Track Engineer/Senior Inspector

Reports to: Manager of Wayside and Systems Maintenance

Salary Range: $95,000 - $105,000

Competitive Benefits Package: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Paid Leaves Program, and 401K Plan.

Summary
Purple Line Transit Operators (PLTO) is a member of a private consortium (Purple Line Transit Partners) which holds a Public-Private Partnership (P3) contract with the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT/MTA) for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and financing of the Purple Line, a new 16 mile/21 station light rail transit line located in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, Maryland https://www.purplelinemd.com. PLTO’s role in the Project is for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the Purple Line for a 30-year O&M Period after the service opens to the public, currently scheduled for winter 2027. Prior to this opening, PLTO is responsible for participating in system design, testing, and service start-up activities; conducting certain facilities and equipment maintenance scopes; and building the organization which will perform the O&M Period activities.

PLTO is a joint venture of two companies: Alternate Concepts, Inc (ACI) and CAF USA, Inc. (CAF). ACI is an industry leader in mass transit operations and maintenance and is the O&M provider for the only two Design-Build-Operate-and-Maintain (DBOM)/Design-Build-Finance-Operate-and-Maintain (DBFOM) transit projects in the U.S: Tren Urbano in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Eagle P3 in Denver, Colorado. CAF USA, Inc. (a division of the international Spanish railway manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) designs, manufactures, maintains, and supplies equipment and components for railway systems and is a certified rail maintenance organization with a presence on five continents.

PLTO is conducting this recruitment for the Track Engineer/Senior Inspector to oversee all track structures related activities. The Track Engineer/Senior Inspector will be responsible for preserving the good condition of track infrastructure and ensure that are safe and well-functioning. Ensures compliance with regulations, guidelines and contract requirements. Prepares and controls the budget, programs the work, and provides parts, supplies, tools, equipment and training. Coordinates with other PLTO departments and with other groups, manufacturers and vendors. Ensures complete documentation of work performed. Analyzes and reports on work performed, performance trends, and productivity and key performance indicators. Subject to on-call status 24/7.

Responsibilities

• Develop the maintenance program for the Track Department and create staffing plans

• Prepare, control, and analyze the operating budget for the Track Department

• Coordinate maintenance, testing, and start-up activities for track, Right of Way (ROW), bridges, stations, and other groups within the Maintenance Department

• Coordinate with the Procurement and Warehouse Departments to obtain tools, parts, and equipment for the Track Department

• Inspect track to meet FRA track inspection standards. Track shall be maintained to Class IV standards.

• In collaboration with the Procurement Department, prepare, negotiate, and manage contracts for inspection, repair, and maintenance of track, including ultrasonic testing, geometry testing, tamping, and modification of special track work

• Oversee the paper and electronic documentation of inspection findings, test results, labor, and materials usage in asset management software

• Analyze data, compile service standards, and resolve complex ROW problems

• Prepare and update Standard Operating Procedures, Manuals, and other directives for Track Department staff

• Provide supervision, motivation, and training for direct reports through direction, coaching, counseling, and goal setting

• Conduct performance reviews for staff and approve their leave requests and timesheets

• Coordinate with Human Resources about disciplinary actions of employees in the event of rule violations, poor performance, or improper conduct

• Complete all other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred

• 6 years of track maintenance experience including 3 years of experience in some or all of the following areas: maintenance planning, budget preparation, cost control, employee/labor grievances and discipline reviews OR a combination of education and work experience may substitute on a year-to-year basis for work experience

• Must have demonstrated knowledge of ROW infrastructure technology, track, and structures

• Must have experience working with FRA and regulatory guidelines for inspection

• Must be qualified as Track Inspector to inspect and maintain Class IV track

• Strong leadership and communication skills are required

• Passenger rail experience preferred

• Knowledge of general track maintenance methods, operating requirements, and safety precautions

• Must be well-organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented

• Must possess a valid driver’s license

• Willingness to work during evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed

• Subject to on-call status 24/7

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, and sit for periods of time varying in length, walk up and down stairs, and lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment Successful candidates will be expected to work in an environment where an in-office presence and frequent field visits may be required. Some travel may be required to collaborate with partners or attend trainings.

While performing the duties of this job (while in the field), the employee must be aware of his/her surroundings and may be exposed to outside weather conditions, moving mechanical systems, and building components as well as varying noise levels both within the rail maintenance yards and inside the Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is always required while in the field and in construction zones.

Pre-Employment Qualifications
Successful candidates must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check; pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening test; be willing to comply with PLTO’s Drug and Alcohol Policy; pass a pre-employment physical; and be eligible to work in the U.S.

PLTO reserves the right to revise this job description from time to time. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

PLTO is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job classifications and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply:
All interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].