Field Vehicle Operations Specialist

About the role

The field vehicle operations specialist will support and coordinate all activities performed at our electric railcar test site in Ventura County, California. In this role, you'll work with other members of the operations team and contractors to keep the site ready for vehicle development tests and demonstration to external stakeholders.

You'll also work directly with engineers to perform various vehicle operational tests, troubleshooting, and maintenance service on the vehicles. As part of the operational test, this person will be responsible for safe operation of the vehicle through knowledge and understanding of operating rules governing train movement. Data from these tests is used to develop further improvements to the technology.

This role is essential to streamlining site and vehicle operations and allowing faster development of the technology.

You will be stationed at the railcar test facility in Fillmore, California with routine need to collaborate with team members at the manufacturing facility in Pacoima and the engineering office in Los Angeles. Extended domestic travel will be required for remote operations periodically as well as some international travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead field site operations which include site setup and shut down. This includes receiving security reports, unlocking facilities, turning on utilities and generators, initializing vehicles with self-tests, conducting vehicle inspections, and preparing daily briefings for site safety and team operations
• Work with test teams to support daily test execution. Activities may include leading or participating in test briefing, procuring necessary supplies, installing measurement instrumentation on vehicles and wayside equipment, operating vehicles to test plans, supervising others operate vehicles to test plans, and monitoring for safety
• Manage site tooling inventory
• Maintain site at conditions for test activities and stakeholder demonstrations. Maintain tools, equipment and personal protective equipment in an organized fashion. Maintain workspaces in a clean and sorted fashion. Contribute to a culture that values cleanliness and organization Collaborate with facilities to ensure availability of utilities
• Maintain the railcar vehicles in good operating condition including battery charging, routine maintenance, and periodic troubleshoot equipment as needed
• Maintain the site support vehicles including UTVs and Tool Trucks in good operating condition
• Coordinate work plans and schedule of activities with cross-functional teams
• Set up field tests, including test instrumentation
• Perform safety inspections on vehicles and infrastructure
• Lead daily procedure briefings
• Execute vehicle operational procedures (command vehicles and record data)
• Collect, transmit, and review test data
• Supervise safety of field activities in accordance with railroad rules
• Support demonstration activities during stakeholder visits
• Must successfully complete training and attain/retain certifications applicable to job

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience working in a transportation operations, vehicle development, or related field
• 1+ years of operation of heavy machinery such as cranes or tele-handlers
• 1+ years of experience in rigging and lifting operations of heavy equipment and structures
• Experience working in railroad environments and following associated operating procedures and safety rules. Training will be provided, and candidates must be able to pass internal qualification testing on the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) and train handling practices
• Experience working independently and with small teams
• Experience with basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
• Availability to travel domestically and internationally periodically for durations weeks
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Ability to pass random drug and alcohol testing Reference 49 CFR 219
• Currently certified or certified in the past 3 years as a Locomotive Engineer and/or Conductor

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electric vehicles and electric traction systems
• Experience with high voltage (>120v)
• Experience working in railroad environments and following associated operating procedures and safety rules
• Experience troubleshooting automobiles or heavy machinery
• Experience with equipment, hand tools, and methods for servicing or troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems
• Experience with test and measurement equipment including data acquisition systems

Pay and benefits

We are committed to providing fair and transparent compensation in accordance with applicable laws. Salary ranges are listed below and reflect the expected range for new hires in this role, based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and location. Final compensation may vary and will be determined during the interview process. The target hiring range for this position is listed below.

Target Salary Range

$100,000—$150,000 USD