Metra Commuter Rail · 1 day ago
Sr. Manager, Locomotive Engineer
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expMetra Commuter Rail is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving communities in Northeastern Illinois. The Senior Manager, Locomotive Engineer oversees training and certification programs for locomotive engineers and manages a team of instructors while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and safety standards.
TransportationElectronicsInformation TechnologyComputer
Responsibilities
Serve and qualify as a DSLE and be qualified per 49 CFR to conduct knowledge and skills testing, check rides, and performance monitoring; prescribe remedial actions; and verify territorial qualifications as required; ensure training, certification, recertification, and ongoing monitoring meet CFR requirements
Conduct and document operational tests and inspections in accordance with the railroad's 49 CFR compliant written program, including rules efficiency tests, rules observations, and event driven evaluations, and follow through on identified corrective actions
Lead a team of instructors and simulator specialists by managing schedules, deliverables, and communications; maintain succession plans and process documentation; and oversee new-hire certification and recertification classes
Participate in the selection process for new hires; ensure compliance with all requirements for eligibility, training, testing, and monitoring of locomotive engineers; and supervise all operator trainees and train host trainees through end of training probationary period
Collaborate with the instructional design team to develop, implement, and regularly update agency air brake and train handling rules and related technical standards to ensure compliance with applicable FRA requirements; integrate blended learning methods (classroom, virtual, simulator); and enhance training through interactive e-learning modules, video-based demonstrations, immersive simulation, and AI-driven performance feedback to accelerate skill acquisition and retention
Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives
Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures
Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment
Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations
Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow
This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization
Qualification
Required
Must possess a high school diploma or GED
In addition to #1, must have eight (8) years of railroad experience, which must include five (5) years' experience as a certified Locomotive Engineer
Must have five (5) years of experience managing training and certification programs, preferably in a railroad environment
Must have four (4) years of direct supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, discipline and termination
Knowledge of FRA operating, maintenance of way, safety, and roadway worker protection rules and special instruction training standards
Extensive knowledge of train operation and handling, labor agreements, and the following regulations governing locomotive engineers:
Working knowledge of training and development principles, methodologies, best practices, evaluation models
Knowledge of adult learning and teaching techniques and technologies and informal learning tools such as Minute to Learn It videos, podcasts, simulators, role plays, etc
49 CFR
217 and 218 Railroad Operating Rules and Practices
49 CFR
228 Passenger Train Employee Hours of Service; Recordkeeping and Reporting; Sleeping Quarters
49 CFR
229 Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards
49 CFR
236 Subpart I Positive Train Control Systems
49 CFR
240 Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers
49 CFR
240.307 Revocation of certification
49 CFR
240.127 Criteria for Examining Skill Performance
Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Planner) or similar productivity and collaboration tools
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to enable clear and concise messaging of complex technical concepts in an engaging manner, active listening, and to build strong relationships
Strong leadership skills to establish and maintain professional relationships and networks internally and externally, advocate for and support training functions, and foster teamwork, collaboration, and employee engagement
Ability to set priorities, develop work schedules, monitor progress towards goals, meet deadlines, track and document all project activities
Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and networks to advocate for and support training functions
Certified as a Locomotive Engineer
Free of decertification for a period of five (5) years
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time
Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision
Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds
Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region
Must be able to operate a vehicle
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends
Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays
Preferred
A bachelor's degree in transportation, business or related field
Company
Metra Commuter Rail
Metra is more than just a rail system. We are a team of professionals who help connect our community members to the people and places that matter most.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$104MKey Investors
CMAP
2025-06-18Grant· $104M
Leadership Team
Don Orseno
Executive Director/CEO
Kevin McCann
Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Executive Director of Operations
Recent News
2025-11-08
The Philadelphia Inquirer
2025-10-30
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