Principal Engineer - Regulatory Standards & Operational Oversight

Job Title: Principal Engineer - Regulatory Standards & Operational Oversight Department: Engineering MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road Primary Location: Bethpage Salary: $189,931.57 Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive Union Affiliation: N/A Closing Date: Open until filled Shift: Day Telework Eligible: No Drivers License Required: Yes 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. Only current LIRR Employees will be considered for this position

JOB SUMMARY:

Position is responsible for the coordination and management of the Engineering Department compliance program. Management of a multi-discipline team that will validate the Engineering Department field forces conformance to the rules and regulations of the LIRR/FRA and industry standards. This effort includes recommending and conducting validation testing as part of a robust quality and safety assurance program, data collection, incident response, investigations, and audit. This position will focus on all aspects of Department work in the fields of operations, signal, track, power, communications, construction, and facilities maintenance for auditing and quality assurance. This includes compliance testing and validation, maximizing efficiencies, and ensuring safe reliable operations. This position will also support 24/7 weather and extreme event policy development, planning, implementation, and execution.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate and manage departmental and inter-discipline compliance & validations program for inspection, maintenance and construction activities that is comprehensive, impartial, and recognizes all critical safety areas and vulnerabilities of the department. Coordinate and manage compliance procedures, practices, and instructions for Engineering disciplines. Ensure these instructions meet or exceed regulatory guidance and industry standards. Manage a centralized process for Engineering Department policy revisions and issuance. Coordinate and manage validation testing programs as part of a robust quality and safety assurance program, data collection, incident response, investigations, and audit. Coordinate random sampling audits, compliance testing program, and reactive incident audits to ensure compliance with LIRR, Federal, and State regulations. Oversee the direction of multi-division investigative teams responding to Engineering system failures and derailments. Coordinate and develop centralized Engineering report for multi-division investigations, including after-action response, lessons learned, and recommendation follow-up. Advise on all Federal, State and LIRR regulatory requirements and interfacing with other departments (safety, public relations, Transportation) and outside agencies, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Public Transportation Safety Board (PTSB), regarding safety matters. Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees. Review performance of staff. 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 guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example. Assist and support weather and extreme event policy development, planning, implementation, and execution.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business or related field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree. Minimum 8 years progressively responsible, professional management experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive understanding of engineering principles as they apply to all Engineering disciplines. Comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements as they apply to railroads. Must possess the proven ability to effectively manage a variety of subordinates with diverse technical background and experience associated with each of the railroad engineering disciplines. Must possess working knowledge with principles and methods of signal and right-of-way maintenance standards and regulations. Must possess and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the LIRR and Engineering Department operations. Must possess knowledge and strong understanding of company/department operations, policies and procedures. Must possess knowledge and understanding of operating rules and other LIRR disciplines. Must possess knowledge of QA techniques. Must possess experience managing a staff. Proficient computer skills with working knowledge of various Windows applications. Strong business administrative skills to provide written reports and spreadsheet manipulations. Ability to establish goals, deadlines, provide direction to staff and coordinate activities with other disciplines, departments, and MTA agencies. Must demonstrate a high level of initiative, professional integrity, and demeanor. Must possess budgeting and accounting experience. Must possess working knowledge of labor agreements. Must possess proven leadership and management skills with ability to develop and motivate technical personnel in the design application and emergency supervision of all Engineering Department personnel. Must possess high level of professional integrity and work ethic. Must be self‑motivated with the ability to provide solutions to complex problems. Must possess strong communication, analytical, problem‑solving, decision‑making, presentation, and project management type skills. Must possess the ability to exercise sound judgment skills and provide effective resolutions to complex issues. Must be willing to be responsible for the performance of subordinates. Must be a seasoned manager with a high level of professional integrity and work ethic. Must be available during non‑working hours and during emergencies to provide management support. Knowledge and understanding of rail and safety incident investigation procedures and investigative interviewing. Knowledge and experience with auditing and validation of data. Knowledge and experience with ISO control procedures. Trained and knowledgeable in FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) & National Infrastructure Management System (NIMS). Must have a valid drivers license.

OTHER INFORMATION

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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role. #J-18808-Ljbffr Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)