Basic Functions
The Association of American Railroads (AAR), the world's leading railroad policy, research, standard-setting, and technology organization, is focused on enhancing the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry.
The Executive Director of Tank Car Safety oversees the establishment of interchange standards and the approval of applications for the construction, alteration, and modification of railroad tank cars. This role requires exceptional verbal and written communication skills, along with a high level of diplomacy, resilience, and leadership. Responsibilities involve guiding and influencing a broad range of stakeholders to make informed decisions that impact railroad safety, as well as the tank car manufacturing and repair industry.
Nature and Scope
This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Safety & Operations, and supervises one (1) staff engineer.
The incumbent has no budgetary or financial oversight responsibility.
Some travel is required for this position.
Principal Accountabilities
Manage Tank Car Committee, including quarterly meetings and monthly calls
Manage process for developing interchange requirements for tank cars
Manage Tank Car Committee input on proposed government regulations, interpretations of government regulations, and industry petitions for rulemaking
Oversee Tank Car Committee process for certifying tank car facilities
Approve applications for the construction, alteration, and modification of tank cars
Manage the approval of service equipment for use on tank cars
Provides interpretations of AAR tank car standards to interested parties
Serve as subject-matter expert in matters of regulatory rulemaking, litigation support, and government/agency outreach
Participate in industry collaboration efforts such as the RSI-AAR Tank Car Safety Project
Work with AAR subsidiaries MxV Rail and Railinc on relevant aspects of their work as it relates to the Tank Car Committee
Work with other AAR committees on relevant topics
Use North American tank car fleet data to evaluate tank car safety and recommend changes to interchange standards
Review accident/derailment information to identify and support suggested safety research, technology, and interchange standard development