Program Manager, Rail Safety Assurance

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Program Manager, Rail Safety Assurance develops, implements, and manages CapMetro rail safety assurance framework. This role independently evaluates the effectiveness of railroad safety programs, regulatory compliance, safety risk controls, corrective actions, and overall safety performance. Responsibilities include leading risk-based safety reviews, internal assessments, control verification, corrective action validation, and identifying systemic or emerging safety gaps. The position also supports CapMetro transition to in-house rail operations by assessing safety readiness and ensuring transition-related safety requirements and controls are effectively implemented and sustained.

WHAT YOU BRING

- Bachelor’s degree in safety, Engineering, Transportation, Quality Assurance, Auditing, Risk Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Additional experience may substitute for a degree on a year-for-year basis up to four years.
- Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in safety assurance, safety auditing, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, risk management, railroad safety, or a related field, including two (2) years of management experience either managing employees or projects.
- Transportation Safety and Security Professional (TSSP) – Rail Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Direct experience conducting railroad or rail transit safety audits, assessments, assurance reviews, compliance evaluations, and safety assurance activities, including experience with 49 CFR Part 270 or comparable safety management frameworks.
- Knowledge of risk-based safety assurance, auditing and assessment methodologies, safety control effectiveness, corrective action management, verification and validation activities, and operational readiness or transition assurance.
- Ability to independently evaluate safety programs and operational controls using records reviews, interviews, field observations, sampling, performance data, and other objective evidence; document evidence-based findings and conclusions; and interpret and apply regulatory, safety program, and internal control requirements.
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to identify systemic or recurring safety concerns and distinguish procedural compliance from actual control effectiveness.
- Ability to communicate findings objectively and professionally, maintain appropriate independence, and build productive working relationships with leadership, employees, contractors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
- Strong technical writing, executive presentation, organizational, and program management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex safety initiatives and priorities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a combination of office, railroad operational, maintenance, and field environments. The position requires extended periods of office and computer-based work as well as movement throughout railroad facilities, maintenance locations, and operational environments. The incumbent must be able to navigate uneven surfaces, ballast, railroad rights-of-way, and stairs as necessary and may be exposed to moving railroad equipment, noise, dust, outdoor weather conditions, and other hazards associated with railroad operations. Compliance with applicable railroad safety rules and personal protective equipment requirements is required.

The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person and through telephone, radio, and electronic communication; occasionally lift, carry, or move materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds; and travel locally with occasional overnight travel as required. Work schedules may extend beyond normal business hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, to support safety reviews, regulatory activities, significant safety events, emergencies, or operational transition requirements. Regular and predictable attendance at assigned work location is an essential function.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Mobility Status:

As an Onsite position, the incumbent’s primary workplace is a CapMetro facility or field location. Expected to work in the office or field location 4+ days a week. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions.

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CapMetro is an equal employment opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. CapMetro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.

SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION

This position has been identified as a “Security Sensitive” position. CapMetro will conduct annual background checks on incumbents in this position. A position is “Security Sensitive” if the incumbent handles currency, has access to sensitive, computerized databases, has access to master keys, or works in an area of the CapMetro that has been designated as a security-sensitive area.