Project Quality Specialist

Strasburg Rail Road Company Position Description

POSITION TITLE:

Project Quality Specialist

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Retirement: Railroad Retirement

Worker Category: Full-time

POSITION

REPORTS TO:

Mechanical Shop Superintendent

POSITION

PURPOSE:

The Project Quality Specialist assists with the direction of maintenance and restoration projects for steam locomotives and historic railroad equipment. This unique role blends project coordination with quality assurance to ensure all work meets company standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., FRA compliance), and completion deadline goals. This position must also perform hands-on work as needed. Ideal candidates will have a strong appreciation for historic machinery, mechanical systems, and heritage railroading, coupled with the ability to multitask, adhere to timelines, and accurately document work.

Project Coordination:

• Plan, coordinate, and schedule maintenance and restoration activities for steam locomotives, passenger cars, and other vintage railroad equipment.
• Track project timelines, resources, and material procurement.
• Coordinate workflow of projects assigned to the mechanical shop.
• Ensure completion of projects on schedule and to SRC's world-renowned quality standards.
• Maintain working knowledge of the design, construction, repair, maintenance, and operation of historic and modern rail equipment.
• Work cooperatively with engineering staff to create effective designs and drawings.
• Maintain detailed records of work performed.
• Organize and lead regular project meetings and progress reviews.

Quality Control Management:

• Ensure that work is performed as required by FRA regulation or ASME/NBIC code when applicable.
• Perform inspections and audits on work in progress and completed tasks to verify compliance with technical standards and project deliverables.
• Document and address quality issues, nonconformities, and recommend corrective actions.
• Work closely with pressure vessel quality control manager to ensure pressure vessel jobs are completed in accordance with SRC's pressure vessel quality control manual.
• Assist with mechanical work in all departments as needed.
• Adhere to and enforce SRC safety policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as required.

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Project Management, or a related field - or equivalent hands-on experience in railroad mechanical work.
• 3+ years of experience in project coordination and/or mechanical restoration, preferably in a railroad, museum, or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with steam locomotive systems, including boilers, running gear, air brakes, and controls.
• Strong understanding of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and best practices in heritage rail operations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe work practices.
• Proficient in technical documentation and project tracking tools (e.g., spreadsheets, maintenance logs, and Gantt charts).
• Self-motivation, self-direction, and confidence to take initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Organizational skills with careful attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Oracle Net Suite ERP preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to forecast resource needs.
• Willingness and desire to learn.
• Additional qualifications such as familiarity with CAD drawing software, mechanical engineering principles, machine tool operation and experience as a certified conductor or engineer are desirable.

• Full-time, minimum forty (40) hours per week. Regular shop hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Shift may vary due to changing projects, priorities, and other factors.
• Work is primarily indoors.
• Work requires regular in-person contact with Team Members, customers, and vendors.
• Occasional exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures.
• Frequent exposure in a shop setting to soot, dust, oil, paint, and other substances.
• Use of office equipment and business technology includes, but is not limited to, computers, tablets, mobile phones, VOIP telephone system, copier and two-way radio.
• Frequent need for personal protective equipment.
• Extended periods of walking or standing.
• Infrequent travel required.

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