| JOB TITLE: | PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER – OPERATIONS |
| GRADE: | RG3 |
| DEPARTMENT: | MECHANICAL ENGINEERING |
| REPORTS TO: | CHIEF MECHANICAL ENGINEER |
| NUMBER OF VACANCIES: | ONE (01) |
| DUTY STATION: | UGANDA RAILWAYS CORPORATION (URC) |
JOB PURPOSE: The Principal Mechanical Engineer – Operations is responsible for ensuring the availability, reliability, and safety of rolling stock and related mechanical assets to support efficient railway operations. This role entails strategic planning, operational execution, and performance oversight of locomotive and rolling stock operations.
Key Duties, Responsibilities and key Deliverables
| S/N | Principal Accountabilities | Key Deliverables |
| 1 | Promotes the Corporate Vision and
Culture |
Communicates and integrates URC’s Vision, Mission, Values and ESG standards into all operations |
| 2 | Strategic Planning and Policy Input | Inputs into departmental strategic and operational plans; aligns operations with corporate goals |
| 3 | Budget Management and Cost
Control |
Prepares and monitors sectional budgets;
implements cost optimization strategies |
| 4 | Rolling Stock Operations
Management |
Ensures availability and fitness-for-purpose of locomotives and rolling stock |
| 5 | Train Operation Efficiency | Coordinates with Command and Control; enforces schedule adherence and operational rules |
| 6 | Accident Response & Investigation | Leads accident investigation and corrective action |
| 7 | Locomotive Load Management | Tests, assesses, and schedules locomotives based on capacity and efficiency |
| 8 | Preventive & Predictive
Maintenance Oversight |
Implements digital asset maintenance systems and service schedule adherence |
| 9 | Spares and Inventory Control | Supervises spares procurement, inventory levels, and usage tracking |
| 10 | Staff Management and Deployment | Deploying staff effectively, oversees development, and ensures workforce readiness |
| 11 | Fuel and Lubricant Efficiency | Monitors fuel usage and lead efficiency initiatives and fuel fraud detection |
| 12 | Asset Management and Emergency
Readiness |
Maintains cranes, forklifts, and breakdown recovery equipment in optimal condition |
| 13 | Human Capital Development | Fosters team performance, succession planning, and HR development |
| 14 | Environmental and Safety
Compliance |
Ensures all operations adhere to environmental, health and safety guidelines |
| 15 | Innovation and Digitalization | Advocates for adoption of modern mechanical systems and technology |
| 16 | Ad-hoc Assignments and Reporting | Handles delegated tasks promptly
and contributes to cross-departmental collaboration |
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- – Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- – Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Transportation Engineering is mandatory
- – Registered Engineer with UIPE or equivalent
- – Minimum of 8 years in mechanical engineering, at least 4 years in a senior role in rail or transport sector
- – Must be below 50 years of age.
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
- – Strong leadership, supervisory, and mentoring capabilities
- – Demonstrated expertise in rolling stock management and locomotive systems
- – Familiarity with CMMS, IoT for mechanical asset management, and ERP platforms
- – Knowledge of ESG standards and environmental regulation compliance
- – Data analysis and report writing skills (MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)
- – Strong decision-making ability and crisis management
- – Team building and interpersonal skills
- – Ability to thrive under pressure and manage cross-functional teams
NOTE:
- Only successful candidates will be contacted.
- Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Beware of fraud stars.
