Mechanical Reliability Engineer – Rail Systems

About the role

The Mechanical Reliability Engineer will support VIA Rail’s effort to modernize its legacy fleet by improving the reliability, performance, and availability of mechanical systems on cars and locomotives. Reporting to the Senior Engineering Manager, the role involves designing, detailing, and validating complex rolling‑stock modifications and overhaul programs.

Key responsibilities

• Define scope, feasibility, and preliminary designs for equipment modifications.
• Develop schedules, material, labor, and engineering cost estimates.
• Create detailed drawings, Bills of Materials (BOM), and technical specifications for installations, maintenance, and repairs.
• Validate designs through prototype installations and collaborate with unionized labor.
• Establish maintenance requirements and procedures for new configurations.
• Lead reliability analysis, performance assessment, and improvement initiatives for mechanical subsystems such as bogies, brakes, suspensions, HVAC, diesel engines, transmissions, pneumatic and cooling systems.
• Conduct root‑cause analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Pareto analysis to prioritize technical actions.
• Identify obsolescence risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate kick‑off meetings, design reviews, testing, validation, and post‑mortem activities following good project engineering practices.

Required profile

• Mechanical engineering background with experience in rail or heavy‑vehicle systems.
• Proven ability to perform detailed calculations and develop engineering designs.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams including workshop, procurement, and operations.
• Strong understanding of system safety requirements and technical documentation.

Required skills

• Reliability analysis
• Root cause analysis (RCA)
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Pareto analysis
• Mechanical system design
• Bill of Materials (BOM) preparation