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 leads CapMetro’s in-house mechanical workforce supporting DMU passenger equipment. The role provides day-to-day leadership, technical oversight, and compliance assurance for inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, cleaning, and yard movement activities. Work must be performed safely and in compliance with applicable FRA regulations, CapMetro’s Mechanical Safety Rulebook, and the Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program. The Supervisor also supports on-the-job training, competency verification, formal employee designations, Internal First Responder Training elements, emergency drills, and continuous improvement. The position supervises and coordinates employees, oversees inspections and maintenance documentation, supports complex troubleshooting and repairs, reviews inspection and repair records, and coordinates with other departments on scheduling, resources, and compliance reporting. It also promotes safe work practices, ensures appropriate use and maintenance of tools and facilities, and supports CapMetro’s Safety Management Systems process. The work is primarily in shop and yard environments at CapMetro North Operations, with occasional field or off-site work. The role involves exposure to noise, weather, moving equipment, and typical mechanical shop conditions. It is an onsite position, with the primary workplace at a CapMetro facility or field location and an expectation to work there four or more days per week. The position is safety-sensitive and requires participation in the employer’s prohibited-substance testing program. Visa sponsorship is not available; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

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 stand, walk, and travel 90% throughout the workday.
Physical ability to access vehicles, equipment, and work areas, including climbing and bending.
Ability to work varying shifts, days, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.
Ability to serve as an on-call escalation point and respond to emergencies, major service disruptions, or other critical operational incidents outside normal operating hours.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and use telephone or headset equipment.
Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to work at a computer terminal for 6–8 hours a day and function in an environment with constant interruptions.
Ability to work beyond a normal 40-hour weekly schedule when required.
Regular and predictable attendance at the assigned work location.
Current authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
Must participate in the employer’s prohibited-substance testing program as a condition of employment.

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 inspections, periodic inspections, air brake tests, and maintenance activities are completed by properly designated qualified personnel and documented in accordance with 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 follow safety and security policies, consider safety in their work, and report safety and security concerns.
Plan, schedule, delegate, and oversee department personnel work assignments.
Authorize, coordinate, and schedule work with vendors and consultants.
Conduct personnel actions, including hiring and interviewing, and oversee hiring, training, work assignments, and performance evaluations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.