Railcar Maintenance Specialist

Railcar Maintenance Specialist

SCS Coal Services Department

WORK LOCATION & TRAVEL

• This position has flexibility to be based out of multiple locations (and their surrounding areas):

  • Birmingham, Alabama

  • Metro-Atlanta, Georgia

  • Juliette, Georgia

• Some relocation assistance may be available if you do not already live within a reasonable commute distance to one of the above-mentioned locations.

• This position will require travel (up to 50% per year).

• Majority of travel will be to Plant Scherer in Juliette, Georgia, along with some overnight travel to other states.

• This position is on call 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to address railcar issues at the loadouts, on the railroads, and at the plants.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Railcar Maintenance position is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair program for Southern Company Generation’s railcar fleet, specifically at the Plant Scherer and Marion shop. This role includes providing oversight and analysis of system contract railcar maintenance shops to support railcar utilization, technology development and evaluation, and cost control initiatives. The individual in this position will also serve as the primary contact for system plants to address all rail and railcar-related issues.

As the successful candidate advances in this role, it is anticipated that additional responsibilities, such as track inspection at Plant Scherer, will be incorporated.

This position will be filled at a Level 4, 5 or 6, based on the relevant experience / qualifications of the successful candidate.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in a technical / analytical area is preferred.

Experience:

• Familiarity with railroad operations and/or railcar maintenance ( required )

• Experience in overseeing and managing contracts ( preferred , not required)

• Experience in managing railcar maintenance and repair programs, including hands-on experience with railcar components and systems ( preferred , not required)

• Experience with external maintenance shops and service providers ( preferred , not required)

• Experience in managing contractor safety programs and ensuring compliance with safety regulations ( preferred , not required)

• Experience in conducting quality reviews and inspections of railcar maintenance shops and railcar components ( preferred , not required)

• Experience in preparing and managing maintenance budgets, including variance analysis and cost control initiatives ( preferred , not required)

• Experience in conducting rail track inspections, including hands-on experience with track maintenance and safety protocols ( preferred , not required)

• Experience in leading and facilitating cross-functional teams to achieve maintenance and operational goals ( preferred , not required)

Knowledge (preferred, not required):

• In-depth knowledge of AAR (Association of American Railroads) and FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) regulations and standards related to railcar & track maintenance.

• Comprehensive understanding of railcar components, systems, and maintenance requirements.

• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices and requirements for railcars.

• Understanding of railcar utilization strategies and fleet management principles.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with maintenance shops, plant personnel, and other stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address maintenance issues, derailments, and other operational challenges.

• High level of attention to detail to ensure compliance with maintenance standards and accuracy in reporting and documentation.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines effectively.

• Proficiency in using maintenance management software (e.g., ComTrac, Railworx) and other relevant tools for data analysis and reporting.

• Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams, manage contractor relationships, and influence rule-making processes.

• Willingness to be on call 24/7 to address railcar issues and adapt to changing priorities and demands.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Railcar Fleet Management: Oversee the procurement and return of railcar sets, manage lease terms, conduct legal and accounting reviews, coordinate inspections, and acquire necessary insurance certificates.

• Communication and Coordination: Facilitate communication with Class I and Short-Line Railroads, Storage Facilities, and cross-functional teams to manage railcar movements, storage, and maintenance activities.

• Financial and Performance Management: Review and approve invoices, maintain performance metrics, manage SOX controls and reporting, and develop utilization plans and budgets.

• Inspection and Compliance: Implement quarterly railcar inspection programs, support audits, and ensure compliance with UMLER, OT-5 reporting, and other regulatory requirements.

• Contract and Maintenance Management: Bid, negotiate, and manage railcar maintenance contracts, create purchase orders, and update lease information in relevant databases.

• Reporting and Strategic Planning: Prepare monthly allocation reports, facilitate monthly and quarterly meetings to review forecasts and costs, and develop annual railcar utilization strategies and budgets.

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

• Unquestionable integrity and self-motivated

• Demonstrate Southern Company Values – Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance

• Safety focus and a strong personal safety record 

• Proven ability to take ownership of responsibilities, showing initiative and accountability in managing tasks and projects from start to finish

• Demonstrated initiative and creativity coupled with a strong customer service focus will be expected

• Must lead by example and ensure equity and fairness in interactions with others 

• Must conduct self in a manner that builds trust and confidence with coworkers, contractors, supervisors, and management 

BENEFITS

• Competitive Pay

• Excellent benefits packages which includes:

  • Medical and dental coverage

  • Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan

  • Performance-sharing plan

  • 401(k) plan with a generous company match

  • Bonus opportunities

  • Tuition Reimbursement

Please submit an updated resume with your application

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 11616

Job Category: Power Plant Operations & Maintenance

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services