Deputy Chief Engineer
Job ID: 14876
Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road
Location: Queens, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Chief Engineer
Date Posted: Mar 19, 2026
Description
Job Title: Deputy Chief Engineer
Department: Engineering
MTA Agency: LIRR
Primary Location(s): Queens
Salary Range: $159,522-$199,401
Position Classification: Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation: Non-Union
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
About your agency:
Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.
JOB SUMMARY :
This position assists with coordination of the inspection, maintenance, repair, construction and the force account manpower for all fixed property/assets across the system with an approximate value of $25B to ensure safe and reliable commuter rail operations in compliance with industry standards and federal regulatory requirements. In addition, this position assists in ensuring that the vital role of maintaining a State of Good Repair, improving and expanding the LIRR infrastructure, is done safely, with minimum impact to LIRR Operations, in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. The Engineering Department supports the delivery of the Capital program directly by LIRR Forces or supporting 3rd Party construction. This position is also accountable for assisting with budget and headcount development, project and maintenance planning, department controls, the oversite of 3rd party and consultants/auditors and ensuring safe and reliable operations in compliance with industry standards and regulatory compliance. Ensures engineering procedures and initiatives are followed through and completed.
This position will also work closely with the Chief Engineer and VP - Maintenance of Way to support the Engineering Department and Operations on a 24/7 basis.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Ensure that department goals and core values are communicated throughout the staff. Work with disciplines to establish section goals consistent with Capital/Strategic Business Plans.
Demonstrate strong and effective leadership. Ensure fulfillment of department and corporate goals and objectives are being upheld within Engineering. Achieve production and maintenance goals while keeping within budget.
Assist in department activities and daily operational issues surrounding: inspection, maintenance, construction, public affairs, department audits, weather-related events, and system incidents.
Ensure maintenance of the state of good repair and a preventative maintenance program to minimize service disruptions and inconveniences to our customers. Ensure satisfactory resolution of high-profile operational/political issues.
Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to the guidelines of the company's safety policies and procedures. Meet with the Safety Committee to develop ways to proactively reduce injuries. Lead by example.
Reduce the number of employee and customer accidents. Control lost time due to accidents to increase employee availability. Provide a safe facility for employees and customers.
Maintain positive labor relations through the management of all labor relations activities within the Department. Ensure compliance with union contracts. Arrange for all labor concurrences needed to progress all Capital work that is performed by outside contractor forces on facilities maintained by Engineering.
Assure the integrity of the department's relationship with the various unions; reduce the number of grievances and ensure consistency. Ensure outside agencies/contractors are in compliance with railroad requirements.
Development and Management of the operating budget and prioritizing maintenance work to ensure the infrastructure is maintained in a state of good repair under tight financial constraints prior to experiencing impacts. Management of Department controls to identify critical issues, checks, and balances for ensuring the dissemination of this information to senior management.
To provide a safe, reliable, and cost-effective infrastructure that is maintained to industry standards by addressing preventative maintenance and improvement needs. To provide a safe, reliable, and cost-effective infrastructure that is maintained to industry standards.
Direct and support the development of engineering asset condition assessments, 20 year needs development, and strategy for capital program development.
Ensure state of good repair for LIRR infrastructure, as well as addressing future construction maintenance needs.
Schedule and coordinate all force account work on the fixed plant for the various maintenance and Capital Programs. Ensure coordination of maintenance and construction activities with the activities of other departments, to minimize interference with service.
Ensure a cohesive and efficient execution of activities to ensure Engineering and LIRR interests are being protected, along with ensuring timeliness and reliability
Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management. Serve as a staff member to the Vice President. Enforce corporate policies and procedures.
To ensure the business needs of the department are met.
Performs other duties as assigned
Comply 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 approve them if the work meets contractual standards, as applicable
Addresses performance issues with the contractor, when possible, as applicable
Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS)in an engineering discipline. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
Minimum 14 years, of experience as a seasoned manager with progressively responsible experience in a railroad Engineering environment. Experience must include effective management and primary responsibility for a multi-million-dollar budget, management responsibility for both professional and union employees.
Extensive understanding of engineering principles as they apply to all Engineering disciplines.
Strong understanding of company/department operations, policies, and procedures.
Working knowledge of union rules specific to the Engineering Department industry with experience managing within a complex, unionized environment.
Ability to plan, forecast, set objectives/goals to support corporate goals and determine course of action.
Ability to direct business functions associated with operations, including reliability schedules, budgets, utility costs, resource and material allotment.
Project Management skills and ability to direct strategy for supporting Capital Program delivery.
Strong, effective leadership and management skills to develop the organization, including setting high standards of professional conduct. Ability to effectively motivate, develop, and influence others in a positive and productive manner to meet department/corporate goals.
Ability to represent the department/company at various events and functions, while being sensitive to local issues and political climate.
Must possess strong human relations, communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, decision-making, and judgment skills.
Must demonstrate a high level of initiative, professional integrity, and demeanor.
Must demonstrate the ability to create an environment that respects individual differences and allows employees to work to their full potential.
Join and participate in professional industry groups (i.e., AREMA).
Must possess a valid driver's license.
BENEFITS :
Commuting 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 and Office of the Chaplains unit
Employee Resource Groups
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Layout 1 (mta.info) (https://new.mta.info/document/4631)
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"). 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. Employees driving company vehicles 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 employees 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 records. Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER :
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
