JOB DESCRIPTION Marketing Statement Metro is seeking a Chief Engineer, Bus, to lead the engineering strategy for one of the nation's largest and most complex transit bus fleets. This senior leadership role oversees the full technical lifecycle of more than 1,400 heavy-duty transit buses and a diverse non-revenue fleet, supporting safe, reliable, and sustainable service across the Washington, DC region. The Chief Engineer, Bus will play a central role in fleet modernization initiatives, including zero- and low-emission technologies, reliability-driven design improvements, operator safety enhancements, and data-informed maintenance practices. Working closely with operations, maintenance, safety, procurement, and training teams, this role ensures that engineering decisions perform effectively in real-world service conditions. This is a high-impact opportunity to apply disciplined engineering leadership to public service, with national visibility and a direct influence on daily service delivery, safety, and the customer experience for millions of riders.
WMATA offers a rich benefit package to include health, dental, group life insurance, paid holidays, annual and sick leave, retirement plan as well as tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and free transportation on Metrobus and rail.
The Chief Engineer Vehicles is a senior-level management position responsible for planning, directing, overseeing and coordinating an effective, well-integrated and comprehensive engineering program pertaining to buses, heavy equipment and their associated systems. The incumbent is the prime engineering resource for all bus vehicle aspects of the Authority and serves as an in-house consultant. The incumbent develops, revises and implements vehicle engineering policies, procedures and standards. Directs, oversees and monitors engineering activities of consultants to ensure fulfillment of contract specifications. Provides information to various elected officials and the Board of Directors on vehicle engineering, process management and procurement matters.
Principal Job Duties- Directs the Office of Bus Vehicle Engineering staff in all mechanical, electrical, electronic systems, environmental and industrial engineering tasks required for the effective and efficient procurement, operation and maintenance of buses and their associated systems (e.g., communications, power, etc.). In addition, oversees the functions of Bus Maintenance Technical Support, Warranty and Training departments.
- Develops revises and implements vehicle engineering policies, procedures and standards. Ensures policies, procedures and standards comply with legal, safety and other requirements.
- Develops, reviews and approves technical engineering and quality assurance designs, specifications and change orders related to buses and their associated systems as well as service vehicles.
- Directs engineering procurement, contractors and projects to include capital improvements and major rehabilitations. Directs employees and contractors in inspections and project evaluation activities to ensure achievement of technical engineering requirements.
- Leads the efforts to obtain timely safety certification for new and/or rehabilitated vehicles while coordinating with the WMATA safety representative and/or outside safety regulatory agencies.
- Prepares and presents major reports and recommendations to department and corporate senior leadership, including the General Manager and Board of Directors; and others regarding all vehicle engineering and project management issues.
Other Duties- Directs and supervises subordinate staff to include recommending applicant selection, disciplinary actions, resolutions of grievances, assigning duties, directing work, approving leave requests and time sheets and ensuring appropriate staff training.
- Directs the investigation and response to inquiries from Members of Congress, Federal and local officials, the Board of Directors and other appropriate parties. Serves as the Authority's technical engineering representative.
- Prepares and directs the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate and informative statistical, financial, progress and other reports.
- Prepares executive correspondence.
- Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.
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. RESPONSIBILITIES Knowledge - Extensive knowledge of directing and managing multi-disciplined engineering functions.
- Broad knowledge of the major mechanical and systems engineering fields encountered in bus, heavy equipment and engineering.
- Considerable knowledge of safety laws and regulations, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations as they pertain to bus vehicle engineering, performance and operations.
- Knowledge, or the ability to rapidly obtain knowledge, of the Authority's operating rules, procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
Skills - Skill in providing expert technical management and engineering direction to diverse engineering activities.
- Skill communicating technical details to non-technical personnel.
- Skill in the exchange of information/instructions with/to others via email, phone, presentations, briefings.
- Skill preparing responses to the Board of Directors, local government officials, and members of the media;
- Skill in written communication (e.g. grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary) to express, document, and report thoughts, ideas, and actions so that others will understand.
- Skill in interpersonal relations to establish and maintain courteous and effective relationships with other Authority offices, Board Members and governmental officials, and deal with others in a customer-orientated, business-like manner.
- Skill using office systems including personal computers, printers, conferencing systems, etc.
- Skill using business software including word processors, presentation software, spreadsheets, project management software, communication platforms(i.e. Skype, SharePoint, Outlook, etc.), as well as enterprise applications(like PeopleSoft and Maximo).
- Skill managing schedules of teams
- Skill prioritizing tasks of team members and self.
- Skill problem solving in
- Skill in building cross-departmental relationships.
Abilities - Ability to fill in for the Managing Director as needed and speak on topics related to the assigned area of responsibility to senior and executive level staff.
- Ability to represent the Authority publicly as needed on topics specifically related to the assigned area of responsibility.
- Ability to manage a diverse team individuals.
- Ability to document policies/procedures, scopes of work, and business justifications.
- Ability to handle pressure and tight deadlines.
Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required - Incumbent will use office machines daily including but not limited to computers, printers and phones.
Supervisory Responsibility Supervises work of others, including planning, assigning, scheduling and reviewing work, ensuring quality standards. Is responsible for hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Education - Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering discipline, Business Administration and/or a related field.
- In lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a High School Diploma and four, (4), years of progressively responsible engineering management, contract oversight and / or maintenance engineering experience for a multi-disciplined engineering program (encompassing civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic systems, environmental and industrial engineering) may be considered.
Minimum Experience - A minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible engineering management, contract oversight and / or maintenance engineering experience, for a multi- disciplined engineering program (encompassing civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic systems, environmental and industrial engineering), within a large transit or bus vehicular and heavy equipment organization, to include interfacing with Federal oversight authorities, elected officials and/or senior-level, regulatory municipal officials.
Minimum Certification/Licensure - Valid driver's license in the jurisdiction of residence.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia is desired but not required.
Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline, Maintenance Engineering, Business Administration or a related field
- Management experience in a transit environment
- Demonstrated understanding of Federal Transit Administration regulations
- Demonstrated understanding of project management principles
- Demonstrated experience managing a diverse staff
ABOUT US The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region's leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation's busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.
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, gender identity, 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.
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