Director, Engineering

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The role is accountable for the operational performance, safety, and contract management of the track and bridge maintenance program delivered by a contracted service provider. It also covers signal and train control systems, rail systems engineering, capital program development for the rail department, and budgeting for engineering services and strategic initiatives. The Director aligns MOW and bridge maintenance initiatives with organizational goals and maintains regulatory compliance across track and structures maintenance functions.

The position reports directly to the VP, Rail Operations and provides leadership to the Program Manager IV, Maintenance of Way, Bridges, and Structures, as well as the contracted service provider responsible for track and bridge maintenance. It oversees maintenance and inspection programs, regulatory compliance, safety and risk management, budgets, performance reporting, capital planning, workforce development, and contractor accountability. The Director also represents CapMetro to community and government entities, vendors, and contractors on track and bridge maintenance matters.

Work takes place in an office and outdoors, including field locations, with exposure to inclement and adverse weather. The role involves managing complex, safety-sensitive contractor work and inspection programs, working across multiple project timelines, and may require varying schedules, evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call emergency response, and work beyond a normal 40-hour week. The position is onsite, with an expectation of working in the office four or more days per week. Regular attendance at the assigned work location is essential.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, business administration, or a related technical field; relevant experience may substitute year for year for up to four years.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in rail or transit track, structures, or maintenance-of-way operations.
• At least 6 years of progressively responsible leadership experience directing track and bridge maintenance programs, including contractor and capital project oversight.
• 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.
• Professional communication skills and ability to influence and lead across the organization and work courteously with coworkers, 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 fiduciary responsibility when handling confidential materials and information.
• Ability to effectively supervise and direct consultants and contractors.
• Currently authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Ability to stand, walk, and travel to track and bridge field locations as needed; safely operate a motor vehicle; and use a telephone or headset.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 20 pounds and work at a computer terminal for 6–8 hours per day.
• Ability to work varying schedules, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, respond to emergencies or critical incidents outside normal hours, and work beyond a normal 40-hour week.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.
• Knowledge of FRA Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Parts 213 and 214) and Bridge Safety Management requirements (49 CFR Part 237, Subpart H).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and accountability for rail track infrastructure and bridge maintenance programs, supporting safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations.
• Direct scheduled track and rail maintenance activities and coordinate capital projects to meet technical standards, schedules, and engineering requirements.
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control for track and bridge inspections performed by the contracted service provider and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Ensure regular inspections of rail infrastructure and bridges across commuter and freight corridors 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 planning.
• Schedule Employee in Charge support for right-of-way projects to ensure safe access and work procedures.
• Enforce compliance with FRA Track Safety Standards, CapMetro's System Safety and Security Plan, and internal policies, rules, and standards.
• Lead investigations of track- and bridge-maintenance incidents and failures, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and mitigate risks.
• Promote a safety-first culture focused on compliance, operational excellence, accountability, and proactive risk management.
• 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.
• Develop and oversee operating and capital budgets for track and bridge maintenance, control expenditures, and provide technical, cost, and schedule justification for contract changes.
• Establish, monitor, and analyze maintenance KPIs and provide executive leadership with reports, recommendations, and insights on performance and priorities.
• Develop strategic initiatives to improve asset reliability, maintenance effectiveness, and long-term infrastructure performance, coordinating capital and lifecycle planning with the Director of Engineering Services and Capital Projects.
• Oversee CapMetro staff and the contracted service provider responsible for track and bridge maintenance, ensuring performance, accountability, and contractual compliance.
• Develop, mentor, and evaluate direct reports and foster accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and safety.
• Support CapMetro's Safety Management Systems process by ensuring staff follow safety and security policies, consider safety in their work, and report concerns.
• Represent CapMetro to the community, government entities, vendors, and contractors on track and bridge maintenance matters.
• Plan, schedule, delegate, and oversee department personnel's work; coordinate work with vendors and consultants; and conduct personnel actions, including hiring, interviewing, training, work assignment, and performance evaluation.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director