Supervisor, Rail Mechanical

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rail Mechanical Supervisor reports directly to the Manager, Vehicle Maintenance and provides day-to-day leadership, technical oversight, and compliance assurance for CapMetro’s in-house mechanical workforce supporting DMU passenger equipment. The role ensures inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, cleaning, and yard movement activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable FRA regulations, CapMetro’s Mechanical Safety Rulebook, and CapMetro’s Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program. The Supervisor leads on-the-job training, competency verification, formal designation of qualified personnel, Internal First Responder Training elements, emergency drills, and continuous improvement. The position supervises mechanical personnel, oversees maintenance quality and records, coordinates with other departments, and promotes safe work practices and regulatory compliance. It is an onsite, FTA safety-sensitive position based primarily at CapMetro North Operations, with occasional field or off-site work.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Eight years of progressive experience in railroad mechanical maintenance, preferably with passenger equipment or locomotives.
At least two years in a lead or supervisory capacity, or equivalent demonstrated leadership.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to obtain and maintain all core designations under CapMetro’s Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program, including supervisor-level requirements under 49 CFR 238.109(b)(8).
Strong working knowledge of FRA Motive Power & Equipment regulations, Blue Flag Protection, Roadway Worker Protection, and passenger equipment inspection and maintenance standards.
Strong computer skills for EAM, LMS, and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to train, coach, and hold others accountable.
In-depth knowledge of DMU or passenger rail mechanical systems, inspection criteria, and repair practices.
Ability to interpret and apply FRA regulations, CapMetro rules, and technical procedures.
Strong leadership, coaching, and performance management skills.
Ability to evaluate employee competency and make sound designation recommendations.
Skill in diagnosing complex mechanical issues and directing corrective actions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic operational environment while maintaining safety and compliance standards.
Ability to work varying shifts, days, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts, and to respond to emergencies or critical incidents outside normal operating hours as an on-call escalation point.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and use a telephone or headset.
Ability to stand, walk, and travel 90% throughout the workday; access vehicles, equipment, and work areas, including climbing and bending; lift and move materials weighing up to 20 pounds; and work at a computer terminal for 6–8 hours a day.
Ability to work beyond a normal forty-hour weekly schedule when required and maintain regular, predictable attendance at the assigned work location.
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
Must participate in the Employer’s prohibited-substances testing program as a condition of employment in this FTA safety-sensitive position.

Nice To Haves

Technical degree, apprenticeship completion, or equivalent.
Prior supervisory or lead experience in an FRA-regulated passenger rail or transit mechanical environment.
Welding, air brake, or specialized technical certifications.
Formal leadership or supervisory training.
Experience with formal training, qualification, and designation programs.

Responsibilities

Supervise and coordinate the daily work of DMU Fleet Technicians, Mechanical Laborers, and other assigned mechanical personnel.
Conduct and document on-the-job training, practical evaluations, and competency verification for mechanical employees seeking or maintaining designation.
Ensure calendar day and periodic inspections, air brake tests, and maintenance activities are performed by properly designated qualified persons and documented according to applicable FRA regulations and CapMetro’s program.
Oversee troubleshooting and complex repairs as needed and serve as a technical resource for the team.
Review inspection reports, defect trends, and repair quality; initiate corrective actions and continuous improvement.
Oversee proper use of the EAM (Hexagon) system and LMS for training records, designations, and work documentation.
Coordinate with Safety & Training, Operations, and other departments on scheduling, resource needs, and compliance reporting.
Enforce CapMetro Blue Flag Protection, Roadway Worker Protection, GCOR, North Operations Physical Characteristics, and applicable safety rules.
Participate in and support Internal First Responder Training elements, emergency preparedness drills, and critiques.
Ensure tools, equipment, materials, and facilities are properly maintained and used safely.
Promote a strong safety culture and hold personnel accountable for safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
Support CapMetro’s Safety Management Systems process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and reports safety and security concerns.
Plan, schedule, delegate, and oversee employee work assignments; authorize, coordinate, and schedule work with vendors and consultants; conduct personnel actions, including hiring and interviewing; and oversee hiring, training, assignments, and performance evaluations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.