Technical Operations Scientist Jobs in Tennessee

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Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Engineering Technical Operations is responsible for overseeing CN's rail grinding and Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) daily operations. Moreover, the role oversees welding standards, training, and audits, and employing the latest wheel and rail interface science and best practices to extend the life of our rail. The incumbent ensures that both CN and regulatory safety standards are achieved through proper planning and risk mitigation. The position oversees significant contractor assets and spend associated with said service delivery. Additional tasks include the development and review of safety plans, procedures, and processes for the department, including contractor oversight.

Main Responsibilities

Operations Management 

       Develop grinding and RFD test schedules utilizing a risk-based approach, with the latest technology and data

       Handle daily RFD and rail grinding operations, ensuring safe and efficient execution by CN employees and vendors

       Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and oversee processes to verify the quality of the work performed by CN's RFD, Grinding, and welding operations

       Handle employee and vendor safety performance

       Collaborate with Transportation and Engineering leadership to ensure equipment productivity, and maintain RFD inspection and grinding frequencies as per the plan

       Benchmark industry best practices and identify opportunities for improvement

       Educate self and team continuously on the latest trends and technologies to improve the effectiveness of our operations

       Participate in industry track standard review committees

Safety Management

       Ensure that all employees are properly trained and adhere to safety protocols and regulations for welding

       Contribute to developing and implementing company policies and procedures related to safety and environmental compliance

       Conduct safety audits and inspections to identify and address safety hazards and risks

       Collaborate with the Safety team to develop and implement safety initiatives and programs

       Lead a safety process to track action items as well as supervisor and employee compliance

       Perform field audits to determine and monitor compliance with established safety and regulatory standards

       Monitor and ensure compliance with the Fire Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan

       Maintain up to date with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Transport Canada (TC) safety standards

People Management 

       Coach, mentor, and guide team members to ensure they have the necessary tools and support to succeed

       Carry out performance management including setting and monitoring KPIs

       Participate in the selection and recruitment of new team members

       Carry out disciplinary actions when necessary and be familiar with the applicable employee collective agreements

       Communicate with union representatives, including handling issues related to grievances and investigations

       Participate in succession planning and career development activities

       Ensure team members receive appropriate training and are up to date on all training requirements

       Lead and participate in regular staff meetings

Cost Management 

       Handle the operating and capital budgets for CN's RFD and Grinding operations

       Monitor spending to maintain the planned budget

       Adjust working asset usage as needed based on available funds and performance

       Monitor invoices regularly and ensure their timely and accurate processing

       Ensure compliance with vendor contracts and communicate with vendors regularly

       Ensure compliance with relevant accounting practices (e.g., staff travel expenses)

Working Conditions

The role is performed in a combination of office (40%) and outdoor environment (60%) in various types of weather conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The incumbent must be available to work evenings and weekends. The role requires being available
on-call 24/7 to carry out field visits and respond to critical incidents. The role requires regular travel (50%) within Canada and the United States (U.S.) to carry out field visits and stakeholder engagement. The incumbent must be able to walk long distances and sit for extended periods.

Requirements

Experience

Railroad Engineering

       Minimum 7 years of previous railroad experience in Engineering

o   Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience

o   Minimum 2 years of experience directly responsible for engineering maintenance, construction, or production*

o   Experience in safety compliance

o   Previous RFD, welding, rail grinding and lubrication experience*

*Any experience for these above would be considered an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

       High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)

       Bachelor's Degree in Engineering*

       Professional Engineering (P.Eng) Designation*

       Valid Driver's Licence

*Any designation for these above would be considered an asset

Competencies

       Identifies potential safety and security risks

       Considers ESG principles in all operations

       Leads by example for the safety and security of all

       Collaborates with others and shares information

       Communicates with impact

       Sets direction and inspires others

       Delegates and empowers others to create accountability

       Develops self and others

       Applies critical thinking

Technical Skills/Knowledge

       Proficient in Microsoft Office, Systems, Applications and Procedures (SAP), DataCity, Bentley, and Track Information System (TIS)

       Ability to understand and create technical documents 

       Technical understanding of rail operations and ability to communicate with Senior Transportation Officers

       Knowledge of Transportation and railroad safety regulatory requirements (Canada and the United States)

       Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)*

*Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset