Supervisor, Signal & Train Control Maintenance (Light Rail)

RTD

5d • $84,407 - $119,224

About The Position

This position provides leadership and operational oversight for RTD’s light rail signaling, train control, and Positive Train Control (PTC) maintenance function. It supervises maintenance personnel and supports safe, reliable, and compliant operation of signal, grade crossing, and train control equipment. The role directs and supports troubleshooting, repair, testing, calibration, and preventive maintenance, including work on wayside signaling, switch machines, interlockings, vital relays, power supplies, batteries, display systems, and PTC hardware and software.

The position monitors staff assignments and performance; supports compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and labor agreements; and reviews maintenance records and system performance information for operational decision-making. It assists with budgeting, staffing, materials management, maintenance planning, system upgrades, and reliability improvement initiatives. The role also tracks performance indicators, identifies trends, recommends operational improvements, and collaborates with internal departments, contractors, vendors, and stakeholders to address maintenance challenges and support continuous improvement.

This role is designated as a Disaster Response Worker and may require night and weekend work during disasters and emergencies, including possible 24-hour Emergency Operations Center staffing. Regular work schedules may vary and include weekdays, weekends, and hours outside 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Depending on business needs or career development, the position may be required to work in Regional Operations Center, Operations, Maintenance, or Service Planning & Scheduling functions across bus, commuter, and paratransit operations. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, in varying weather and temperatures, and requires independent travel between locations as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of progressively responsible experience in signal, train control, or transit maintenance operations, including direct work with internal stakeholders and maintenance staff and familiarity with regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting or performing maintenance on light rail wayside signaling, electronic/electromechanical systems, or related control systems, including testing, troubleshooting, repairing, or replacing components and following preventive maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal safety and operational standards, including FTA and OSHA regulations relevant to signal and train control maintenance.
• Ability to supervise, train, and guide maintenance personnel under the direction of the Assistant Manager.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire; no DUI, DWI, or reckless-driving violations in the past five years.
• Strong knowledge of public transit operations and light rail wayside signal and train control maintenance, including electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of signal and train control maintenance practices, preventive and corrective maintenance programs, and performance-based maintenance management in a public-sector transit environment.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and requirements governing signal and train control systems, including FTA and OSHA safety and compliance standards.
• Knowledge of signal system construction, operation, testing, calibration, and maintenance, including microprocessor-based interlocking, grade crossings, switch machines, and programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Knowledge of maintenance planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and operational performance measurement for signal and train control systems.
• Ability to support staff, ensure compliance with procedures, and assist in monitoring maintenance metrics and operational effectiveness.
• Ability to analyze maintenance and operational data, identify trends and risks, and recommend process improvements, efficiency enhancements, and cost-saving measures under the Assistant Manager’s guidance.
• Leadership and coaching skills, including the ability to support staff development and equitable treatment in a small maintenance team.
• Ability to collaborate across departments, including Operations, Safety & Security, and Engineering, to resolve maintenance issues, coordinate projects, and align work with agency goals.
• Ability to assist in developing, implementing, and enforcing policies, procedures, and work instructions related to maintenance, department operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Effective oral and written communication with executive leadership, internal stakeholders, maintenance staff, and external partners.
• Sound judgment and ability to make timely, well-reasoned decisions within assigned responsibilities in a high-accountability maintenance environment.
• Ability to manage time and workload, organize and prioritize multiple maintenance projects, and maintain attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other business systems used for maintenance reporting, performance tracking, and signal system management.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to coach and influence staff with courage, approachability, and credibility, and to inspire confidence under the Assistant Manager’s direction.
• Equivalent combinations of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in electronics.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, direction, and coordination of light rail signal, train control, and PTC maintenance, including maintenance, repair, testing, and calibration of associated wayside and onboard systems and equipment.
• Help supervise maintenance personnel, assign and delegate work, monitor performance, and support effective maintenance operations.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance programs, including staging parts, tools, and test equipment; assist staff in troubleshooting failures and implementing solutions.
• Help develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, maintenance forms, and records; ensure inspections, repairs, tests, and equipment status are documented.
• Support development and management of the departmental budget, analyze expenditures, plan overtime and staffing levels, and promote fiscal accountability.
• Assist with administration of labor contracts and resolution of department labor issues under the guidance of the Assistant Manager.
• Participate in developing specifications for new signal, train control, and PTC equipment and system upgrades, coordinating stakeholder input as directed.
• Collect, validate, analyze, and report system performance metrics and inspection data; use the information to evaluate reliability, availability, safety, and cost efficiency and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with Operations, Safety, Service Planning, Finance, Procurement, and other departments to address maintenance challenges and support system availability and agency priorities.
• Coordinate investigation, response, and resolution of signal, train control, PTC, or wayside equipment issues affecting service; represent RTD at relevant meetings as delegated.
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives, including emergency response, system upgrades, and risk assessments; prepare analyses, reports, and presentations for briefings, stakeholders, and Board meetings.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels and review work progress to ensure quality, quantity, and deadlines meet program goals.
• Recruit and select staff; assign work; train, coach, and counsel employees; and ensure consistent application of employee guidelines and procedures.
• Conduct performance reviews and hold employees accountable for their responsibilities.
• Foster a safety-first culture focused on prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Advance Equal Employment Opportunity, Small/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Title VI, and ADA goals to promote fair, equal, and nondiscriminatory hiring, workplace, contracting, procurement, and transit services.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• RTD employee benefits are referenced through the company benefits page; represented employee benefits are described in the applicable labor agreement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED