Vice President Engineering

SUMMARY

The Vice President of Engineering for Railroading is a senior executive responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and safety of railway infrastructure and rolling stock. This role leads engineering teams, drives strategic infrastructure development, ensures regulatory compliance, and manages capital project budgets. Collaboration across operations, safety, and regulatory agencies is key to enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of rail transportation. The VP also champions innovation in rail systems-including track, bridges, and signaling-while maintaining adherence to industry standards and safety protocols.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide field leadership across regions and railroads to support regulatory compliance and leadership development.
• Oversee the annual Capital Investment Work Program: define project scope, ensure consistency across location units, and conduct multiple hi-rail and field inspections annually.
• Align grant funding with long-term infrastructure needs and strategic goals.
• Manage procurement and contractor selection (track, signal, bridge) through competitive bidding; ensure adherence to FRA and Pinsly safety and operational standards.
• Administer engineering and capital budgets; adjust allocations to manage overruns or emerging priorities without exceeding corporate limits.
• Utilize data from Geometry, Rail Flaw, DTN, and ATOM bridge inspections to guide capital planning.
• Lead company-wide vegetation control and brush-cutting programs, including budgeting, scheduling, and corrective action planning.
• Oversee all aspects of infrastructure maintenance, including assessments, standards, policies, and resource deployment.
• Develop scopes of work for federal, state, and local grant applications (e.g., CRISI, 130 Funding).
• Maintain effective relationships with federal and state regulatory agencies.
• Support the Commercial team with scope and cost estimates for business development and grant-related projects; manage execution post-award.
• Coordinate response efforts for service interruptions due to natural disasters; manage repair logistics and cost estimates.
• Collaborate with the Real Estate Department on clearances, right-of-way issues, and crossing designs.
• Develop and maintain standard documentation for CWR/RWP-RMM, safety protocols, and technical guidelines.
• Ensure compliance and timely completion of public projects.
• Guide the digital transformation of track inspection records across Pinsly railroads.
• Support the "Operations Testing Program" to influence engineering team activities and behavior.
• Represent Pinsly in the FRA RSAC process and foster strong relationships with FRA leaders.
• Participate in ASLRRA's Engineering Committee to advocate for short line and regional railroads.
• Oversee the utility crossing review process to ensure safety and alignment with real estate requirements.
• Perform additional duties and lead special projects as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in railroad engineering preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) required.
• Proven experience in managing diverse engineering functions.
• Willingness to travel 50% or more.
• Strong communication skills with internal teams, customers, regulatory officials, and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of railroad industry experience or equivalent education/experience combination.
• AutoCAD and relevant engineering software experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs.
• Ability to climb in and out of hi-rail vehicle.
• Must pass a drug screening.