Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway | Manager, Mechanical - Locomotive (WLE-0060)

Recruiting at Transtar LLC•Brewster, OH

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Locomotive Shop position is an experienced, full-time, exempt salaried leadership role of Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE). This position is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient maintenance, inspection, repair, and overhaul of the company’s locomotive fleet in accordance with W&LE standards and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, including FRA Part 229. The Manager of Locomotive Shop provides direct leadership and oversight of locomotive supervisors, general foremen, and locomotive technicians. This role is accountable for locomotive reliability, availability, regulatory compliance, and shop performance. The position emphasizes safety leadership, mechanical excellence, workforce development, budget management, vendor coordination, and continuous improvement of maintenance practices to support safe and efficient railroad operations. Managers work in a shop and field environment with variable and irregular hours, including after-hours response as required.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Prior railroad mechanical leadership or supervisory experience
Supervisory or leadership experience.
Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical and mechanical systems.
Knowledge of FRA operating rules and regulations.
Strong communication and decision-making skills.
Microsoft Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

Manage safe and efficient locomotive maintenance operations at all times.
Provide leadership and direct supervision to locomotive supervisors, general foremen, and technicians.
Ensure compliance with FRA regulations, including Part 229, company mechanical standards, and safety policies.
Oversee daily locomotive inspections, servicing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities.
Manage the engine overhaul program and major component replacement initiatives.
Ensure proper completion and certification of required inspections and blue card documentation.
Manage Positive Train Control (PTC) installations, validations, and software upgrades.
Oversee camera system downloads, verification, and software upgrades.
Provide technical guidance on complex electrical and mechanical troubleshooting issues.
Coordinate locomotive availability and power requirements with Operations.
Develop and monitor key performance metrics related to reliability, availability, and shop productivity.
Manage shop and service track operations to ensure efficient workflow and safe work practices.
Assist in maintaining appropriate inventory levels and oversee materials management.
Work with vendors and contractors to ensure quality work and cost control.
Develop, coach, and mentor employees to improve technical knowledge, safety awareness, and performance.
Prepare and manage departmental budgets, capital projects, and cost controls.
Ensure accurate completion of reports, maintenance records, regulatory documentation, and internal reporting requirements.
Respond to service interruptions, mechanical failures, and emergencies as required.
Ensure accurate completion of reports, investigations, and regulatory documentation.