Job Description

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Rail Mechanical Supervisor reports directly to the Manager, Vehicle Maintenance and provides day-to-day leadership, technical oversight, and compliance assurance for CapMetro’s in-house mechanical workforce supporting DMU passenger equipment. This position is responsible for ensuring that inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, cleaning, and yard movement activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with FRA regulations (49 CFR Parts 229, 238, 214, 218, 239, and related), CapMetro’s Mechanical Safety Rulebook, and the CapMetro Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program (49 CFR 238.109). The Supervisor plays a critical role in on-the-job training (OJT), competency verification, formal designation of qualified personnel, Internal First Responder Training (IFRT) elements, emergency drills, and continuous improvement efforts.

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. 

Personnel Leadership & Workforce Development

• Supervise and coordinate the daily work of DMU Fleet Technicians, Mechanical Laborers, and other assigned mechanical personnel.
• Conduct and document on-the-job training, practical evaluations, and competency verification for mechanical employees seeking or maintaining designation.

Maintenance Oversight & Technical Support

• Ensure all calendar day inspections (exterior and interior), periodic inspections, air brake tests, and maintenance activities are performed by properly designated qualified persons and documented in accordance with 49 CFR 229.21(c), 238.303, 238.305, and CapMetro’s 238.109 program.
• Oversee troubleshooting and complex repairs as needed; serve as a technical resource for the team.
• Review inspection reports, defect trends, and repair quality; initiate corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Systems Administration & Documentation
• Oversee proper use of the EAM (Hexagon) system and LMS for training records, designations, and work documentation.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Reporting

• Coordinate with Safety & Training, Operations, and other departments on scheduling, resource needs, and compliance reporting.

Safety, Compliance & Emergency Preparedness

• Enforce CapMetro Blue Flag Protection, Roadway Worker Protection (49 CFR 214), GCOR, North Operations Physical Characteristics, and all applicable safety rules.
• Participate in and support Internal First Responder Training (IFRT) elements and emergency preparedness drills and critiques per 49 CFR 239.
• Ensure tools, equipment, materials, and facilities are properly maintained and used safely.
• Promote a strong safety culture and hold personnel accountable for safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and ensures safety and security concerns are reported.
• Perform other related duties as 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

• High school diploma or GED required, technical degree, apprenticeship completion, or equivalent preferred.
• Eight (8) years of progressive experience in railroad mechanical maintenance, preferably with passenger equipment or locomotives, including at least two (2) years in a lead or supervisory capacity (or equivalent demonstrated leadership).
• Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior supervisory or lead experience in an FRA-regulated passenger rail or transit mechanical environment.
• Welding, air brake, or specialized technical certifications.
• Formal leadership or supervisory training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to obtain and maintain all core designations under CapMetro’s Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program, including supervisor-level requirements under 49 CFR 238.109(b)(8).
• Strong working knowledge of FRA Motive Power & Equipment regulations (Parts 229, 238, etc.), Blue Flag Protection, Roadway Worker Protection, and passenger equipment inspection/maintenance standards.
• Experience with formal training, qualification, and designation programs preferred.
• Strong computer skills for EAM, LMS, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to train, coach, and hold others accountable.
• In-depth knowledge of DMU or passenger rail mechanical systems, inspection criteria, and repair practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply FRA regulations, CapMetro rules, and technical procedures.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and performance management skills.
• Ability to evaluate employee competency and make sound designation recommendations.
• Skill in diagnosing complex mechanical issues and directing corrective actions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic operational environment while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primarily shop and yard environments at CapMetro North Operations, with occasional field or off-site work. Exposure to noise, weather, moving equipment, and typical mechanical shop conditions. Must comply with all CapMetro and FRA personal protective equipment and safety requirements, including the ability to work under Blue Flag and Roadway Worker Protection rules.

Incumbent must have the ability to stand, walk and travel 90% throughout the workday. The position requires the physical ability to access vehicles, equipment, and work areas, including climbing, bending, and working in yard and shop environments as needed to oversee maintenance activities and verify quality of work. This position will need to have the ability to work varying shifts, days, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts, to meet the department’s 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. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment. Incumbents must be able to lift and move materials 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 accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

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 or field location 4+ days a week. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions.

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION

This position is identified as a FTA safety-sensitive position. An employee in this position is required to participate in the Employer’s testing program for prohibited substances. Participation in this program is a condition of employment with CapMetro. A safety-sensitive employee is randomly tested for prohibited drug use or alcohol misuse while the employee is performing safety-sensitive functions; just before the employee is to perform safety sensitive functions; or just after the employee has ceased performing such functions.