Director, Mechanical

DescriptionBASIC FUNCTION: The Director, Mechanical is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective management of the railroad's locomotive fleet, rolling stock, mechanical assets, and shop operations. This position provides leadership for maintenance programs, regulatory compliance, safety performance, workforce development, and asset reliability while supporting the railroad's operational, financial, and customer service objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide strategic and operational leadership for all Mechanical Department activities, ensuring the safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective maintenance of INRD's locomotive fleet, rolling stock, mechanical assets, and shop facilities.
Develop and execute fleet maintenance, asset management, and locomotive power strategies that support operations, customer service, business growth, and long-term equipment reliability.
Oversee locomotive inspections, preventive and predictive maintenance programs, repairs, rebuilds, component replacements, and shop operations to maximize fleet availability and service life.
Establish and enforce mechanical standards, maintenance procedures, quality controls, and performance measures that reduce failures, eliminate repeat defects, and support continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with all FRA, AAR, OSHA, EPA, and company requirements while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
Lead, develop, and evaluate Mechanical Department personnel through workforce planning, training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
Promote a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, hazard identification, safe work practices, incident investigation, and employee accountability.
Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, including oversight of expenditures, staffing, overtime, contractors, and capital projects to achieve financial and operational objectives.
Direct inventory management, procurement planning, material availability, and resource allocation to support maintenance and operating requirements.
Evaluate and recommend locomotive acquisitions, leases, rebuilds, retirements, and other capital investments based on operational needs, reliability trends, and lifecycle costs.
Assess and manage third-party locomotive and equipment repair opportunities, including capacity planning, pricing, profitability, and operational impacts.
Collaborate with Operations, Commercial, Engineering, Finance, Safety, and executive leadership to align mechanical resources and maintenance priorities with company objectives.
Establish and report key performance indicators related to safety, compliance, fleet reliability, availability, productivity, maintenance backlog, budget performance, and capital project execution while ensuring accurate and timely documentation and regulatory reporting.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Technology, Business, Transportation, or related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in railroad mechanical operations, locomotive maintenance, or fleet management, including at least five (5) years in a management or leadership role
Demonstrated experience managing maintenance programs, asset reliability initiatives, budgets, and mechanical operations
Valid Driver's License in good standing

Preferred Qualifications:

Diesel locomotive maintenance, repair, or mechanical shop experience
Experience managing operating and capital budgets, capital projects, and operational performance metrics
Experience supervising union employees and administering collective bargaining agreements
Knowledge of FRA, AAR, OSHA, and EPA regulations applicable to railroad mechanical operations
Experience utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and maintenance performance reporting tools

Employment Conditions

Work safely, follow company policies, operating rules, and regulatory requirements, and take appropriate precautions to prevent accidents and injuries
Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, high-visibility apparel, and safety-toe footwear as required
Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, travel, and availability outside normal business hours to support railroad operations and emergency response activities
Complete required training and maintain all certifications, qualifications, and operating authorizations necessary for the position
Successfully pass and maintain compliance with company background screening, drug and alcohol testing requirements, and fitness-for-duty standards
This is a safety-sensitive position requiring sound judgment, leadership, and compliance with all applicable railroad safety and operating rules

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk extended distances over uneven terrain and safely work around moving railroad equipment
Ability to climb locomotives, railcars, ladders, stairs, platforms, and shop equipment
Ability to reach, bend, push, pull, squat, kneel, crouch, crawl, sit, stand, and maintain balance while performing assigned duties
Ability to effectively see, hear, speak, and communicate in a railroad operating environment
Ability to obtain and maintain Indiana Rail Road hostler qualifications and safely operate locomotives within authorized limits as necessary for inspections, testing, equipment movements, and operational support
Ability to comply with manufacturer weight limitations and safety requirements for equipment, ladders, and fall protection devices
Ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally and up to 100 pounds on a rare basis

Basic Competencies

Leadership and employee development
Strategic planning and execution
Safety leadership and regulatory compliance
Verbal and written communication skills
Reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
Accountability and results orientation
Teamwork and collaboration
Budget and financial management
Data analysis and performance management
Mechanical aptitude and asset reliability focus

Environmental Conditions

Work in both office and field environments, including locomotive shops, maintenance facilities, rail yards, customer locations, and along active railroad tracks.
Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, snow, wind, and other adverse conditions.
Exposure to noise from locomotives, rail equipment, machinery, and maintenance operations.
Exposure to dirt, dust, diesel exhaust, fumes, vibration, grease, and other conditions associated with railroad operations.
Occasional work around moving equipment, elevated surfaces, confined spaces, and industrial machinery.
Periodic travel throughout the railroad network and to customer sites, industry meetings, regulatory events, training programs, and vendor facilities.

All INRD employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required safety training, proactively promote safety at work and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

DISCLAIMER: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

INRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.