Chief Mechanical Officer [CMO]

The Texas Railway Preservation Association (TRPA) is seeking a Chief Mechanical Officer (CMO) to lead the technical restoration and mechanical stewardship of the historic SP 982 locomotive and its supporting fleet. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will be the "Lead Engineer" of our industrial mission.

While railroad-specific experience is valued, we are prioritizing candidates with a deep mastery of Heavy Industrial Power. If you have spent your career maintaining high-pressure pneumatic systems, marine diesel engines, or large-scale power plant turbines, you have the mechanical DNA we need. This is a pro-bono executive role for a master technician who wants to apply their expertise to the ultimate mechanical challenge: returning a 200-ton steam icon to live functionality.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Command: Oversee the total mechanical lifecycle of the SP 982, including steam boiler integrity, running gear maintenance, and pneumatic braking systems.
• Technical Restoration Strategy: Design and execute the "Mechanical Master Plan," transitioning our equipment from static displays to high-performance operational assets.
• Multi-Disciplinary Oversight: Lead a team of specialists across diesel-electric systems, hydraulic power, and heavy steel fabrication.
• Safety & Regulatory Engineering: Ensure all mechanical work meets rigorous industrial safety standards and federal compliance, treating our rolling stock with the same precision as a modern power plant.
• The "Foundry" Mentorship: Act as the technical mentor for our volunteer corps, translating complex engineering tasks into actionable, safe restoration sorties.
• Resource Procurement: In collaboration with the Executive Director, identify and source specialized industrial components, tools, and technical partners.

Professional Requirements

• Industrial Pedigree: Proven experience in heavy mechanical engineering, power plant maintenance, maritime engineering (diesel/steam), or heavy equipment repair.
• Technical Versatility: Mastery of high-pressure systems, large-bore engines, or complex pneumatic/hydraulic circuitry.
• Operational Authority: You are a "hands-on" leader who is as comfortable with a blueprint as you are with a torque wrench.
• Project Management Discipline: Ability to manage long-term mechanical projects with absolute precision in scheduling and budget tracking.
• Mission Alignment: A profound respect for industrial history and the "Machine Age" engineering that built Texas.

The TRPA Advantage

This is the ultimate "Legacy Project" for a mechanical mind. You won't just be maintaining a machine; you will be bringing a titan back to life. As CMO, you have the authority to shape the mechanical future of the TRPA, ensuring the SP 982 remains a testament to Texas's industrial power for the next century.

Join the TRPA. Command the Power.