Job Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer – Operations
Organisation: Uganda Railways Corporation (URC)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About Organisation:
Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is a body corporate established under an Act of Parliament to construct, operate and maintain railway, marine and road services both inside and outside Uganda for the carriage of passengers and goods. As a result of privatisation of operations, the mandate of URC changed from that of an operator to that of asset holder, concession monitor and advisor on railway technical matters.
Job Summary: 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 and Responsibilities:
- Promotes the Corporate Vision and Culture
- Communicates and integrates URC’s Vision, Mission, Values and ESG standards into all operations
- Strategic Planning and Policy Input
- Inputs into departmental strategic and operational plans; aligns operations with corporate goals
- Budget Management and Cost Control
- Prepares and monitors sectional budgets; implements cost optimization strategies
- Rolling Stock Operations Management
- Ensures availability and fitness-for-purpose of locomotives and rolling stock
- Train Operation Efficiency
- Coordinates with Command and Control; enforces schedule adherence and operational rules
- Accident Response & Investigation
- Leads accident investigation and corrective action
- Locomotive Load Management
- Tests, assesses, and schedules locomotives based on capacity and efficiency
- Preventive & Predictive Maintenance Oversight
- Implements digital asset maintenance systems and service schedule adherence
- Spares and Inventory Control
- Supervises spares procurement, inventory levels, and usage tracking
- Staff Management and Deployment
- Deploying staff effectively, oversees development, and ensures workforce readiness
- Fuel and Lubricant Efficiency
- Monitors fuel usage and lead efficiency initiatives and fuel fraud detection
- Asset Management and Emergency Readiness
- Maintains cranes, forklifts, and breakdown recovery equipment in optimal condition
- Human Capital Development
- Fosters team performance, succession planning, and HR development
- Environmental and Safety Compliance
- Ensures all operations adhere to environmental, health and safety guidelines
- Innovation and Digitalization
- Advocates for adoption of modern mechanical systems and technology
- Ad-hoc Assignments and Reporting
- Handles delegated tasks promptly and contributes to cross-departmental collaboration
Qualifications, Skills 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
How to Apply:
All suitable, qualified and interested candidates with the relevant qualifications and experience should send their application letters, curriculum vitae and copies of academic certificates, Transcripts, National Identity Card, appointment letters to the current job, together with one (1) recent passport photograph by email to: [email protected]. Merge all your documents and send them in one attachment in word or PDF format not exceeding 2MBs.
OR
Address to the Managing Director, Uganda Railway Corporation and hand deliver to URC headquarters.
Deadline: 15th August, 2025
NOTE:
- Only successful candidates will be contacted.
- Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Beware of fraud stars.
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Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 96