Date Posted:
9/24/2024
Posting End Date:
10/24/2024
Location:
98-Non-Contract
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Country:
United States of America
Category:
Professionals
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Salary Mid Point:
$141,668.00
Salary Range:
$113,334.00
-
$170,002.00
Description
The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.
Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.
Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.
Reporting to the Senior Director, Signal and PTC Engineering, the Director of Telecommunications oversees all aspects of the division's operations including managing staff, third-party providers, and consultants in planning, designing, engineering, constructing, maintaining, and repairing Metra's telecommunications systems.
The primary duties include: Oversee all aspects of design engineering, installation, maintenance, training, and repair of voice, data, video, wireless, radio, fiber optics, network, GPS, and other telecommunications equipment and systems that interface with Metra's operations. Take the lead in resolving urgent and ongoing telecommunications issues to uphold system reliability. Provide guidance, training, and hands-on assistance to staff in effectively addressing complex issues while offering performance feedback and essential support and resources. Lead, organize, and direct staff in the implementation and maintenance of all telecommunications-related software and hardware systems that integrate with IT, Police, and other engineering systems. This includes GPS real-time onboard tracking, positive train control, smart gates, passenger information display systems, and ticket vending machines. Oversee the Homeland Security video surveillance system, police radio dispatch system, and AT&T telephone, data, and billing operations. Manage the development of comprehensive short- and long-term strategies and budgets for the division's capital and maintenance programs. Establish policies and procedures to ensure safe and efficient work methods that align with agency quality standards, government regulations, and industry best practices. Oversee and participate in developing and administrating contracts for professional services, utilities, and materials. Supervise the development of invitation-for-bid documents, request-for-proposals, scope of work, specifications, and cost estimates. Review and approve bid documents and contract changes, resolve contracting issues, and authorize payments according to contract provisions. Collaborate with other departments to forecast needs and prioritize work related to telecommunication systems. Negotiate with contractors, railroads, and municipalities regarding telecommunications-related projects. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is issued a vehicle. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline OR in lieu of specified degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in telecommunications.
- In addition to #1, must have a minimum of ten (10) years of telecommunications experience.
- Must have a minimum of five (5) years of direct supervisory experience.
- Considerable knowledge of telecommunications architecture, infrastructure, and configurations.
- Considerable knowledge of data transport technologies and network security best practices.
- Considerable knowledge of networking tools e.g. Solarwinds, Paessler Router Traffic Grapher (PRTG), and Wireshark.
- Considerable knowledge in implementing and maintaining various telecommunications systems.
- Knowledge of government regulations and guidelines regarding quality assurance, quality control, and construction management for capital projects is preferred.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong management and interpersonal skills when interacting with users, management, IT professionals, and executive staff.
- Proficient in the use of telecommunications/electrical test equipment and devices.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
- Ability to assess complex issues and develop and implement solutions.
- Ability to manage large scale complex projects.
- Ability to work with external partners, providers, consultants, and vendors.
- Ability to build and foster an environment of collaboration.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Must be able to operate a vehicle.
- Travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
- Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred:
- Experience working with railroad telecommunications and Positive Train Control systems.
- Professional Engineering license.
Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.
Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to
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