Assistant Director, Technical Documentation

Description

Position at Metro-North Railroad

Job Title: Assistant Director, Technical Documentation

Department: Maintenance of Equipment

MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): New York, NY

Salary Range: $112,085- $140,106

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Non-DOT Regulated/Not Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Non-agreement

Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled

Shift (if applicable):

Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable

Other: Telework eligible

ABOUT THE AGENCY

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director Technical Documentation leads the strategic development, governance, and life cycle management of all Maintenance of Equipment (M of E) documentation. This role ensures technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational alignment across all rolling stock documentation. This position drives innovation in documentation systems, enhances digital accessibility, and ensures timely integration of vendor and internal content to support safe, efficient, and reliable rail operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Documentation Leadership: Identify documentation needs across the MofE Department. Define and implement scalable documentation strategies that support operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation. Promotes the adoption of modern documentation tools and methodologies, align documentation practices with organizational goals, and ensure continuous improvement through performance metrics and stakeholder feedback.
• Content Development & Quality Assurance: Oversee the creation, editing, and publication of technical content including Technical Instructions, Alerts, Modifications, Standard Operating Procedures, and Equipment Maintenance Work Packets. Ensure all materials are accurate, consistent, and aligned with regulatory and contractual standards. Implement editorial best practices, maintain version control, and lead peer reviews to uphold documentation quality across the department.
• Systems & Process Management: Manage the current MofE Documentation repository, including metadata tagging, archiving, and version control. Establish and maintain documentation workflows, ensure secure and efficient access to technical materials, and implement system enhancements to support scalability and compliance. Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with IT to optimize digital documentation infrastructure.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between MofE Equipment Engineering, Maintenance Production and Quality Assurance groups, IT, Rolling Stock Design & Integrations (RSDI) Engineering and external vendors to ensure documentation aligns with operational, technical, and regulatory requirements. Facilitate seamless communication across departments, lead cross-functional documentation initiatives, and ensure timely integration of updates into enterprise systems.
• Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Ensure all documentation complies with regulatory, contractual, and internal standards. Monitor vendor submissions for accuracy and completeness, coordinate timely reviews to prevent delays, and mitigate risks of non-compliance or financial penalties. Maintain audit-ready records and support internal and external inspections or reviews. Ensure publication of new documentation to the correct distribution groups and in a timely manner that meets schedule.
• Staff Development & Knowledge Transfer: Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential. Facilitate knowledge sharing across teams, develop onboarding and training materials, and ensure documentation practices are standardized and scalable.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Ability to write clearly and concisely, from logical instructions and brief abstracts, to lengthy technical publications.
• Ability to convey complex information appropriately to a large user community with differing reading levels.
• Proficient in cataloging, illustrating, and graphical presentations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Access, Visio, Adobe Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and/or comparable applications.
• Sharp editing skills to maintain consistency throughout documents written by others.
• Knowledge of electronic documentation management systems, regulatory compliance, metadata tagging, database or SharePoint skills and archiving.
• Skills with records management, archival processes, and ensuring all documents are up to date and retrievable.
• Demonstrated capacity to evaluate the ripple effect of changes in documents and ensure consistency across related materials.
• Ability to provide clear guidance and instruction to direct report(s) to ensure consistent department output.
• Strong technical, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to foster teamwork.
• Knowledge of standard safety practices rules and regulations.

The following is/are preferred:

• Experience editing and proofreading engineering and maintenance documentation (i.e. Maintenance Manuals, Illustrated Parts Catalogs, and Specifications).
• High degree of engineering and government documentation standards comprehension i.e. IEEE, MIL SPECS, etc.
• Experience migrating a manual document control system into an automated system.
• Experience maintaining and upgrading an internal website and SharePoint site.
• Working knowledge of transportation equipment maintenance and operations.
• Valid driver's license

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Business, Engineering, Technical Writing, or a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include an additional four (4) years of related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 5 years Developing and creating technical documentation.
• Minimum 3 years Documentation development experience managing projects and/or a diverse staff.

The following is/are preferred:

• Minimum 1 year Familiarity with FRA regulations and AAR standard specifications.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required: None

BENEFITS - Managerial Benefits

Transportation & Financial Benefits

• Commuting Made Easy - Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.
• Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost - Access high-quality individual, family and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision and life insurance plans.
• Secure Your Future - Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous Time Away - Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.
• Holistic Support Services - Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

• Learning & Development Program - Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.
• Educational Investment - Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

• Employee Assistance Programs - Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources.
• Discounts & Perks - Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.
• Connect & Belong - Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
• Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
• Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.

HOW TO APPLY:

For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants: Visit www.mta.info, click the "Careers" link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on "See All Open MTA Positions". Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.