Commissioning Manager - Locomotive Programs

Technical

New York, NY, USA

Summary of Position
Cadre’s Transit division offers our clients technical rail service solutions including commissioning and testing of new transit vehicles, warranty, repairs, preventive maintenance, and inspection services. Our contractors work with the leading Ontario transit suppliers and agencies, ensuring their equipment is available to provide reliable on time service to their passengers in some of North America’s largest transit systems.
The Commissioning Manager is responsible for leading the full commissioning, testing, and entry-into-service process for new or overhauled locomotives delivered to a major East Coast commuter rail customer. This role oversees the planning, execution, and documentation of all commissioning and validation activities — from arrival inspection through dynamic and mainline testing — ensuring locomotives meet technical specifications, regulatory compliance, and customer acceptance requirements. The ideal candidate brings senior-level locomotive experience, exceptional leadership and coordination skills, and a strong ability to interface with customers, engineering, and field service teams in a fast-paced rail environment.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage the commissioning team (technicians, engineers, and quality inspectors) responsible for static and dynamic testing of locomotives.
• Develop and maintain the Commissioning Plan, schedule, and test documentation aligned with project milestones.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, production, quality, and safety teams to resolve technical and nonconformance issues.
• Ensure all commissioning work adheres to FRA, APTA, and OEM standards and safety protocols.

Technical Oversight:

• Oversee static, dynamic, and mainline testing of all locomotive systems, including propulsion, braking, HVAC, electrical, control, and communication systems.
• Review and approve test procedures, data logs, and fault resolution reports.
• Ensure proper configuration management (software and hardware baselines).
• Support field modifications, retrofits, and technical upgrades as required.

Customer Interface and Reporting:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the customer’s technical and operational representatives during commissioning and acceptance.
• Lead customer witness tests, acceptance reviews, and technical debriefings.
• Prepare and deliver regular progress reports, performance dashboards, and reliability updates.
• Manage issue escalation and drive timely corrective actions to closure.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Oversee completion of Commissioning Dossiers, test certificates, calibration records, and acceptance documentation.
• Ensure all test results, nonconformances, and waivers are documented and traceable.
• Support the transition from commissioning to warranty and in-service support phase

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent technical qualification.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in locomotive or rail vehicle commissioning, testing, or fleet delivery.
• Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams in field commissioning environments.
• Deep understanding of locomotive propulsion, braking, control, and communication systems.
• Strong familiarity with FRA and APTA standards, and OEM commissioning practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in test data analysis, failure reporting, and reliability tracking tools (Maximo, SAP, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to work extended hours and travel regionally during peak test and delivery phases.

Preferred Attributes:

• Background in mainline testing, reliability demonstration, and customer acceptance programs.
• Familiarity with PTC/ATC and locomotive diagnostic systems (TCMS, CAN, Ethernet).
• PMP certification or equivalent project management experience an asset.