JOB SUMMARY

Leads the development, setup, data collection, and documentation of railcar and railcar component testing. Expert knowledge and experience in conducting railcar track testing in accordance with Association of American Railroads rules and procedures. Proficient in conducting testing in a laboratory, or remotely via remote monitoring devices. Prepares or directs the construction of clear, complete and accurate working test plans, conducts tests, and provide summaries and reports to present to project stakeholders and upper management. Responsible for the allocation of testing resources, including test equipment and management of testing facility. Has in-depth knowledge of the organization, processes and customers. Has in-depth knowledge and experience in the use of data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and data analysis methods. Expert knowledge of their assigned rail car components and knowledge of multiple rail car components/systems and other related disciplines within Engineering and Research. Acts as a resource and provides leadership to colleagues. This position is located in southeast Colorado and requires frequent reporting to the Pueblo, Colorado testing location at TTC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Leads aspects of testing operations including allocation of test equipment resources, construction of specialized test equipment, and management of test facility buildings and equipment. (25% of Time)

· Project leader of small to large test projects. Test program management includes: drafting of detailed test plans; coordination of design and construction of specialized test equipment; coordination of test component and equipment supplies; application and setup of data acquisition systems: collection of test data; analysis and reporting of test results. Reporting may be required at various intermediate or milestone stages of the project (25% of Time)

· Provides leadership to colleagues in the best practices for dynamic testing (10% of Time)

· Coordinates with support organizations (ENSCO, MxV,-AAR, outside laboratories) to schedule shop time for test setup, conducting of tests, and other facility access. Reviews and approves work orders and schedules with support organizations. (10% of Time)

· Develops and constructs new methods of testing railcars and components for validation of track wayside systems or onboard measurement systems. This includes general development as well as on specific projects as required. (10% of Time)

· Leads testing for the development of new products or equipment by communicating test feedback to suppliers or engineering stakeholders. Participates in design reviews, or technical reviews of products or equipment and suggests improvements to designs. (10% of Time)

· Coordinates calibration, certification, or purchase of new test instruments. (5% of Time)

· Coordinates maintenance of vehicle track test equipment as required which may include on board power systems, power generators, and other data acquisition and power transfer systems. (5% of Time)

QUALIFICATIONS

· Required

o Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) from a 4-year university.

o 9+ years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of Mechanical Engineering education and experience.

o Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and provide recommended course of action.

o Expert knowledge and experience in conducting railcar track testing in accordance with Association of American Railroads rules and procedures.

o Proficient knowledge of freight car design and construction.

o Expert knowledge in the area of physical testing, laboratory testing, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation.

o Knowledge of railroad wayside detector systems.

o Ability to direct technicians during the installation of heavy equipment to execute test projects.

o Knowledge of electrical circuits and electrical systems.

o Proficient with computer software such as Windows, MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint.

o Ability to read, analyze, interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.

o Ability to write and present formal engineering reports, business correspondence, and technical research papers.

o Proficient with interpreting an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

o Ability to travel overnight to the field environment to support the business requirements of this position. Travel may be up to 25% of time.

· Preferred

o State Professional Engineering License

o M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

o Trained in 3-D modeling software (Solidworks is preferred).

o Trained in the use of Finite Element Analysis software (ANSYS is preferred)

o Knowledge of elementary welding, fabrication, and manufacturing processes.

o Trained in data analysis software such as Matlab, SAS, or Tableau.

o Knowledge of dynamic modeling software such as ADAMS, NUCARS, or Vampire.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

(The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is frequently performed in a general office environment with moderate noise level. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and sit (remain stationary within work area) and use hands to finger, handle, feel and reach. The employee is occasionally required to move about (stand, walk) and climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Correctable vision required to allow for close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception capabilities and the ability to focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus). The employee must occasionally lift and/or transport up to 10 pounds in the office.

This position primarily requires reporting to the TTX office in Pueblo, Colorado at TTC. Occasional work from home can be expected. Onsite reporting can be expected between 2-5 days/week depending on testing workload.

Travel is normally required to Company locations, railroad service yards, and vendors. These locations are often situated in industrial areas that will require the use of personal protective equipment, a safety briefing, and awareness of surroundings at all times. These industrial areas may have a high volume of railroad traffic and require being ambulatory with correctable hearing and visual capabilities which includes close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus). These industrial areas can be loud, near moving mechanical parts, in high precarious places, with vibration, and exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Must be able to climb under and onto railcars. The employee must occasionally lift and/or transport up to 50 pounds.

The above job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.