Association of American Railroads

Under the supervision of the AVP of Research and Innovation, the Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for advanced technical leadership and strategic progress related to the core area of AAR Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) projects.. AAR SRI technical work, program management support, and strategic planning in the area of railcars and train dynamics.. Recognizing and addressing opportunities for MxV Rail to provide value to the railway industry through the SRI program based on current and future needs and trends.. Demonstrable proficiency in leading multi-disciplinary teams to investigate railway challenges.. AAR Pension Plan

principal investigator

Description Overview: Under the supervision of the AVP of Research and Innovation, the Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for advanced technical leadership and strategic progress related to the core area of AAR Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) projects. The ideal candidate will be a technical leader capable of working with multi-disciplinary teams to solve technical problems and create innovative solutions to move the rail industry forward. As part of our Research and Innovation team, the PI will have significant experience in the rail industry and demonstrated success in program management. Excellent communication and presentation skills are needed for intentional and frequent interactions with various internal and external stakeholders. Our new team member will exemplify excellence in the field of rolling stock and be capable of using their knowledge to improve the safety, reliability, efficiency, and resiliency of the rail community. Primary Responsibilities: <ul><li> AAR SRI technical work, program management support, and strategic planning in the area of railcars and train dynamics.</li><li> Recognizing and addressing opportunities for MxV Rail to provide value to the railway industry through the SRI program based on current and future needs and trends.</li><li> Working with project managers to develop proposed work scopes and timelines.</li><li> Proactively coordinating with SRI project managers to ensure that work is performed according to MxV Rail quality standards and that deliverables are met on schedule and within budget. </li><li> Coordinating and executing Technical Advisory Group meetings, committee meetings, pre-and post-test meetings, conference presentations, and stakeholder visits.</li><li> Acting as the first internal point of contact for SRI project managers regarding operational or strategic challenges.</li><li> Direct research project management duties, including developing detailed work scopes and test plans, conducting tests and analyses, and reporting results in written and verbal formats.</li><li> Provide guidance and feedback on work products produced by MxV Rail team members. </li><li> Participating in domestic and international conferences as a lead technical expert.</li></ul> Requirements Required Skills & Abilities: <ul><li> Demonstrable proficiency in leading multi-disciplinary teams to investigate railway challenges.</li><li> Ability to professionally convey technical information through written reports, presentations, and day-to-day interactions.</li><li> Strong organizational and time-management skills.</li><li> Engineering or other technical degree and long-standing professional experience in railroading and/or railroad research activities.</li><li> Ability to travel (domestic and international) as required to support MxV Rail and industry objectives.</li><li> MxV Rail policy requires all prospective employees to complete a criminal background check (Disclosure for Consumer Reports Consent Form) and a pre-employment substance abuse screening (Applicant Consent for Drug Testing Form) as a condition of employment. </li></ul> Preferred Qualifications: <ul><li> Advanced degrees in Engineering or other technical areas related to railroad activities.</li><li> Demonstrable experience in people leadership and performance management.</li><li> Publication history demonstrating expertise in one or more core railway industry topic area(s).</li><li> Experience interacting with professional industry groups related to the railway industry.</li><li> A strong network of railway subject matter experts.</li></ul> Working Environment and Level of Physical Activity: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. <ul><li> Environment: Office and field environments. Must be able to walk in an industrial and/or railroad environment, including uneven surfaces such as ballast.</li><li> Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.</li><li> Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.</li><li> Travel: Travel will be required to support industry events and outreach. Travel is estimated at 10%.</li><li> Location: Strong preference for the candidate to be located in Colorado.</li></ul> Benefits Overview: <ul><li> Health, Dental, Life, and Vision Insurance</li><li> Railroad Retirement</li><li> 401(k) Program with Company Match</li><li> AAR Pension Plan</li><li> Life Insurance (life, accident, or disability insurance)</li><li> Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time</li><li> Incentive Compensation Program</li><li> Fortnight Schedule</li><li> Potential for Hybrid Work</li><li> Employee Assistance Program</li><li> Flexible Spending Account</li><li> Tuition Reimbursement</li><li> Wellness Program</li></ul> Salary Range: $97,797 - $120,000 DOQ

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