Be part of a team that values safety, diversity, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.  

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!

Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits

 

Job Location: Topeka
Other Potential Locations: Topeka, KS 
Anticipated Start Date: 03/03/2025
Number of Positions: 1 
Salary Range: $130,000 - $145,000

 

Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.

Key responsibilities may include:

 

Duties/Responsibilities:

 

The person in this position provides leadership and technical guidance for a team of Engineers and Scientists tasked with solving some of BNSF’s most challenging problems.  The work product of this team is critical for minimizing safety risks, reducing derailment potential, lowering life-cycle costs of infrastructure and rolling stock systems, and approving quality of materials used on the railroad.  Tasks include:

 

Overseeing Physical Test lab and ballast lab projects and testingLeading the team in field and laboratory research and testing to optimize physical plant and rolling stock safety, velocity, and reliabilityDeveloping viable solutions to problems within various departmentsAssisting field personnel with derailment root cause determinationServing on the Derailment investigation “Go Team” in the leadership capacity as neededConducting derailment investigation training to ensure BNSF Field Operations employees can properly determine derailment root causeRepresenting BNSF in railway industry organizations and forums which impact product specifications and policies related to design, maintenance, and operation of infrastructure and equipmentConducting new product evaluation and testing of materials/equipment to ensure specification compliance and improve performanceDirect the utilization of budget and resources managing annual operating and capital budgets of $1M and $200k, respectively

 

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

 

Qualifications:

 

Required

A Bachelor’s of Science degree is required with a preference in Mechanical or Civil Engineering Minimum 10 years experience in research and development or laboratory environmentExcellent leadership skills as described in the BNSF Leadership ModelAt least 3 years of experience managing direct reports or contractorsMust have a firm commitment to BNSF Safety Culture, willingness to work in a diverse and challenging environment, and have a commitment to laboratory safety complianceExcellent speaking and writing skills, to communicate complex scientific information in a clear and concise mannerHas a strong working knowledge of safe railroad operations and practicesOrganizational and time management skills are also critical to efficient performance in this positionStrong analytical skills and knowledge of forensic investigation techniques for application to problem analysis, material evaluation, failure analysis, derailment investigation, data mining, accident reconstruction, and evidence interpretationKnowledge of material science and understanding of how different materials performKnowledge of Engineering, Mechanical, and Transportation team operations, and good understanding of the FRA, AAR, and internal BNSF regulations governing each disciplineKnowledge of and experience using cyclic load test machines, tensile and compressive load test machines, and other laboratory test equipment and instrumentation

 

Preferred

A Master’s of Science degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering Licensed Professional EngineerKnowledge of railway rolling stock design requirements and car construction, and understanding how key vehicle characteristics affect dynamic performanceKnowledge of infrastructure design requirements and maintenance practices, and understanding how track geometry features affect vehicle dynamic performanceKnowledge of train handling and train make up practices, and understanding how they influence infrastructure stability and vehicle dynamic performanceExperience representing BNSF on technical industry committees and working groups related to track structure components and mechanical equipment

 

Relocation: Relocation assistance may be offered for this position

 

Travel: Approximately 25%

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

 

An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)Generous leave / time off policies.For more information, visit Benefits.

 

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process.  Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC.  More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

SF: Internal Posting Only | [[mfield5]] | Operations - Safety | Topeka, KS | 66546