Assistant Chief, Railcar Maintenance

MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

Program Manager II (5477) Assistant Chief, Railcar Maintenance
- Light Rail Operations Executive Service

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Assistant Chief, Railcar Maintenance to oversee, manage, and coordinate all maintenance activities for Light Rail rail vehicles and related systems. This position ensures railcars are inspected, fully operational, and safe to meet daily service requirements. The Assistant Chief provides leadership to maintenance staff, manages budgets, supports capital projects, ensures regulatory compliance, and develops programs and policies to improve maintenance operations.

• Oversee daily and preventative maintenance inspections, repairs, and mechanical operations for Light Rail vehicles and systems including HVAC, propulsion, brakes, ATP, and interior components.
• Provide leadership and supervision to Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Supervisors, consultants, and union personnel.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with all local, state, and federal requirements, including CFR 40, FTA, FRA, COMAR, MDOT MTA, and MDOT Rail Safety Oversight.
• Develop, revise, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and quality control measures.
• Manage operating and capital budget planning, tracking, and expenditure controls.
• Coordinate maintenance-related projects; review specifications, RFPs, contractor performance, and consultant deliverables.
• Plan staffing levels, evaluate performance, address labor issues, conduct training needs assessments, and manage disciplinary actions per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Monitor maintenance trends, develop preventative and corrective maintenance programs, and implement industry best practices.
• Ensure inventory, equipment, facilities, and materials are properly maintained and stored safely.
• Coordinate with Safety & Risk Management on hazard mitigation and safety compliance.
• Collaborate frequently with internal departments including Finance, Engineering, Capital Programming, Training & Development, Human Resources, and external contractors.
• Respond to emergencies, service disruptions, and mechanical failures; support investigations and corrective action efforts.
• Participate in decision-making regarding policies, procedures, scheduling, and resource deployment.
• Manage departmental budgets estimated at $7-8 million.
• Responsible for developing and monitoring budget plans and justifications.
• Direct and indirect oversight of Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, multiple Supervisors, and railcar maintenance personnel. Responsibilities include training, evaluating staff, approving leave, assigning work, hiring, disciplinary actions, and ensuring compliance with labor agreements.

Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Experience:

Five (5) years of experience in railcar, transit vehicle, mechanical, or fleet maintenance, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or managerial responsibility overseeing technical staff, maintenance operations, or related activities.

• 1. Additional experience as defined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
• 2. Additional education at an accredited college or university may be substituted at a rate of thirty credit hours for each year of the required experience for up to four years of the required non-supervisory experience.
• 3. U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as defined under the Experience Requirement of the Minimum Qualifications may be substituted for the required education and experience on a year-for-year basis.

• E…