Director of Engineering

Palmetto Railways is seeking a Director of Engineering. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for all engineering, Maintenance of Way (MOW), and infrastructure activities across Palmetto Railways’ rail network.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and cost-effective management of track, bridges, drainage systems, highway-rail grade crossings, and other railroad infrastructure assets.

The Director develops and implements asset management strategies, capital improvement programs, maintenance plans, and engineering standards that support current operations and future growth. The position oversees engineering personnel, consultants, contractors, and capital projects while ensuring compliance with all applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), federal, state, and local regulations.

Position Requirements

Education
•Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related field is preferred.
•Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.

Experience
•Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible railroad engineering, Maintenance of Way, or infrastructure management experience.
•Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or management experience.
•Experience managing railroad infrastructure maintenance programs and capital projects.
•Experience administering engineering contracts, construction projects, and consultant agreements is preferred.
•Experience with railroad asset management and infrastructure planning preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•Thorough knowledge of railroad track, bridge, drainage, and grade crossing systems.
•Comprehensive knowledge of FRA regulations and railroad safety requirements.
•Strong leadership, project management, organizational, and communication skills.
•Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
•Proficiency with engineering, asset management, and project management software systems.
•Ability to develop and manage operating and capital budgets.
•Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, contractors, government agencies, customers, and community stakeholders.

Working Conditions
•Combination of office and field environments.
•Requires regular travel throughout the Palmetto Railways system.
•Subject to outdoor weather conditions and railroad operating environments.
•Must be available to respond to emergencies and critical infrastructure events outside normal business hours.
•Ability to traverse railroad rights-of-way, bridges, and construction sites safely.
•Must be qualified .to receive a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

Physical Requirements
•Ability to walk, climb, bend, and navigate uneven terrain.
•Ability to inspect railroad infrastructure, including bridges and track structures.
•Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
•Ability to work safely in active railroad environments.

Position Responsibilities

Leadership and Administration
•Provide leadership and direction for the Maintenance of Way Departments.
•Establish departmental goals, priorities, budgets, and performance objectives.
•Lead, mentor, develop, and evaluate engineering and maintenance personnel.
•Promote a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
•Develop workforce planning and succession strategies to ensure organizational readiness.

Infrastructure Management
•Direct inspection, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement activities for track, bridges, drainage systems, grade crossing protection systems, and related railroad infrastructure.
•Establish maintenance standards and programs that maximize asset life and system reliability.
•Monitor infrastructure condition and prioritize maintenance and capital investments based on operational and asset management needs.
•Ensure proper documentation of inspections, maintenance activities, and infrastructure records.
•Direct maintenance and improvement of highway-rail grade crossing warning systems and related infrastructure.
•Oversee bridge inspection programs, bridge ratings, maintenance programs, repairs, and replacement projects.
•Provide technical support for 3rd party encroachment review process

Capital Projects and Engineering
•Develop and implement short-term and long-term capital improvement programs.
•Participate in all phases of engineering and construction projects, including planning, design, budgeting, procurement, permitting, construction, and project closeout.
•Participate in consultant and contractor selection, and contract administration, and oversee project delivery.
•Ensure capital and maintenance projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with engineering standards.
•Support grant-funded projects and ensure compliance with applicable funding requirements.
•Technical support to Executive Leadership on all industrial development projects to ensure projects meet railroad standards

Regulatory Compliance and Safety
•Ensure compliance with FRA regulations, railroad operating rules, bridge management requirements, environmental regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
•Maintain engineering programs, inspection schedules, and records required by regulatory agencies.
•Conduct safety audits, field inspections, and compliance reviews.
•Participate in accident investigations and implement corrective actions as necessary.
•Lead engineering support for emergency response, service restoration, and infrastructure recovery efforts.

Strategic Planning
•Develop and maintain infrastructure asset management plans that support the railroad’s long-term business objectives.
•Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and capacity.
•Support future rail expansion, industrial development, and infrastructure enhancement initiatives.
•Provide technical expertise and recommendations to executive leadership regarding infrastructure investments and engineering priorities.