Job description

Keolis provides mobility to over 3.4 billion passengers a year in 15 countries, operating every mode from commuter trains and automated metros to shared bicycles. The almost 1,000 employees of Keolis Canada operate light rail vehicles, urban buses, intercity coaches and airport shuttles. For over 12 million passengers a year, they make reaching their destination a safe, reliable and pleasant experience.

Reporting to the Director, Maintenance, of Keolis Grand River, the Manager, Rolling Stock Engineering, contributes to the the Region of Waterloo’s successful ION Light Rail Transit (LRT) system by being responsible, toward the availability, functionality and performance of the Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), for all maintenance and modification work to meet technical standards and documentation, reviewing repairs and their quality, ensuring the integration of Free Issue Equipment (FIE) to vehicles, leading the assistance to technicians with troubleshooting problems, and being the principal Keolis contact with the vehicle, component and equipment manufacturer(s).

Knowledge and Skills:

• University degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or relevant other), and able to become a Professional Engineer in Canada
• In-depth and detailed technical knowledge of rolling stock and traction systems, sub-systems and components and how they interact, including mechanical, electrical, electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic applications
• Ability to use hand and power tools
• Understanding of continuous improvement approaches and methods
• Team player, with strong leadership, consultative, collaboration and facilitation skills to build strong working relationships
• Organizational and project management skills
• Negotiation, mediation and conflict management skills to tactfully influence and convince
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to make sound and timely management/business decisions and recommendations in changing circumstances and where precedent may not be available
• Familiarity with Transport Canada regulations, an asset
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including workers’ rights and duties

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant practical experience working on rolling stock, preferably in a transit environment
• Minimum 3 years experience working with train car manufacturers or owners on warranty fulfillment, field modifications, and Free Issue Equipment (FIE) integration
• Demonstrable shop floor experience with craft employees on repair, troubleshooting and quality assurance/control
• Experience investigating and determining root cause in unusual occurrences
• Experience leading, motivating and influencing, initiating and facilitating change, managing groups, working collaboratively in, and leading, multidisciplinary teams
• Related software and information systems (database management tools, maintenance management systems, project management)

Key Accountabilities

Lead subject matter expertise on rolling stock maintenance and troubleshooting:

• Provide technical advice and guidance to the Maintenance Production Manager and staff on technical issues and best practices, remaining aware of trends and developments in the industry, technical changes from the manufacturers, and in the context of on-going corporate direction and contractual requirements
• Review the manufacturers’ and/or subcontractors’ field modifications on equipment and technical bulletins and notices to ensure proper interpretation and transfer of knowledge to Keolis from the manufacturers and/or subcontractors and/or the Region of Waterloo as asset owner
• Aptly represent Keolis’ interests around commercial/technical issues involving third parties
• Oversee, guide, direct and correct inspections, tests, maintenance, modifications, repairs and troubleshooting pertaining to rolling stock, isolating, analyzing and providing solutions to malfunctions, safety concerns and performance issues both in reactive and preventive maintenance modes
• Coordinate the production of technical bulletins, procedures and other subject matter communications to supervisors and staff
• Review training programs for LRV technicians and relevant staff and assist with on-going training to ensure they remain up-to-date with needed technical skills and approaches
• Prepare written reports, plans, documentation and updates as needed or contractually required, and ensure timely and accurate completion of maintenance records in the maintenance management system
• Collaborate with the Procurement team for the material and services required based on anticipated needs, project terms and milestones
• Assist with costing estimates, forecasts and relevant input to operating and capital budgeting processes

Lead the development, implementation and upholding of rolling stock maintenance standards and quality management:

• Research, develop, implement, support and maintain standards for all rolling stock maintenance activities, including as part of the Maintenance Lifecycle based philosophy
• Analyze the rolling stock availability, reliability, maintainability and safety, including as part of the RAMS philosophy
• Write, recommend, implement and audit maintenance and quality procedures and work instructions in support of best practices, quality assurance and compliance in rolling stock maintenance activities
• Recommend changes relating to operations or equipment use based on rolling stock safety and optimal performance
• Conduct and lead safety and reliability investigations as required
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships across Keolis and with all relevant stakeholders, including subcontractors, as a change agent to promote quality programs and the instilling of a quality culture
• Collaborate with the Quality Manager and staff to ensure audit plans and requirements are properly designed, implemented, adhered to and understood by Maintenance management and staff, and assist with communicating audit results and putting in place corrective actions as necessary
• Regularly review work orders for consistency in meeting standard procedures and/or OEM requirements
• Evaluate and analyze rolling stock performance issues and process failures and identify related process improvements
• Monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of all rolling stock maintenance activities for improved work methods of staff and/or subcontractors

Practice and Be an Ambassador of Safety

• Foster and promote a safe working environment through the administration of work-site safety references, regular reviews of worksite safety compliance and effective supervisory leadership
• Ensure proper safety precautions are being followed at all times
• Create and deliver job briefings, plans and hazard identification instruments as part of recommending and implementing improvements to equipment and/or methods of work to mitigate risks
• Attend safety and training meetings, and participate in emergency preparedness systems as required

Working Conditions

• Ability to make field visits
• Ability to maintain situational awareness in active railroad operations and repair facilities
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to lead meetings and make presentations