Director, Mechanical

INDIANA RAILROAD COMPANY • Jasonville, IN

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Mechanical is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective management of the railroad's locomotive fleet, rolling stock, mechanical assets, and shop operations. This position provides leadership for maintenance programs, regulatory compliance, safety performance, workforce development, and asset reliability while supporting the railroad's operational, financial, and customer service objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Technology, Business, Transportation, or related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
• Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in railroad mechanical operations, locomotive maintenance, or fleet management, including at least five (5) years in a management or leadership role
• Demonstrated experience managing maintenance programs, asset reliability initiatives, budgets, and mechanical operations
• Valid Driver's License in good standing

Nice To Haves

• Diesel locomotive maintenance, repair, or mechanical shop experience
• Experience managing operating and capital budgets, capital projects, and operational performance metrics
• Experience supervising union employees and administering collective bargaining agreements
• Knowledge of FRA, AAR, OSHA, and EPA regulations applicable to railroad mechanical operations
• Experience utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and maintenance performance reporting tools

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all Mechanical Department activities, ensuring the safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective maintenance of INRD's locomotive fleet, rolling stock, mechanical assets, and shop facilities.
• Develop and execute fleet maintenance, asset management, and locomotive power strategies that support operations, customer service, business growth, and long-term equipment reliability.
• Oversee locomotive inspections, preventive and predictive maintenance programs, repairs, rebuilds, component replacements, and shop operations to maximize fleet availability and service life.
• Establish and enforce mechanical standards, maintenance procedures, quality controls, and performance measures that reduce failures, eliminate repeat defects, and support continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all FRA, AAR, OSHA, EPA, and company requirements while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Lead, develop, and evaluate Mechanical Department personnel through workforce planning, training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, hazard identification, safe work practices, incident investigation, and employee accountability.
• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, including oversight of expenditures, staffing, overtime, contractors, and capital projects to achieve financial and operational objectives.
• Direct inventory management, procurement planning, material availability, and resource allocation to support maintenance and operating requirements.
• Evaluate and recommend locomotive acquisitions, leases, rebuilds, retirements, and other capital investments based on operational needs, reliability trends, and lifecycle costs.
• Assess and manage third-party locomotive and equipment repair opportunities, including capacity planning, pricing, profitability, and operational impacts.
• Collaborate with Operations, Commercial, Engineering, Finance, Safety, and executive leadership to align mechanical resources and maintenance priorities with company objectives.
• Establish and report key performance indicators related to safety, compliance, fleet reliability, availability, productivity, maintenance backlog, budget performance, and capital project execution while ensuring accurate and timely documentation and regulatory reporting.

Benefits

• Work safely, follow company policies, operating rules, and regulatory requirements, and take appropriate precautions to prevent accidents and injuries
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, high-visibility apparel, and safety-toe footwear as required
• Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, travel, and availability outside normal business hours to support railroad operations and emergency response activities
• Complete required training and maintain all certifications, qualifications, and operating authorizations necessary for the position
• Successfully pass and maintain compliance with company background screening, drug and alcohol testing requirements, and fitness-for-duty standards
• This is a safety-sensitive position requiring sound judgment, leadership, and compliance with all applicable railroad safety and operating rules

What This Job Offers

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