Manager, Vehicle Engineering (Engineering)

At Regional Transportation District (RTD), We make lives better through connections!

When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD's values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of our diversity value statement, we encourage our employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience. Come join RTD on this great journey to be the trusted leader in mobility, delivering excellence and value to our customers and community.

RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits

(RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

The Manager, Vehicle Engineering oversees RTD's technical services within Bus Operations, ensuring fleet reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This role manages technical projects, maintenance programs, and fleet improvement initiatives while maintaining compliance with industry regulations. The Manager leads engineering staff, budget planning, procurement, and vendor coordination, driving innovation through advanced technologies, sustainability initiatives, and process improvements.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership and Operations

Oversee the Vehicle Engineering team by managing staff performance, ensuing compliance, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

• Recruits staff including interviewing, hiring, terminating, assigning work, training, coaching, and counseling to ensure consistent application of Employee Guidelines, processes, and procedures. Conducts performance reviews, and holds employees accountable for optimal performance of their responsibilities.
• Manages Vehicle Engineering team, including r performance management, corrective action, and professional development.
• Develops and implements strategic initiatives to improve vehicle engineering, maintenance efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
• Oversees budget and capital planning, ensuring fiscal responsibility for technical services and maintenance operations.
• Monitors tool and equipment purchases while implementing supervisory control measures.
• Conducts physical inspections of new fleet vehicles to ensure compliance with RTD specifications, contracts, FTA and safety regulations.
• Tracks and reports KPIs, including vehicle uptime, compliance, and cost efficiency.

Engineering and Maintenance Programs

Manage technical projects and maintenance initiatives to ensure vehicle reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Leads the development of vehicle and equipment requirements, technical specifications, contracts, and project planning.
• Oversee bus procurement processes, conducts and verifies Buy America compliance at manufacturer properties
• Oversees Warranty and Technical Training programs, ensuring alignment with maintenance division goals.
• Implements comprehensive equipment campaign programs to enhance reliability and lifecycle cost efficiency.
• Ensures compliance with FTA, DOT, EPA, and other applicable regulations related to vehicle operations, safety, and emissions standards.
• Prepares federal grant applications to secure funding for fleet improvements, alternative fuel programs, and sustainability initiatives.
• Leads cost analysis studies and workflow improvement initiatives to optimize maintenance operations.
• Evaluates and recommends alternative parts and lubricants when original components are unavailable.
• Manages procurement of commodities to support maintenance operations.

Collaboration and Strategic Initiatives

Facilitate collaboration with internal and external stakeholders while driving innovation, regulatory compliance, and sustainability initiatives.

• Acts as a liaison between internal teams, external vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Works with Procurement and Finance to secure funding and negotiate cost-effective contracts for equipment and fleet projects.
• Leads innovation initiatives, integrating advanced vehicle technologies and sustainability programs into RTD operations.
• Prepares recommendations and reports for executive leadership and the Board of Directors regarding vehicle engineering programs, procurement, fleet performance, and regulatory updates.

Other:

•  All job-related duties as assigned.
   

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required  

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of engineering experience in transit, fleet management, or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience in engineering, technical projects, or maintenance operations.
• Experience in cost analysis, workflow improvement, and equipment campaign programs.
• Proven project management experience, including the ability to lead and execute technical and operational projects successfully.
• Ability to troubleshoot, develop technical specifications, and manage compliance.
• Knowledge of fleet maintenance management systems for tracking performance, costs, and compliance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred

• Experience in unionized work environment.
• Experience with Oracle and Maximus software (or ability to learn within three months of hire).
• Proficiency with Fusion 360 and/or AutoCAD.
• Experience with federal grant applications, including preparation and funding compliance.
• Knowledge of vehicle certification programs and fleet sustainability initiatives.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of budget oversight, cost control, and efficient resource allocation in maintenance operations. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage with employees, leadership, and external stakeholders. 
• Capable of analyzing complex issues, troubleshooting maintenance challenges, and making sound operational decisions. 
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet operational deadlines effectively. 
• Ability to lead teams, provide direction, train and mentor personnel, and foster a high-performing work environment. 
• Strong ability to collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments, external partners, and regulatory agencies. 
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local safety and compliance regulations (e.g. FTA, DOT, OSHA, EPA requirements). 
• Ability to analyze data, track key metrics, and implement process improvements.
• Experience in procurement, negotiating vendor contracts, and overseeing third-party purchases.

OR,

•  An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

 

• This role primarily operates in an office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse conditions. Duties typically involve using a computer, handling documents, and frequent written and verbal communication.
• Employees may also need to move through or work near active shop areas, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, tools, and equipment; electrical components and vibrations; moderate levels of noise, which may occasionally be loud; dust, fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals; temperature variations, including exposure to outdoor weather.

Pay Range:

$109,309.00 - $154,398.25 Annual

To learn more or see our EEO policy, please visit our EEO page at: [ https://www.rtd-denver.com/sites/default/files/files/2022-12/EEO%20Policy%20Statement-%20UPDATED.pdf ]

RTD posts a compensation range that represents a good faith estimate of what RTD anticipates paying for the position at the time of posting.  Starting salary is based on the candidate's relevant and verified education, training and work experience.  Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application.