Chief Program Officer-Safety Management Systems

Position at Long Island Rail Road

Title: Chief Program Officer-Safety Management Systems

Department: Corporate Safety

Post Date: 06/26/25

Close Date: Until Filled

Hay Point Evaluation: 994

Salary Range: $133,065 - $192,383

Position Classification: Safety Sensitive

Location: Queens

Reports To: Vice President Corporate Safety and Chief Safety Officer

SUMMARY:

This position leads and is responsible for advancing the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR's) operational and strategic objectives by developing and overseeing the implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS) governance and standards. The role ensures that all safety initiatives align with organizational goals, MTA policies, governmental regulations, and industry best practices, while supporting the overall mission of the LIRR.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the development and enforcement of safety-related policies and programs. Direct staff in the review, implementation, and assessment of the LIRR's System Safety Program Plan in compliance with NYS Department of Transportation and Title 49 CFR Part 270 System Safety and Fatigue Risk Management Program Plan requirements. his position also directs and oversees the research and evaluation of new technologies for use in LIRR operations in compliance with Title 49 CFR Part 270 including making recommendations for implementation.
• Develop and implement a LIRR's Safety Management System (SMS) governance and standards strategy.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• In compliance with industry standards and state and federal regulations, including 49 CFR Parts 236 and 270, Oversee and direct the process for Safety Certification of software/computer-based safety critical systems and processor-based technology used in operations ensuring solutions meet all requirements while ensuring the safety of employees, customers, and the communities we serve. Responsible for directing the research and evaluation of new technologies for use in LIRR operations, approving recommendations for implementation.
• Direct the team responsible for ensuring mandates and standards including, but not limited to, American Public Transit Agency (APTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), American Association of Railroads (AAR), the National Safety Transportation Board (NTSB)/Public Transportation Safety Board (PTSB), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)/Public Employees Safety and Health (PESH), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Homeland Security are being adhered to by LIRR Departments. Direct internal and external audits of compliance, evaluate corrective actions, and monitor effectiveness of mitigations. Oversee the compliance of FRA programs including SAFER (Title 49 Part 217 Railroad Operating Rules); Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness (Title 49 CFR Part 239), System Safety Program Plan (Title 49 CFR Part 270); Critical Incident Stress Plan (Title 49 CFR Part 272).
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

(A)

• Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering science, transportation management or a related technical field from an accredited college. In lieu of the degree, 14 years of related technical experience in system safety, safety engineering, or safety assurance within a regulated transportation environment may be considered.
• Must possess a minimum of 10 years of progressive technical experience in system safety, safety engineering, or safety assurance within a regulated transportation environment.
• At least 7 years in a senior management or technical leadership role with accountability for enterprise-level safety programs.
• Must be a seasoned manager with a strong work ethic, business acumen, and must be capable of effectively introducing change to the way business is conducted, which may involve organizational and cultural changes.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and managing Safety Management Systems (SMS) in alignment with FRA/FTA/FAA regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience with and an understanding of System Safety Engineering and Safety Risk management in complex systems.
• Knowledge of Safety Standards including but not limited to: MIL-STD-882, CENELEC standards, IEC 61508.
• Experience with and practical knowledge of using hazard analysis techniques including but not limited to: Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Event Tree Analysis (ETA), Software Hazard Analysis, System Hazard Analysis, Operation and Support Hazard Analysis, Cause and Consequence analysis and Bowtie method.
• Must be able to understand and communicate technical issues to various audiences and all levels of management, anticipate and recommend audience responses, and put specific actions and policies into context with broad internal and external issues.
• Must possess strong human relations, communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, analytical, negotiation, problem solving, decision-making, and judgment skills.
• Must demonstrate a high level of initiative, professional integrity, and demeanor.
• Must have the ability to identify risks/problems, organize and convey pertinent information, and recommend viable solutions.
• Must possess demonstrated strategic management skills, including strategic planning, organization, project prioritization and management, resource identification and allocation.
• Must possess demonstrated effective leadership skills, which must be displayed both to internal and external customers, including labor organizations.
• Must possess experience with developing and mentoring employees and subordinates.
• Ability to plan, forecast, set objectives/goals to support corporate goals and determine course of action.
• Ability to motivate, develop and influence others in a positive and productive manner to meet department/corporate goals.
• Must possess prior experience with monitoring time and attendance.
• Must be available to work extended hours for unplanned work, emergencies, etc.

(B)

• Master's in systems engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering science or transportation management.
• 10 years of progressive technical experience in system safety, safety engineering, or safety assurance in rail or transit operations.
• Experience with software/computer-based safety critical systems in a rail or transit operation.
• Experience in human factors analysis.
• Thorough knowledge of railroad operations.
• Strong understanding of LIRR operations, policies and procedures. Working knowledge of union rules with experience managing within a complex, unionized environment.

Other Information:

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.