| JOB TITLE: | CHIEF MECHANICAL ENGINEER |
| GRADE: | RG2 |
| DEPARTMENT: | MECHANICAL |
| REPORTS TO: | MANAGING DIRECTOR |
| NUMBER OF VACANCIES: | ONE (01) |
JOB PURPOSE: To provide Strategic leadership, responsibility for modernizing and managing all mechanical assets and operations at URC (excluding road service vehicles, civil engineering plant, and floating craft), drive digital transformation, implement predictive maintenance systems, and lead engineering teams to achieve operational excellence while ensuring safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in rail transport operations.
| No | Principal Accountabilities | Key Deliverables |
| 1 | Strategic Leadership | • Take lead in championing URC vision and digital transformation.
• Provide strategic input to Corporate Plan • Drive innovation and sustainable transport initiatives |
| 2 | Asset Management | • Aligns engineering activities with green transport objectives. |
| 3 | Financial Management | • Takes lead in the development and management of departmental budgets
• Implement cost optimization strategies • Utilizes KPIs and performance dashboards to produce data that will enable decision making. |
| 4 | Develops Smart Engineering
Policies and Procedures |
• Establishes policies that integrate smart technologies (IoT, AI-based diagnostics) and environmentally responsible practices.
• Encourages digital documentation and traceability in engineering operations. |
| 5 | Establishes Digitalized Safety & Operational Standards | • Takes lead in developing safety protocols in line with international rail engineering standards.
• Incorporates automation and remote monitoring in safety systems. • Ensures regulatory compliance and best practices. |
| 6 | Leads Smart Workshop & Locomotive Operations | • Integrates predictive maintenance tools and modern diagnostics (e.g., sensor-based systems, digital twins).
• Implements lean manufacturing principles and asset management systems (e.g., CMMS/ERP). |
| 7 | Team Leadership | • Implements competency-based training for engineers and technicians.
• Fosters a learning culture with exposure to emerging technologies such as hybrid locomotives and alternative fuels. • Builds high-performing engineering teams. • Implements performance-based appraisal systems with modern HR analytics. |
| 8 | Modernizes Procurement and
Inventory Systems |
• Collaborates with PPDU using digital procurement platforms.
• Promotes just-in-time procurement and transparent supply chain tracking. |
| 9 | Advanced Quality Assurance
Frameworks |
• Establishes real-time quality inspection using digital tools (barcode/RFID tracking).
• Champions the Implementing of the Total Quality Management principles (TQM) and continuous improvement (Kaizen). |
| 10 | Sustainable Plant Maintenance | • Introduces green technologies (energy-efficient systems, waste management, emission tracking).
• Apply condition-based and predictive maintenance practices. • Supports retrofitting of existing equipment for energy efficiency. |
| 11 | Product & Material Innovation | • Champions the Re-engineers legacy parts with 3D printing, composites, and recyclable materials.
• Encourages R&D for indigenous, low-cost, high-performance materials. |
| 12 | Efficient Train Operations & Modern Response Systems | • Takes lead on the Introduction of smart signaling, GPS tracking, and automated incident reporting.
• Ensure the deployment of real-time monitoring systems for train speed, integrity, and capacity. |
| 13 | High-Quality Engineering Design
Practices |
• Leads adoption of CAD, simulation tools, and BIM (Building Information Modelling).
• Enforces compliance with regional and global engineering standards. |
| 14 | Performance-Based Reporting | • Provides timely reports integrated with KPIs, performance dashboards, and data visualizations.
• Submits reports that reflect innovation benchmarks, environmental performance, and digital adoption. |
| 15 | Undertakes Special Transformation
Initiatives |
• Undertakes strategic initiatives such as decarbonization, automation of systems, and cross-border locomotive compatibility.
• Provides advisory to the Managing Director and the Board of Directors on emerging technologies and investment priorities. |
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s degree in mechanical Engineering, Transport Technology, or Industrial Systems from a recognized institution.
- Registration with the Uganda Engineers Registration Board and membership in IUPE is mandatory. (Active IUPE membership).
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from a recognized university.
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years at senior managerial level in a medium – large, sector organization.
- Proficiency in modern computer-aided engineering and project management tools, including AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Excel, Power BI, Access, Word, PowerPoint, ERP and CMMS software.
- Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable transport technologies (hybrid, electric, hydrogen locomotives).
- Strong leadership in innovation, budgeting, people development, and strategic planning.
- Proven ability to manage change, drive digital transformation, and work with diverse teams.
- Must be below 55 years of age.
Personal Attributes
- Visionary leader with transformational mindset
- Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication
- Results-oriented with high ethical standards
- Adaptability to change and disruptive technologies
- Commitment to sustainability and resilience
NOTE:
- Only successful candidates will be contacted.
- Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Beware of fraud stars.
