Sr PTC Train Ops Engineer

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.

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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.

Metra's rail operations are overseen by the Deputy Executive Director, Operations, who provides executive direction and guidance to the chief officers of the Engineering, Mechanical and Transportation departments as well as the Training and Certification and Operations Training departments. The division also provides executive oversight and direction to contract carriers (BNSF and Union Pacific) to ensure that rail operations are consistent with Metra's standards and practices.

Reporting to the Manager, PTC Testing, the Senior PTC Test Train Engineer will coordinate and execute the testing of Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment on test trains with staff from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), consultants, Class I and Short Line railroads, and Metra's Mechanical, Engineering, and Transportation departments to verify functionality, document results, and report observations.

The primary duties include: Review and comprehend detailed, functional, and technical documentation on equipment, vendor products, and test plans; and become a subject-matter-expert on IInteroperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS) functionality and logic. Evaluate test plans to ensure each test case is properly outlined in procedures, measure intended functionality, and comply with Metra's operations and safety protocols; work with PTC lab engineer to validate the functionality of new software releases from vendor prior to field testing and production deployment. Prepare and coordinate functionality testing of PTC equipment on test trains ensuring testing equipment, systems, documents, and data have been updated; communicate procedures to participating departments; and secure staffing, rail lines, and schedules ensuring minimal impact on service, cost efficiencies, and safety compliance. Conduct testing on-board PTC test trains to observe functionality in relation to signaling, train speed, safety, right-of-way, and related activities; document real time results, report systems failures, and conduct retesting to ensure failures have been corrected; and prepare detailed test reports. Organize testing artifacts and records into a Test Report document and submit to the FRA in accordance with requirements. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. 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.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Engineering, or related field OR in lieu of degree, any combination of education and experience that equals four years in railroad operations may be substituted for the required degree.
2. In addition to #1 above, must have five years of experience as a certified locomotive engineer or in PTC operations, systems testing, log analysis, Tier I/II/III PTC support may be substituted.
3. Certified locomotive engineers must be free of revocations in the previous 3 years; internal candidates must not be in any of the progression steps of Metra's discipline policy.
4. Considerable knowledge of General Code of Operating and Metra Safety Rules.
5. Considerable knowledge of System Timetables for Metra line segments and Metra host railroads.
6. Considerable knowledge of all Metra territories, divisions, and subdivisions to include any of the following: Method of operation, Track speed limits, Civil Speed Restrictions, Tenant Railroads for that area, and Interface points with any other railroads.
7. Knowledge of Canadian National United States Operating Rules and Chicago Operating Rules Association.
8. Basic understanding of PTC and general PTC functionality.
9. Good organizational and analytical skills.
10. Good verbal and written communication skills.
11. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.
12. Ability to read and analyze I-ETMS logs, GIS track database files, and technical documents.
13. Ability to learn and understand new systems and procedures and become a subject-matter-expert in I-ETMS functionality and logic.
14. Ability to work either independently or collaboratively on test train assignments.
15. Ability to become rules qualified on multiple Metra districts.
16. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
17. Ability to stand, walk, and/or, for extended periods of time.
18. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
19. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
20. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
21. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
22. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
23. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

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 preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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 RAC@Metrarr.com.

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.