Senior Vehicle Engineer, Bus

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking a candidate committed to transit for a Senior Vehicle Engineer position.

The position is in the Office of Bus Maintenance Non-Revenue Vehicles. The department manages the acquisition of new non-revenue vehicles for use by the entire WMATA workforce. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker with a capacity for cross departmental engagement / collaboration and has automotive and truck maintenance knowledge.

Additionally, the Senior Vehicle Engineer is responsible for ensuring that new non-revenue service vehicles and equipment purchased function safely and properly and that all vehicles meet the required specifications, follow standards and regulations.

Activities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinate vehicle/equipment inspections, delivery and acceptance, commissioning, and decommissioning processes and adhere to schedules.
• Excellent understanding of the methodology of automotive technicians, aftermarket installers, and fabricators.
• Have thorough knowledge of automotive industry vehicles, their major systems, as well as vehicle design principles.
• Good knowledge and understanding of automotive industry manufacturing procedures, product quality and testing processes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelors in Engineering, Science or related field
  • In lieu of a Bachelors Degree, a High School Diploma or GED with a mechanically related technical training/certification and four (4) years of professional experience with btruck/vehicle systems that includes troubleshooting, and problem resolution, in addition to the experience stated below, will be considered

Experience

• Seven (7) years of experience in btruck/vehicle engineering support. Experience with multiple subsystems, with demonstrated expertise in one or more subsystems.

Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred

• Transit agency or bus manufacturer experience
• Masters Degree in Engineering or related field.
• PE Certification

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

SUMMARY

The Senior Vehicle Engineer (BUS) is subject matter expert on bus systems and initiates responses on difficult and complex engineering problems/issues to improve reliability, safety, availability, comfort of buses. The incumbent manages projects to ensure compliance with schedule, budget, specifications, and other contractual obligations. Evaluates new technologies and makes recommendations for implementation. Reviews and approves drawings, designs, and calculations submitted by contractors, and supports bus procurement activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Bus Reliability Support: Investigates failures or reliability issues with bus systems or components through data analysis (database mining) and personal communications with garage mechanics, supervisors, and superintendents. Performs root cause analysis and develops corrective actions. Involves vendors or manufacturers as necessary. Plans and monitors progress on corrective actions. Reports on a bi-weekly basis to supervisor and as needed to upper management. Mentors junior staff to develop technical skills and problems solving capacity.
• Coordinates work by vendors or consultants, sets objectives and schedules, monitors progress, and resolves issues as they arise. Reports budget adherence and controls expenditures. Tracks invoices and submits for payment on a monthly basis.
• Provides technical oversight of test plans, documents progress, and prepares test agreements to support new bus procurements, participates in vehicle commissioning and testing.
• Performs technology evaluations and reviews on multiple types of technologies and systems. Creates test plans, and the analysis and reporting of data. Researches technologies and suggests technologies for testing or implementation, and performs lifecycle cost calculations.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Establishes preventive maintenance schedule for new and existing buses. Reviews manufacturers recommendations and WMATAs PM schedule to determine optimum schedules. Establishes part requirements to support PMs and coordinates with materials group to ensure appropriate inventory levels.
• Establishes or updates processes to support revenue vehicles, including maintenance policies, fluid analysis, warranty processes, etc.
• Performs related administrative functions and record keeping activities.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.