Railcar Maintenance Specialist

Railcar Maintenance Specialist
SCS Coal Services Department

WORK LOCATION & TRAVEL

• This position has flexibility to be based out of multiple locations (and their surrounding areas): 
  • Birmingham, Alabama
  • Metro-Atlanta, Georgia
  • Juliette, Georgia
• Some relocation assistance may be available if you do not already live within a reasonable commute distance to one of the above-mentioned locations. 
• This position will require travel (up to 50% per year).
• Majority of travel will be to Plant Scherer in Juliette, Georgia, along with some overnight travel to other states. 
• This position is on call 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to address railcar issues at the loadouts, on the railroads, and at the plants.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Railcar Maintenance position is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair program for Southern Company Generation’s railcar fleet, specifically at the Plant Scherer and Marion shop.  This role includes providing oversight and analysis of system contract railcar maintenance shops to support railcar utilization, technology development and evaluation, and cost control initiatives. The individual in this position will also serve as the primary contact for system plants to address all rail and railcar-related issues.

As the successful candidate advances in this role, it is anticipated that additional responsibilities, such as track inspection at Plant Scherer, will be incorporated.

This position will be filled at a Level 4, 5 or 6, based on the relevant experience / qualifications of the successful candidate.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in a technical / analytical area is preferred.

Experience:

• Familiarity with railroad operations and/or railcar maintenance (required)
• Experience in overseeing and managing contracts (preferred, not required) 
• Experience in managing railcar maintenance and repair programs, including hands-on experience with railcar components and systems (preferred, not required) 
• Experience with external maintenance shops and service providers (preferred, not required) 
• Experience in managing contractor safety programs and ensuring compliance with safety regulations (preferred, not required) 
• Experience in conducting quality reviews and inspections of railcar maintenance shops and railcar components (preferred, not required) 
• Experience in preparing and managing maintenance budgets, including variance analysis and cost control initiatives (preferred, not required) 
• Experience in conducting rail track inspections, including hands-on experience with track maintenance and safety protocols (preferred, not required) 
• Experience in leading and facilitating cross-functional teams to achieve maintenance and operational goals (preferred, not required) 

Knowledge (preferred, not required):

• In-depth knowledge of AAR (Association of American Railroads) and FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) regulations and standards related to railcar & track maintenance.
• Comprehensive understanding of railcar components, systems, and maintenance requirements.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices and requirements for railcars.
• Understanding of railcar utilization strategies and fleet management principles.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with maintenance shops, plant personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address maintenance issues, derailments, and other operational challenges.
• High level of attention to detail to ensure compliance with maintenance standards and accuracy in reporting and documentation.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in using maintenance management software (e.g., ComTrac, Railworx) and other relevant tools for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams, manage contractor relationships, and influence rule-making processes.
• Willingness to be on call 24/7 to address railcar issues and adapt to changing priorities and demands.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Railcar Fleet Management: Oversee the procurement and return of railcar sets, manage lease terms, conduct legal and accounting reviews, coordinate inspections, and acquire necessary insurance certificates.