Rail Engineer

Job-ID: 846Category: RailLocation: Austin, TX, United StatesWorkplace: On-siteSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-09-15WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR The Rail Engineer reports directly to the Program Manager of Rail Transportation and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of CapMetro Red Line commuter rail service. This role supports the delivery of reliable, on-time passenger service by operating trains in accordance with CapMetro operating rules, policies, and established procedures, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and customer service. The Rail Engineer is responsible for controlling train movement and locomotive/DMU operation during daily passenger service. This includes complying with signal indications, train orders, and dispatcher instructions; monitoring operating conditions; and coordinating with conductors and dispatching personnel to ensure all train operations are conducted in accordance with applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and CapMetro operating requirements. QualificationsWHAT YOU BRING High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or equivalent railroad experience preferred.Three (3) years of progressively responsible railroad operating experience, such as locomotive engineer, conductor, brakeman, or other train service roles.Passenger rail experience preferred but not required.Pre-Employment RequirementsAbility to obtain and maintain Locomotive Engineer certification in accordance with FRA Part 240, including all required initial and recurrent training, testing, and medical qualifications.Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and motor vehicle record (MVR) review.Possession and maintenance of a valid state driver’s license, with any required endorsements applicable to the position.Successful completion of a DOT/FRA pre-employment physical examination, medical evaluation, and drug and alcohol screening, consistent with the safety-sensitive nature of the position.No disqualifying railroad operating rule violations or positive drug or alcohol test results within the previous five (5) years, consistent with safety-sensitive position requirements.Ability to meet and maintain required vision standards, including color vision, as applicable to the role.Successful completion and ongoing maintenance of all required safety certifications, qualifications, and recurrent testing, including annual or periodic requalification as required.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of railroad operating rules, procedures, and industry practices, including the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), signal systems, train dispatching communications, air brake and train handling rules, timetables, special instructions, track characteristics, infrastructure conditions, and applicable safety requirements governing the safe operation of passenger and freight rail service.Working knowledge of applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations governing train operations, with the ability to successfully qualify on assigned territory within required timeframes.Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly understand and convey train orders, dispatcher instructions, radio communications, and safety information.Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in a safety-sensitive operating environment, including adherence to rules, procedures, and fitness-for-duty requirements.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and respectfully with supervisors, conductors, dispatching personnel, and other railroad employees within a diverse work environment.Demonstrated problem-solving and organizational skills, with the ability to assess operating conditions, identify hazards or abnormal situations, and take appropriate safety-focused action.Ability to operate passenger rail equipment safely and efficiently within a multi-modal transit environment, coordinating with other transportation services as required.Ability to maintain focus, composure, and sound judgment while handling daily operational challenges and adapting to changing or adverse conditions.Basic proficiency in the use of required railroad operating and reporting tools, including radios, onboard systems, and electronic reporting applications necessary to perform engineer duties.WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is performed in a safety-sensitive rail operating environment that includes both onboard train duties and ground-based activities along the railroad right-of-way. The position requires working on passenger rail equipment, station platforms, yards, sidings, and mainline track territory, with regular exposure to moving rail equipment, noise, vibration, uneven surfaces, and varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, moisture, and wind. The incumbent must be able to sit, stand, walk, and maintain balance for extended periods throughout an eight-hour workday, including while trains are in motion. The position requires the ability to traverse uneven surfaces up to one-half mile, work in confined spaces with limited clearance, and safely ascend and descend platforms, steps, and ladders of varying heights. Physical requirements include bending, squatting, kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead and horizontally, and performing repetitive movements associated with train operations, inspections, and equipment handling. The incumbent must be able to lift, carry, and transfer objects weighing up to 35 pounds and operate tools, controls, and equipment requiring moderate hand strength and dexterity. The role requires the ability to see and distinguish signal indications, color-based visual cues, and operating conditions, as well as hear and interpret radio communications, alarms, auditory signals, and other safety-critical communications, including the regular use of radios and headsets. The incumbent must be able to work safely and effectively in environments with moderate to loud noise levels while maintaining continuous situational awareness, alertness, and compliance with all operating rules and procedures. As a designated safety-sensitive position, the role requires sustained attention and timely response to changing operating conditions. The incumbent must be able to maintain flexibility to work irregular schedules, extended hours, varied shifts, days off, holidays, and extended hours as required by service needs, operating conditions, and response to service disruptions or emergency situations. 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, consistent with safety and operational requirements.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.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 POSITIONThis 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. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION This position is identified as an 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. ResponsibilitiesWHAT YOU'LL BE DOINGNote: 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.  Rail Transportation Ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of passenger rail equipment by operating trains in accordance with CapMetro operating rules, policies, timetables, special instructions, and applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.Maintain responsibility for the safety and security of passengers, crew members, equipment, and the public by controlling train movements and adhering to operating procedures, signals, train orders, dispatcher instructions, and changing operating conditions.Perform required operational duties, including switching assignments, inspections, testing, documentation, job briefings, coordination with conductors and dispatching personnel, and the identification, reporting, and resolution of equipment defects and abnormal conditions.Identify, document, and promptly report equipment defects, mechanical issues, or abnormal conditions, and assist with troubleshooting or minor corrective actions when authorized.Initiate and participate in job briefings with all affected personnel to ensure shared understanding of operating conditions, work activities, and safety considerations.Respond to service disruptions and emergency situations, provide passenger communications and customer service, and demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, attention to detail, and sound judgment in a fast-paced, safety-sensitive operating environment.Rail Operations Operate passenger rail equipment safely and efficiently in accordance with GCOR, CapMetro operating rules, timetables, special instructions, and applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.Control train movements and support safe, reliable, and on-time passenger rail operations by complying with signals, train orders, dispatcher instructions, radio communications, operating procedures, and changing operating conditions.Conduct required inspections, testing, documentation, and operational checks; identify, document, and report equipment defects, mechanical irregularities, and abnormal conditions, and assist with authorized corrective actions.Collaborate with conductors, dispatchers, field supervision, and other personnel through ongoing communication, job briefings, and safety discussions to ensure operational coordination and compliance with safety requirements.Respond to service disruptions, abnormal operations, and emergency situations to protect passengers, employees, equipment, and the public; provide professional customer service and passenger communications while maintaining required certifications, qualifications, territory knowledge, and training.Comply with all environmental, safety, and security requirements, including CapMetro System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and Safety Management System (SMS) policies, by integrating safety considerations into all operational decisions and promptly reporting hazards or safety concerns.CapMetro SMS Support & Other Duties AssignedSupport 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 rail-related duties as assigned.