What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instrumentation Engineer position at ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN RAILROADS?
Overview:
Under the general supervision of the Manager of On-Track Instrumentation & Calibration, the Instrumentation Engineer provides technical and analytical support for projects sponsored by stakeholders and commercial clients of MxV Rail. This role involves applying standardized data collection methodologies in both field and laboratory test environments, ensuring all work meets rigorous safety and quality standards. The engineer is expected to contribute to a culture of teamwork, mutual respect, and continuous improvement within the Engineering department and across MxV Rail’s broader operations.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Gains proficiency in operating, maintaining, and repairing instrumentation equipment, sensors, transducers, and basic survey/GPS telemetry systems.
- Applies best practices for calibration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
- Participates in designing and assembling data collection hardware under the guidance of experienced engineers.
- Collects, organizes, and ensures the integrity of test data according to project standards.
- Assists in reviewing and interpreting data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for further investigation.
- Provides technical support to the instrumentation group and contributes to cross-functional testing efforts.
- Collaborates with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to integrate instrumentation into test applications.
- Independently reports project status, issues, and opportunities to the project management team and leadership through regular updates.
- Demonstrates professionalism, technical curiosity, and a continuous growth mindset.
- Seeks feedback and guidance from experienced peers and mentors to accelerate technical growth.
- Engages proactively in both internal and external training sessions, knowledge-sharing meetings, and hands-on workshops.
- Adheres to safety protocols and regulatory standards during instrumentation setup, testing, and maintenance.
- Applies on-track test requirements and standards for perturbation maintenance measurements, rail/wheel profiles, and track geometry measurements.
- Supports internal and external project portfolios with oversight from experienced teammates.
- Assists in estimating time, materials, and constraints for assigned instrumentation tasks.
- Maintains organized, audit-efficient records and documentation.
- Functions as a resource for the instrumentation group, participating in group discussions and sharing individual feedback and perspectives.
- Ensure that all duties and responsibilities are performed safely.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.