Assistant Vice President- Track Maintenance & Engineering

Company: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Location: New York City
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

Description Position at Metro-North Railroad Job Title: Assistant Vice President - Track Maintenance & Engineering Department: Maintenance of Way MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad Primary Location(s): New York, NY Salary Range: $ 1 77,069 - $221 ,3 35 Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Non-DOT Regulated/ Safety Sensitive Union Affiliation: Non- a greement Closing Date (if applicable) : Until Filled Shift (if applicable) : Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable Other: T elework eligible ABOUT THE AGENCY MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees. Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline. JOB SUMMARY This position supports the Vice President , Maintenance of Way in all aspects of the management and oversight of the Engineering Department and serves as the Vice President delegate when needed. This role is responsible for directing the integration and facilitation of department activities with respect to daily operational issues and planned maintenance and production work . This position is accountable for assisting with departmental controls and ensuring managerial oversight of departmental activities, overseeing 3rd party consultants/auditors, and staff management and activity planning activities to ensure safe, efficient and reliable operations in meeting industry standards, regulatory compliance and strategic objectives in support of Metro North's Strategic Plan. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Oversee the overall performance of the department, with responsibility for monitoring efficiencies, identifying performance bottlenecks, implementing process improvement strategies, analyzing data to optimize operations, and ensuring compliance with performance standards. Ensure the safety of the operation and reliability through improved maintenance and track allocation and new and innovative processes and technologies. Assist the Vice President in leading the Maintenance of Way Department divisional efforts in attaining the organizational and department wide safety and operational goals and objectives by developing, promoting and reinforcing safe work practices through the use of a coordinated, structured and well-defined system safety plan, creating and reinforcing the importance of safety with department leadership and ensuring the same consistent messages and practices are cascaded to all employees; assist with establishing and reviewing safety metrics for trends and dedicating resources to making sub-departments, areas, job tasks more safe, reviewing technology to improve safety outcomes. Ensure the proper and timely maintenance of all fixed property and operating systems throughout Metro-North in the Communications, Signal, Positive Train Control (PTC), Track, Facilities, Power and Grand Central Terminal Maintenance Departments are in state-of-good-repair in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, Local and MNR rules, laws, standards or other applicable requirements. Assist and support the identification and establishment of short- and long-term maintenance and repair programs (i.e., one-, five-, and twenty-year needs) and securing and allocating appropriate resources (e.g., budget, staffing, material, equipment, environmental impact, etc.) to ensure programs are executed successfully. Ensure the proper and timely maintenance of all fixed property and operating systems throughout Metro-North in the Communications, Signal, PTC, Track, Facilities, Power and Grand Central Terminal Maintenance Departments are in state-of-good-repair in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, Local and MNR rules, laws, standards or other applicable requirements. Assist and support the identification and establishment of short- and long-term maintenance and repair programs (i.e., one-, five-, and twenty-year needs) and securing and allocating appropriate resources (e.g., budget, staffing, material, equipment, environmental impact, etc.) to ensure programs are executed successfully. Identify opportunities and develop programs to perform maintenance activities more efficiently to accelerate bringing Metro-North’s critical infrastructure assets into a state of good repair. Provide leadership to the Maintenance of Way Department division by fostering a climate of collaboration, problem solving and teamwork for all stakeholders that support the corporate mission, value, long range goals and departmental initiatives; assist and support creating synergy and enhancing employee development; establishing a culture of respect, integrity, trust and open communication and ensuring employees feel supported and empowered to perform at their best to ensure the infrastructure is in a state of good repair to provide a safe and reliable service to our customers and the region we serve. Participate in the development of the annual budget submission and hiring plan and ensure that the M of W Department operates within the established budget by designing and instituting the necessary internal processes, protocols and controls to ensure that the department is within operating and capital budgets, scope and schedule. Assist in ensuring the effective execution of recovery and resiliency efforts. Oversee the use of overtime and ensure it is used for appropriate business purposes as needed. As necessary, represent Metro-North and provide senior level participation in any applicable public and government oversight interactions related to M of W. Engage with union leadership and assist with Labor Relations negotiations and assist with settling issues, questions, and disputes, as necessary. Participate in the development of corporate policies, long-range planning, budget review, hiring plans, new initiatives and projections that affect or involve the M of W Department. Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential. Performs other duties as assigned Complies with all policies and standards May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES An understanding of American rail industry operating practices and federal, state and local regulations as they relate to the Track, Signal, Communications, Structures and Traction Power disciplines on electrified commuter rail systems. Must have experience with the maintenance and construction of track, communications, signal, PTC, Structures or traction power fixed assets on an electrified commuter rail system. Demonstrable leadership skills to motivate and foster teamwork not only within the M of W Departments but other departments at MNR, CDOT, MTA, MTA agencies, NJ Transit, Amtrak and other entities as applicable. Demonstrable leadership skills in the areas of safety, performance and crisis management. Must be a competent and seasoned leader who will develop the capacities of the organization, have the experience to implement organizational change with strong judgment, problem solving and decision-making skills. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to create a climate of continuous improvement. Outstanding communication skills with a prominence on effective public speaking, use of diplomacy, tact resulting in positive employee relations within a political/unionized environment. Knowledge of FRA and OSHA regulations as they relate to Track, Communication and Signal, traction power, rail equipment components and operation. Familiar with budgeting practices. Strong analytical skills. A demonstrated ability to effectively interact with a represented workforce and labor leaders. Must be able to work varying shifts and be on call 24/7 as required. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office to include Excel, Word, Power Point. The following is/are preferred: Familiarity with Metro-North Policies and Procedures. Familiarity with Metro-North collective bargaining agreements. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Transportation, Business Administration or related degree. Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible, senior level management experience on an electrified commuter rail system encompassing the management of a railroad maintenance organization, engineering, capital programs, labor management and agreements, and budget process and personnel control. Minimum 10 years of experience in managing a diverse group of employees at various levels. The following is/are preferred : Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in engineering or related field. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS : Valid Driver’s License Preferred: A Professional Engineering (P.E.) license BENEFITS - Managerial Benefits Transportation & Financial Benefits Commuting Made Easy – Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings. Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost – Access high-quality individual, family and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision and life insurance plans. Secure Your Future – Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees. Time Off & Work-Life Balance Generous Time Away – Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments. Holistic Support Services – Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most. Professional Growth & Development Learning & Development Program – Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization. Educational Investment – Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions. Employee Experience & Community Employee Assistance Programs – Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources. Discounts & Perks – Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services. Connect & Belong – Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture. OTHER INFORMATION Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”). Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve. Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position. To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role. HOW TO APPLY: For Internal Applicants : Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions. For External Applicants : Visit www.mta.info , click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”. Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.

Keywords: Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Hartford , Assistant Vice President- Track Maintenance & Engineering, Engineering , New York City, Connecticut