Deputy Chief Mechanical Officer

Job Details

Date Posted: 1/9/2026

Posting End Date: 1/22/2026

Location:

98-Non-Contract

City:
Chicago

State: IL

Country:
United States of America

Category:
Professionals

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Salary Mid Point: $

Salary Range: $ - $

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.

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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.

Mechanical coordinates and oversees the repair, inspection, cleaning, rebuilding, replacing and maintenance of 1,180 pieces of rolling stock used in commuter service. The department's goal is to provide safe, clean and reliable service while maintaining the fleet to the standards of the Federal Railroad Administration, Association of American Railroads, American Public Transit Association and the original equipment manufacturers.

Reporting to the Chief Mechanical Officer, the Deputy Chief Mechanical Officer is responsible for oversight of operations, maintenance, budgeting, staff, and strategic planning; will direct the activities and operations of the division including capital projects and procurement processes through subordinate managers; implement a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) framework to create effective objectives that prioritize and deliver overall agency objectives and goals while ensuring communication channels are clearly established and monitored;

and work closely with all agency districts, including the purchase-of-service (PSA) district to meet or exceed on-time performance expectations, state-of-good repair mandates, and rolling-stock utilization strategies.

The primary duties include:
Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to the division's professional and management staff including those responsible for rolling-stock procurements and capital project activities; establish work priorities, assign projects, resolve complex problems, and identify opportunities for improvement; and ensure all activities are performed and shops, yards, equipment, and districts operate in compliance with current local, state, and federal regulations and meet industry and agency standards.

Direct the administration and enforcement of agency policies and procedures; monitor on-time performance, state-of- good repair, and rolling stock utilization is sufficient and cost effective; set district level goals for safety; and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to determine goal attainment. Lead in the development, execution, and implementation of agency and division strategies and initiatives to optimize mechanical systems and processes;

and ensure processes and procedures for the proper cleaning and maintenance of cars, high-liners, and locomotives are followed to maintain quality standards. Oversee repairs and replacement of consumables, light overhauls, improvements, and retrofits; and participate in the development, administration, and management of the division's budget for equipment, manpower, and supplies including approving or denying overtime requests, authorizing expenditures, and prioritizing budgetary adjustments.

Oversee the development of periodic and special reports; implement a data-driven approach in the collection, examination, and interpretation of information related to the upkeep of rail vehicles to improve efficiency, enhance safety and reliability, reduce costs, and implement more effective maintenance strategies; and assess report findings to…