Basic Functions

The Association of American Railroads (AAR), the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard-setting, and technology organization, is focused on enhancing the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry.

The Executive Director of Tank Car Safety oversees the establishment of interchange standards and the approval of applications for the construction, alteration, and modification of railroad tank cars. This role requires exceptional verbal and written communication skills, along with a high level of diplomacy, resilience, and leadership. Responsibilities involve guiding and influencing a broad range of stakeholders to make informed decisions that impact railroad safety, as well as the tank car manufacturing and repair industry.

Nature and Scope

This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Safety & Operations, and supervises one (1) staff engineer.

The incumbent has no budgetary or financial oversight responsibility.

Some travel is required for this position.

Principal Accountabilities

·         Manage Tank Car Committee, including quarterly meetings and monthly calls

·         Manage process for developing interchange requirements for tank cars

·         Manage Tank Car Committee input on proposed government regulations, interpretations of government regulations, and industry petitions for rulemaking

·         Oversee Tank Car Committee process for certifying tank car facilities

·         Approve applications for the construction, alteration, and modification of tank cars

·         Manage the approval of service equipment for use on tank cars

·         Provides interpretations of AAR tank car standards to interested parties

·         Serve as subject-matter expert in matters of regulatory rulemaking, litigation support, and government/agency outreach

·         Participate in industry collaboration efforts such as the RSI-AAR Tank Car Safety Project

·         Work with AAR subsidiaries MxV Rail and Railinc on relevant aspects of their work as it relates to the Tank Car Committee

·         Work with other AAR committees on relevant topics

·         Use North American tank car fleet data to evaluate tank car safety and recommend changes to interchange standards

·         Review accident/derailment information to identify and support suggested safety research, technology, and interchange standard development

Qualifications

·         At least 10 years of relevant work experience, especially with railroad systems and/or technology

·         A bachelor’s degree in engineering or the equivalent combination of formal education and experience is required

·         Must possess a high degree of diplomacy, resilience, and leadership skills

·         Must have demonstrated ability to foster the development of consensus positions in the face of differing and sometimes conflicting views

·         Ability to develop and maintain close working relationships with Member representatives and administration staff is necessary

·         Must have the ability to work quickly, digest technical issues, and produce accurate information

·         Ability to work collaboratively, independently, and under tight deadlines

·         Need to be able to convey complex information in an accessible manner, orally and in writing

·         Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with a proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must

·         Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite

·         Salary will be commensurate with experience