConsideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
                • Skills and/or behavioral assessment
                • Personal interview
                • Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
                • Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
                • Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
                • Review of a current motor vehicle reportClosingWMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.
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Keywords: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington DC , Senior Vehicle Engineer (Rail), Engineering , Washington, DC