Job Information
MTA Assistant Chief Engineer Communications - Systems in New York, New York
Assistant Chief Engineer Communications - Systems
Job ID: 8780
Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad
Location: New York, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Deputy Chief Engr C&S
Date Posted: Sep 10, 2024
Description
POSTING NO.
8780
JOB TITLE:
Assistant Chief Engineer Communications - Systems
DEPT/DIV:
Operations – Maintenance of Way (MofW)
WORK LOCATION:
420 Lexington Avenue
FULL/PART-TIME
FULL
SALARY RANGE:
$ 111,386.00 – $ 146,193.60
DEADLINE:
Until Filled
This position is eligible for teleworking which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.
Opening:
MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.
Position Objective:
Provide subject matter expert-level technical and managerial leadership for Metro-North communication infrastructure systems in support of operational and corporate communication needs and requirements. This position is directly accountable for the planning, design, testing, implementation, and project management of all Communication department systems, including but not limited to voice and data radio, PA/VIS, wireless systems, CCTV and security, optical networking, PBX and voice recorder, power, backup systems, outside plant, etc. The position must interface heavily with third-party contractors for the design and construction of Communications infrastructure and electronic systems.
Responsibilities:
Lead a team by utilizing subject matter expertise to mentor, coach, advise, and manage employees to keep the department aligned with goals and objectives. Assist the department’s Director in strategic planning and M of W initiatives. Ensure hiring, training, performance management, and vision and goal setting for the group is effective and successful. Create a professional and respectful work environment with open lines of communication and a shared problem-solving approach to technical and managerial issues.
Direct, plan, design, and project manage the design and installation of all communication systems. Lead technical discussions within the agency (MTA) and outside the agency. Present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences, as required.
Manage third party contractors involved in the development and deployment of new systems and system upgrades on MNR property.
Provide technical direction and support to Communications department management personnel. Provide design and Project Management expertise to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget. Provide technical support for all additional system upgrades and new system deployment and maintenance efforts including Private Branch Exchange (PBX), system-wide office and field networking upgrades, security, radio, networking, Public Address/Visual Information Systems (PA/VIS), and various station improvements, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Design, and review the designs of others, including the communication cable and electronic apparatus systems associated with the Metro-North field and office communication systems.
Evaluate alternative solutions, system upgrades, and revisions from the technical and economic perspective and propose solutions that are efficient and meet the mission parameters for the systems communication services.
Provide a lead in supporting the Metro-North Safety Program through the execution of required activities and policies associated with personnel working along or on the railroad right-of-way and other locations.
Facilitate building and maintaining a safety-focused culture within the Communications department.
Coordinate, manage, and execute revisions and additions to the communications systems utilized by the voice and alarm systems throughout the Metro-North operational and corporate territories.
Direct the management, installation, and maintenance of the fiber and copper indoor and outdoor cable plants, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Positive Train Control (PTC), and Centralized Train Control (CTC) cable infrastructure, Private Branch Exchange (PBX), and alarm systems at the central control office, field offices, and passenger stations necessary to support communication services to Metro-North users.
Act as support for the Comms department liaison between the Cyber Security department and Communications group. Ensure new systems comply with MTA and outside entities Cyber Security requirements.
Required Qualifications:
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Expert-level knowledge and experience in the integration of digital networks.
Knowledge of telecommunication copper and fiber plants.
Expert level knowledge of wireless technologies and applications (i.e. broadband, Land Mobile Radio (LMR), slow speed data, WiFi, 5G, etc).
Expert level knowledge of communication department asset installation requirements and best practices along the railroad right-of-way. This includes but is not limited to (Outdoor: Communications equipment cases, conduits, handholes/cable vaults, telephone poles and associated hardware, electronics, copper, coax and fiber cables, systems, antennas, grounding, etc. Indoor: equipment racks, cable management, grounding, lightning/surge protection, power management and backup, etc.).
Strong knowledge of communication services required for rail transit, corporate operations, and users.
Strong knowledge of American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA) standards, Telcordia, NIST, ISO, etc.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or comparable applications.
Excellent analytical skills in order to analyze new and existing products, equipment, and/or procedures.
Strong ability to recommend improvements or replacements to better support all communications systems.
Must have an excellent understanding of MNR’s specific communications infrastructure and current, past, and future projects impacting the same.
Must be capable of effectively representing MNR at various types of meetings, events, etc.
Excellent ability to work in a high-profile/high-pressure environment.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with internal departments and outside agencies.
Strong leadership and management skills.
Must be able to implement, participate, and provide leadership in Metro-North Railroad’s Safety Programs.
Must be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week as required to support maintenance and construction projects.
Must have a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
The Following is/are preferred:
Excellent familiarity with Metro-North Policies and Procedures.
Excellent familiarity with Metro-North collective bargaining agreements.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical curriculum. Demonstrated, equivalent experience and/or education may be considered in lieu of degree, to include four (4) additional years of related technical experience.
Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the design of office and wayside Comms systems (PA/VIS, PBX, VHF voice and data radio, optical systems, networking, Network Management Systems (NMS), etc.)
Minimum six (6) years of experience managing a professional staff and/or projects. Project management experience includes but is not limited to managing large-scale communication systems, installations, and maintenance.
Other Information
This position is safety-sensitive and subject to toxicological testing.
According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.