Director- Safety Engineering Position Available In New York, New York

Director•Safety Engineering

Job ID:

12112

Business Unit:

Metro-North Railroad

Location:

New York, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Department:

Safety Department

Date Posted:

Jun 23, 2025

Description Job Title:

 Director•

Safety Engineering Department:

 

Safety MTA Agency:

 Metro-North Railroad Primary Location(s): 

New York, NY Salary Range:

 $126,590•$172,345

Regulated/Safety Sensitive:

 Safety Sensitive/ Non-DOT regulated

Union Affiliation:

 Non-Agreement Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled Shift (if applicable): Title 55-a (yes or no): 

No Other:

 Not telework eligible

JOB SUMMARY

Lead the Metro-North Railroad (MNR) Safety Engineering programs in the Office of System Safety (OSS) with the goal of managing operational hazards/risks, directing/overseeing acceptance and implementation of corrective actions arising from internal and external sources, and ensuring the safe and reliable integration of new equipment and infrastructure into the Metro-North system. The position is responsible for overseeing the reduction of risk to customers, employees, and contractors through Hazard Identification, Hazard Assessment, Hazard Mitigation, and Safety Engineering (to include safety certification and review, testing, hazard controls, fire protection, ergonomics, defect analysis and process controls, accident investigation and analysis, product safety and human behavior initiatives) practices supporting the development and implementation of safety policies and procedures; and development of organizational strategies to reduce injuries and incidents. As a member of the MNR OSS senior leadership team, this position also contributes to department-wide strategic direction-setting, goal setting, and performance management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct and guide the division’s technical staff performing system safety analysis of projects and initiatives throughout the directorate’s technical facilities and contracted projects, system controls, software and simulation.
Direct and oversee policy and procedure development to identify hazards associated with system testing, system safety certifications, fatigue management and other safety-critical aspects of the railroad to minimize operational risks to the organization and its employees. Support the implementation, annual assessment, and revision of the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and Fatigue Risk management Program Plan (FRMP), Safety Certification Program Plan, and the Change and Configuration Management Program Plan in accordance with all applicable requirements (49 CFR 270). This involves managing Metro-North’s active participation in the review and revision of these documents, retrieving and compiling comments and incorporating them into the final draft and submitting the documents to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) by the deadlines and ensuring the plans are implemented and complied with.
Conduct and oversee the technical reviews, comment and approval of contracts and proposed designs of equipment, facilities, and infrastructure in the context of system safety and practicality of implementation. Work closely across multiple disciplines with senior level management, engineers and program managers, to identify, assess, and participate in the development and implementation of mitigation plans for a wide range of hazards to ensure all hazards and risks are adequately mitigated prior to acquisition of equipment or construction of projects abiding by the applicable laws, regulations and industry standards. risk-based hazard analysis mechanisms to identify improvement opportunities within operations to support the development and implementation of the System Safety Program Plan. Support operations in risk analysis, functional safety concept development, and safety analysis methods by evaluating the adequacy of the plan using risk-based hazard analysis tool. Identify hazard analysis recommendations and participate in corrective action planning and implementation to eliminate identified hazards. Review design drawings of stations and facilities and rolling stock specifications (e.g., electrical and mechanical components, locomotives, work equipment, etc.) and diagrams of Metro-North infrastructure (e.g., Right of Way, Signals, Control Points, etc.) and test procedures to determine worthiness and formulate robust executable risk mitigation strategies. Provide safety engineering insight and feedback to test plans and procedures. Review and analyze test results and capital project plans and provide results of findings and recommend proposed changes on how to proceed.
Conduct and guide technical staff performing safety risk assessments, regulatory compliance reviews and ergonomic reviews on equipment and operations processes. Participate in conformance audits via site inspections related to policies, programs, plans, work practices, training, and corrective actions.
Provide guidance in the development of new safety standards. Develop audit reports and ensure data is captured for analysis. Respond to requests for data, reports, etc. from senior staff, regulatory authorities (FRA, PTSB, PESH), etc. Ensure safety data is accurately captured, securely stored for retrieval, and analyzed to identify trends and themes.
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. Supervises technical personal performing investigations, including precipitating or underlying human, mechanical or material factors; consults with subject-matter experts concerning work process modification and recommends corrective or remedial safety measures. Develop, implement, and monitor new programs and initiatives to eliminate potential or actual hazards and to reduce/avoid potential injuries, costs, property damage and production delays. Collaborate with other OSS teams and with operations to participate in in-depth interdepartmental incident reviews.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Railway Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in System Safety, engineering, technical, or construction with at least two (2) years in a transportation environment.
Minimum of seven (7) years of experience managing staff and/or projects/programs.
MNR Roadway Worker Protection qualified or ability to become qualified within (6) months of hire and maintain the annual requalification thereafter.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Candidates should have knowledge of interpreting and implementing:
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations
Theory, principles, practices, and procedures of rail system safety
Military Standard (MIL-STD-882) System Safety
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort interfacing with leaders and all levels of the organization.
Strong analytical skills with demonstrated problem solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to adapt well to fast-paced environments with changing circumstances, direction, and strategy.
Knowledge and understanding of certification and regulatory bodies.
Strong knowledge of data validation to ensure reporting quality.
Superior customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with internal and external customers and all levels.
Must be able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion.
Project management skills with adherence to deadlines with the ability to handle multiple projects and assignments.
Strong time management, organizational and coordinating skills including appropriate sense of urgency and proactive approach.
Ability to exercise a high level of independent judgment and decision making with a minimum of supervision and 3 guidance.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint or demonstrated equivalent.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to foster teamwork and effective working relationships.
Fundamental knowledge of electro-mechanical systems, industrial processes, and software development.
Demonstrated experience in performing and/or evaluating various safety analyses (e.g., hazard analysis, fault tree analysis and failure mode effect and critical analysis).
Knowledge of risk-based hazard analysis programs and methods. Advance problem solving and technical and interpersonal skills at the senior level.
Independently driven to seek improvement opportunities.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships/contacts within the Office of System Safety, as well as with other MNR departments, to promote a cooperative atmosphere and achievement of shared goals.
Must be safety conscious and committed to ensuring safety for all and strengthening Metro-North’s safety culture (MNR One).
Ability to remain current on regulatory, operations, and other safety requirements and guidelines.
Strong decision-making skills with the ability to exercise authority.
Must be able to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Must be able to adjust work schedule to accommodate special projects as necessary, including periodic night shifts and weekend coverage.
Ability to maintain and protect confidentiality while maintaining a high degree of discretion.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following is/are preferred: Master’s degree in related discipline.
In-depth knowledge of a risk management strategy using a systems-based approach.
Extensive knowledge of railroad operations, infrastructure/equipment design, and infrastructure/equipment maintenance practices.
Extensive knowledge of FRA Regulations, AAR/APTA Standards, Railroad Operating Practices.
Demonstrated experience in Safety and Operational Risk Management.
Professional Engineer (PE, PEng) Certification.
Current and in good standing professional industry recognized certification(s) (CSP, WSO, others).
Experience working in a commuter railroad or mass transit agency environment.
Professional Certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Safety Management System (SMS).
Familiarity with SCADA, Positive Train Control (PTC) and Roadway Worker Protection Systems (RWPS).
Familiarity with Fatigue Risk Management and bio-mathematical models (e.g., FAID, SAFTE).
Proficient with Microsoft Access, Visio, Project and/or equivalent.
MNR Operating Rules qualified or ability to become qualified within (6) months of hire and maintain the annual requalification thereafter.
Qualified on Metro-North Physical Characteristics or Physical Characteristics of another FRA regulated railroad.

BENEFITS

Commuter Assistance•based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
Low Premium•High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees
Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
Employee Assistance Programs
MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
Work Life Services team
Employee Resource Groups
Managerial Benefits

OTHER INFORMATION

This is a policy maker position. 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”).
Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
This position requires a driver’s license. 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.
Current employee applicants should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
Safety Sensitive/Non-DOT Regulated
Not Telework Eligible

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 . 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.