Under general direction from the Executive Director, the Chief Mechanical Program Officer (Chief Mechanical Officer) leads, plans, directs, manages and oversees all activities related to the District’s rail revenue vehicle fleet. This position ensures that District operations, within the assigned scope of responsibility, is well organized and executes administrative, budget and cost management, maintenance, planning, procurement, and contract administration activities in an effective and efficient manner to achieve performance goals related to the safe, reliable, and efficient operations of the fleets and equipment in compliance with the specifications and regulations of regulatory and governing agencies. 

Distinguishing Characteristics 

This position is distinguished by its overall responsibility for strategic leadership and comprehensive program management of the rail mechanical fleet. They are responsible for driving the direction, planning, budget development and management, procurement and contract administration, procedures, training, and performance management within the assigned area by ensuring compliance with NCTD requirements, implementation of best practices and compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and regulatory agency laws, rules, and other requirements. This position is required to closely collaborate with others to support operational, facilities maintenance, and other needs of NCTD by ensuring maximum availability, reliability, and cleanliness of fleet and specialty equipment. This position is at-will in accordance with the NCTD Employee Handbook. 

Supervision Received and Exercised 

The Chief Mechanical Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer. This position has direct supervisory responsibility for staff positions and will oversee the work of consultants and contractors. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted. 

Working Conditions 

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultant’s facilities, and other locations as required. Due to the 24/7 nature of transit operations, this position will require work outside the regular workday including evenings, nights, weekend and holidays on occasion. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES 

Essential Functions 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Develop and execute the District’s capital improvement, maintenance programs, and fleet management plan(s) for rail revenue vehicles. 

• Conducts or directs analytical studies of rail revenue vehicles, maintenance/performance; develops and reviews reports of findings, alternatives, and recommendations. 

• Manages and leads NCTD vehicle mechanical services program to provide safe, clean, reliable, and customer focused transit services in a cost-effective manner. 

• Responsible for management and oversight of Technical Services and Materials Management Agreements. 

• Develops and or assists with the development and implementation of NCTD-wide and Division policies, procedures, and service plans related to operations, maintenance, and customer service objectives. 

• Ensures contract compliance with District commuter and hybrid rail mechanical services providers and audits invoices, charges, and expenses on an on-going basis. 

• Works with Procurement and Contract Administration staff to enhance, revise, or amend contracts as necessary to adapt to changes in service requirements and conditions. Ensures that contractors comply with all NCTD, local, State, and Federal rules and regulations. 

• Assists in negotiations of third-party agreements. 

• Maintains current knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and industry regulations, rules, standards and accepted best practices to assure ongoing NCTD awareness and familiarity with all regulatory issues. 

• Prepares for and participates in regulatory agency audits. Monitors District modal and system-wide performance and coordinates corrective actions and plans to continuously improve service delivery. 

• Coordinates and collaborates with other District staff in the development and maintenance of safety and security programs, passenger amenity programs, and transit system marketing efforts; ensures transit system emergency plans and programs are implemented and assists in the coordination of NCTD response to transit system and service emergencies. 

• Develops, maintains, and coordinates with other transit, emergency response, and regulatory agencies. 

• Contributes to successful achievement of District and Divisional business and operational goals and objective. Serves as visible organizational leader in this regard, including motivating and mentoring others to succeed. 

• Develops and leads presentations on vehicle, maintenance, and transportation issues to NCTD Board of Directors and/or other entities/individuals. 

• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Division budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary. 

• Conducts research, as required, and prepares reports on transit system performance. 

• Ensures configuration control is established for all rolling stock and that parts and warranty programs are properly managed. 

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Leadership 

• Collaborates with the Executive Team to support the success of the District. 

• Assumes responsibility for successful outcomes of the Division and effectively manages staff, including through direct or indirect supervisory oversight of all team members. 

• Assigns work to personnel, providing instructions and answering questions; coordinates the scheduling and completion of work by determining operational priorities and resolving workload problems. 

• Inspects work for accuracy and completeness. Evaluates work techniques and methods for consistency with standards. 

• Hires, trains, supervises, reviews, disciplines, and terminates subordinate staff as needed and in accordance with District policy. 

• Models the behavior expected for all employees; maintains cooperative and harmonious working relationships with other District departments, Division staff, consultants, vendors, and the NCTD Board. 

• Engages proactively to prevent or mitigate problems. 

• Ensures Division staff works in a collaborative and team-oriented manner within the Division and with other Divisions. 

• Demonstrates commitment to customer service for both internal and external customers and fosters the same from Division staff. 

• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing to employees, peers, senior management, other governmental agencies, and the NCTD Board. 

Administrative Management 

• Responsible for ensuring that goals, performance metrics, and other requirements associated with day-to-day operations of the Division are achieved. 

• Ensures Division staff are aware of and comply with NCTD’s EEO program, Title VI program, Board and Administrative policies, human resources policies, and other applicable policies and procedures. 

• Prepares effective, high-quality documents, and ensures that required reports, correspondence, and Board materials are submitted on time. 

• Represents the District at industry and regional committees. 

• Develops and/or supports the development of administrative procedures/processes to support the needs of the District; recommends and implements policies, procedures and standards for information systems. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience/Education 

• Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, engineering or a related field is required from an accredited college or university. 

• Minimum 15 years prior directly relevant experience, including 7 years supervisory experience required. 

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be considered. 

Knowledge of: 

• Knowledge of machines and tools related to rail vehicle maintenance and repair, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 

• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

•Operations and activity of a comprehensive vehicle maintenance repair and quality assurance and warranty administration program.

•    Principles and practices of warranty and quality assurance.

•    Principles and practices of policy development and administration.

•    Methods and techniques of maintenance, repair, modification, servicing, and cleaning of vehicles.

•    Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

•    Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

•    Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation

Skill In:

•Developing and administering goals, objectives, and procedures.

•Analyzing and assessing policies and operational needs and making appropriate adjustments.

•Identifying and responding to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.

•Preparing and analyzing vehicle and specialty equipment maintenance guidelines.

•Analyzing complex safety problems, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.

•Delegating authority and responsibility.

•Selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff.

•Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques.

•Overseeing commissioning and warranty administration of fleet and specialty equipment.

•Overseeing quality assurance of vehicles and specialty equipment.

•Preparing clear and concise administrative, business case justification, and financial reports.

•Managing contracts including commercial terms and conditions.

Certificates/Licenses

•Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than six
(6) points in the preceding 36-month period and no DUI’s in the preceding even (7) year period.

•Must be able to become General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) qualified on NCTD owned railroad property.

•Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

•Must be able to become Roadway Worker Program Qualified on NCTD owned railroad property.

General Requirements
•Expert knowledge of operations, mechanical, and maintenance procedures, standards, and practices.

•Advanced knowledge of and experience with contract, project, and risk management.
•Strong business acumen and advanced negotiation skills.

•Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and team building skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.

•Strong analytical and critical thinking skills including exceptional attention to detail; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources; ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal rules and regulations accurately and effectively. 

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents and reports. 

• Expertise in multiple areas and demonstrated use of high-level discretion and judgment in execution of duties is required. 

• Must be able to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

• Commitment to operational needs and responsive demeanor, including commitment to work outside of standard office hours, which may frequently be required to meet deadlines (this includes before/after regular hours, and weekends and holidays). 

• Demonstrated above-average proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite, online procurement/bidding software, and an enterprise resource system such as JD Edwards. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

For additional information or to submit a resume, please contact Gregg A. Moser at gmoser@kapartners.com