Your Purpose:
As the AVP of Engineering, you will be responsible for ensuring that the right-of-way and track infrastructure are, at all times, properly prepared to safely and efficiently support on-time performance of our intercity passenger service. You will lead the company's in-house MOW and Facilities teams as well as perform oversight of BLF's MOW contractor maintaining those segments of exclusive BLF infrastructure. In the shared infrastructure segment of our corridor, you will serve as the primary point of contact with the MOW forces of FEC. Duties on shared infrastructure will include ensuring all MOW work is performed and documented in conformance with the required standards. You will serve as the company's representative in joint work program planning. Finally, you will have the duty of overseeing all BLF facilities maintenance at the stations.
Your Role:
Strategy and Vision: Develop and implement strategic plans for long-term infrastructure improvements and maintenance. Identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency in rail operations. Set goals and objectives for the engineering and maintenance teams to align with Brightline's overall vision and mission.
Maintenance and Engineering Support: Ensure maintenance activities and capital improvements are completed within budget and on schedule. Respond to daily railroad engineering matters. Provide expertise and engineering assistance for activities related to design and construction of capital improvement and maintenance projects.
Coordination and Collaboration: Coordinate MOW activities with those agencies from which BLF holds real property rights, such as the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Turnpike Authority, the Central Florida Expressway Authority, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Troubleshoot issues in a collaborating and productive manner with key personnel in various Brightline departments, as well as with consultants, contractors, railroads, agencies, and regulatory partners.
Budget and Compliance: Engage with FEC in the development of maintenance operating and capital budget forecasts and ensuring compliance with contractual standards and responsibilities. Lead BLF's compliance and documentation regarding 49 CFR 213, 214, 219, 237, and 243, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Contractor Management and Oversight: Direct and review the work of construction contractors. Develop and execute processes for contractor oversight, safety audits, and quality assurance.
People Leadership: Lead, manage and develop the Engineering team helping them uphold the highest standards of service and supporting performance management and talent development. Develop the capabilities of BLF's in-house MOW team and seek opportunities to reduce third party expenses using internal resources.
Communication: Monitor and review all Brightline communication channels, including our company intranet, bConnected, during work hours to ensure all company and department communications and notifications are promptly reviewed.
Experience & Qualifications:
Required Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field from an accredited college or university
- Minimum of ten years of civil engineering or track maintenance experience, including seven years in railroad engineering management
- Demonstrated leadership of a dynamic workforce that includes internal, external, office, and field employees
- Demonstrated experience managing a contract maintenance operation
- Prior experience with Class 6 or 7 track is highly preferred but not required
- Engineering experience at a Class I railroad is preferred but not required
- Prior Facilities knowledge and experience is preferred but not required
- Management of large-scale budgeting across different disciplines
- A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be considered.
Certificates/Licenses:
- Possession of and the ability to maintain a Florida driver's license and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access credentials to secure and airside areas on Greater Orlando Aviation Authority property
- Must be able to become Roadway Worker Protection qualified on BLF and FEC operated railroad properties.
- Must be able to meet and qualify for FRA Subpart G, Class 6 and above track restoration and maintenance
Knowledge Skills & Abilities:
- Technical Skills: Proficient in computer skills - Microsoft office applications and other relevant technologies. Working knowledge of Bluebeam and P6 is desirable.
- Regulatory Standards: Advanced knowledge of railroad operations and maintenance of railroad facilities. Understanding of FRA regulations and other industry standards. Working knowledge of AREMA guidelines. Prior experience with Amtrak MW1000, or similar, desirable
- Project Management: Ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects, including budgeting and scheduling
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources. Ability to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities
- Communication: Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise reports
- Attention to Detail: Precision in managing technical specifications and compliance requirements
- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle various tasks and adapt to new technologies. Be a self-starter and have the ability to work alone. Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties
- Collaboration: Ability to create and maintain strong and productive working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public
- Safety-focused and diligence to continuously perform high-quality work
- Ability to support Railroad operations on 24/7 emergency coverage
- Ability to develop and maintain multi million dollar budgets
Managerial Responsibility:
- Direct supervisory responsibility including the to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward or discipline or effectively recommend such actions.
Work environment:
- 50% field required. Works outdoors in various weather conditions and elements.
- Support of the Brightline Maintenance team 24-7 for emergency response.
- Support other projects as assigned.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. Occasional lifting of light items required. No specific vision requirements.
Objects weighing 50 pounds or more must be accompanied by a second individual to avoid injury.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Travel:
50% (field work)
