What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Engineer Structures position at Genesee & Wyoming Main Job Board?
Summary:
This position is responsible for the strategic management, engineering oversight, and regulatory compliance of all railroad structural assets across the G&W (GWI) North American railroad network. This includes bridges, culverts, retaining walls, tunnels, dams, overheads and other structural infrastructure.
This position provides technical leadership for inspection programs, capital improvement planning, load ratings, rehabilitation projects, and emergency response ensuring all structural assets are maintained in a manner that supports safe and efficient rail operations.
The successful candidate will be able to operate in a fast paced, demanding environment and be able deliver comprehensive structures management in a manner that is responsive to regional requirements. Excellent leadership, organizational skills, resource management and attention to detail are essential to be effective execution in this position.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the company’s technical authority for structures management in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Bridge Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 237).
- Serve as the company’s technical authority for FRA fall protection and ensure compliance with FRA Bridge Worker Safety (49 CFR Part 214 Subpart B) and related OSHA regulations in 29 CFR 1910 and 1926.
- Review and approve bridge load ratings, structural analyses, and engineering designs.
- Establish engineering standards and best practices for structural maintenance and rehabilitation.
- Develop and manage multi-year capital plans for structural assets.
- Oversee design, contracting, and construction of bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects.
- Interface with FRA inspectors and state regulatory agencies as required.
- Conduct periodic field visits to evaluate compliance with the Structures Management Program.
- Provide technical support during emergency situations such as floods, derailments, or structural failures.
- Oversee the G&W Client within the Atom-AI asset management system.
- Serve as the G&W Drone Program Point Person (D3P).
- Serve as the GWI representative to the AAR Bridge Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
- Other projects and duties as assigned by the Vice President Engineering.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Minimum of 15 years' experience in engineering related to all facets of railroad structures design, inspection, construction, maintenance and management.
- Comprehensive understanding of railroad bridge design, inspection, and maintenance.
- Management level experience with railroad bridge inspection programs.
- Thorough working knowledge of FRA regulations, AREMA recommended practices and the AREMA Bridge Inspection Handbook.
- Ability to lead a geographically diverse team with multiple projects in a fast-paced environment to meet all requirements on time with no exception to safety or job procedures and quality.
- Thorough knowledge of 49 CFR Part 213 and 214.
- Ability to communicate effectively across all management levels with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to develop subordinates into the next generation of engineering leaders for GWI.
- Ability to travel regularly to railroad properties across the US and Canada.
Required Education and/or Credentials:
- Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET accredited school of engineering.
- Professional Engineer license with at least one state in the GWI US network.
- Preferred: Masters of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET accredited school of engineering or Masters of Business Administration.
- Preferred: PEng designation in Canada.
Functional Capacity:
- Ability to climb structures and work at heights.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions.
- Ability to report to work with minimal advance notice.
- Ability to wear all protective equipment required for working at heights in the railroad environment.
- Work flexible daily schedules, including weekends, dictated by requirements of service.
Position Type:
Full Time / Exempt.
Job Location:
Jacksonville, Florida.
Travel:
60% or more covering the GWI network.
This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiary companies do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other protected status under federal, state or local laws.