Sr Director, Track and Structures

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Engineering Officer, the Senior Director, Track and Structures provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Track, Bridges, Facilities, and Electrical Maintenance departments; direct the maintenance, design, and capital construction activities supporting the agency's infrastructure; oversees the procurement, utilization, and maintenance of Maintenance of Way (MOW) equipment and rolling stock; develops and administers departmental budgets; leads analytical reviews of maintenance practices and operational performance; participates in contract negotiations and ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements; and directs response and recovery efforts during field emergencies.

The primary duties include: Direct the overall operation, maintenance, capital improvement, and regulatory compliance of Metra's Track & Structures functions across all districts, providing executive leadership for Track, Buildings & Bridges, Electrical Maintenance, and Maintenance of Way capital construction programs. Lead and participate in labor contract negotiations and administer collective bargaining agreements. Oversee disciplinary matters, ensure the timely processing of job bulletins and position abolishments, and direct the preparation and administration of seasonal position postings. Oversee the development, administration, and monitoring of departmental budgets for personnel, equipment, materials, and supplies. Authorize expenditures, manage overtime costs, prioritize budget adjustments, and ensure material requirements and contractual agreements are in place to support safe and efficient operations. Direct analytical studies and evaluations of maintenance practices, operational performance, and asset reliability. Review findings and recommendations and implement programs, processes, and best practices to improve efficiency, service reliability, cost-effectiveness, and infrastructure performance. Direct the planning, coordination, and execution of Maintenance of Way (MOW) capital programs, including annual tie renewal programs, Buildings & Bridges capital projects, facility improvements, and other infrastructure initiatives. Represent the department with external agencies, contractors, governmental entities, and partner railroads. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.