Railroad Mechanical Manager

Location: East Brookfield, MA
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Must be available for nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency response as operational needs require
Pay: $75,000 - $95,000

Lead Safe, Reliable Railroad Mechanical Operations

This leadership position is responsible for locomotive, railcar, shop, and field maintenance activities. The Mechanical Manager will lead mechanics and other mechanical employees while ensuring equipment is inspected, serviced, repaired, documented, and returned to service safely and efficiently.

The ideal candidate has progressive railroad mechanical experience, strong knowledge of locomotive or railcar systems, and experience directing employees in a 24/7 operating environment. This is a hands-on management role requiring regular time in mechanical shops, rail yards, and field locations.

What You Will Do

Direct daily locomotive and railcar inspection, servicing, maintenance, and repair activities

Assign employees, prioritize shop and field work, and adjust resources based on service demands and equipment conditions

Lead mechanics and other mechanical personnel with accountability for safety, productivity, work quality, and compliance

Ensure work complies with applicable FRA, AAR, company, and manufacturer requirements

Manage locomotive inspection intervals, periodic maintenance, repair tracking, and release documentation

Oversee bad-order railcar identification, movement, repair prioritization, and return-to-service activities

Monitor shop workflow, parts usage, tool availability, material needs, and work completion

Coordinate with transportation and operations regarding locomotive availability, maintenance windows, equipment failures, and shop turnaround times

Respond to mechanical failures, derailments, service interruptions, and other field emergencies

Provide technical direction during recovery efforts and assist with investigations and corrective actions

Conduct inspections, audits, job observations, and follow-up coaching

Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection, repair, testing, and regulatory records

Support inventory control, vendor coordination, outside repairs, and material availability

Provide employee instruction, coaching, corrective feedback, and performance documentation

Support technical training, employee qualifications, safety briefings, and recurring compliance activities

Required Qualifications

Progressive railroad mechanical experience involving locomotive and/or railcar inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair

Demonstrated knowledge of locomotive or railcar mechanical systems and preventive maintenance practices

Working knowledge of applicable FRA and AAR inspection, maintenance, documentation, and return-to-service requirements

Previous experience leading employees in a 24/7 operating environment

Ability to make sound decisions during equipment failures, service interruptions, and emergency conditions

Understanding of shop operations, field maintenance, repair planning, material coordination, and equipment reliability

Ability to prioritize repairs and balance available manpower with operational demands

Strong communication, coaching, technical leadership, and employee-accountability skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance-tracking or incident-reporting systems

Ability to work effectively with union and non-union employees, depending on the operating environment

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position works in mechanical shops, rail yards, field locations, and outdoor environments. Candidates must be able to walk on uneven ballast, gravel, shop floors, and other industrial surfaces. The position also requires the ability to climb safely on and off locomotives, railcars, platforms, and related equipment.

The Mechanical Manager must be able to bend, stoop, stand, and walk for extended periods. Work may occur around moving equipment, noise, vibration, changing weather, and other industrial hazards. Required personal protective equipment must be worn as directed.

Apply today if you have the railroad mechanical knowledge and frontline leadership experience needed to keep locomotives, railcars, employees, and operations moving safely.