Rail Engineer

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Three (3) years of progressively responsible railroad operating experience, such as locomotive engineer, conductor, brakeman, or other train service roles.
Ability 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 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.
All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Post-secondary education or equivalent railroad experience preferred.
Passenger rail experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
Support 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.