Manager Signal Maintenance

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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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

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 Director Signal Operations, the Manager Signal Maintenance will combine technical expertise in various electrical and electronic signal control systems with strong leadership; provide strategic and operational direction for all signal maintenance activities across the agency's network; lead teams responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair and construction of signal systems, centralized traffic control (CTC) communications, grade crossings, wayside positive train control (PTC) infrastructure, and other related projects; and the daily maintenance of operations to support on-time performance, minimize signal-related train delays, and foster a culture of safety and operational excellence.

The primary duties include: Provide strategic and operational leadership for all signal maintenance activities; lead and manage teams responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and construction of signal systems, grade crossings, and wayside positive train control (PTC) systems and projects; and will direct daily operations to maintain on-time performance, minimize signal-related train delays, and champion a culture of safety and operational excellence. Lead regulatory audits and investigations into accidents and incidents; ensure adherence to agency standards and procedures and full compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations; and collaborate with signal and PTC engineering to evaluate systems reliability and integrity. Provide expert technical leadership on complex signal, wayside systems, and other engineering issues; manage the installation and testing of software and hardware upgrades; lead troubleshooting efforts for difficult system repairs; determine most effective repair strategies; document solutions and best practices for future use; and ensure the proper resolution of all technical issues. Manage special maintenance-related projects including grant-funded initiatives; develop project estimates on manpower, materials, and other resources; oversee budgets, timelines, deliverables, and required reporting; coordinate with cross-functional teams to address complex technical challenges and identify innovative solutions; and identify project risks and implement corrective actions to ensure timely project completion. Perform quality control inspections, hazard analyses, risk assessments, and lead safety briefings; conduct regular site visits to verify adherence to signal standards, safety policies, and proper performance for mandated periodic inspections; and resolve field conflicts, mitigate service disruptions, and ensure project activities align with operational needs and community requirements. 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. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. While work is primarily indoors, incumbents must interact with employees in the field on a routine basis. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform otherrelated 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.

1. Bachelor's degree in electrical or electronic engineering, project or construction management or in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in signal maintenance, warranty administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspection compliance.
2. In addition to #1 above, have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in signal systems maintenance, inspections, commissioning, repairing, and signal circuit design modifications preferably in the railroad industry.
3. Must have four (4) years of supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Considerable knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in preventative maintenance, diagnosis, servicing, overhaul, and repair of wayside signal systems, railway safety communication systems, and signal components.
5. Considerable knowledge of principles of railroad signal and communication systems including inspections, commissioning, repair, and signal circuit design modifications.
6. Considerable knowledge of signal engineering principles and practices, including signal maintenance, construction, training, and project management.
7. Good knowledge of contract administration and procurement processes related to railroad engineering projects.
8. Working knowledge of laws and regulations established by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Illinois Commerce Commission, and other governing bodies.
9. Proficient in Microsoft 365 productivity applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Project, and Planner) for effective communication, reporting, documentation, task coordination, and project tracking.
10. Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to prepare and deliver presentations to senior leadership and regulatory bodies on projects status, performance metrics, budgets, and training initiatives to support strategic decision-making, and present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
11. Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
12. Strong conflict resolution skills to mediate disputes and maintain team cohesion.
13. Strong leadership and project management skills to lead cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams.
14. Ability to develop and refine standard operating procedures.
15. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
16. Ability to read and interpret signal engineering drawings, schematics, regulations, and contract specifications.
17. Ability to represent the department in regulatory matters, industry committees, and advocate organizational interests.
18. Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic operational environment.
19. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
20. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
21. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
22. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
23. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
24. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
25. Will be assigned a vehicle.
26. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
27. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Management (CCM) certifications.
2. Professional Engineering (PE) 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 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. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at 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.