Assistant Deputy Director- Signal Maintenance (New Haven Line)

Metro-North Railroad; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 117,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Metro-North Railroad seeks an Assistant Deputy Director- Signal Maintenance to lead labor, materials, and equipment for maintaining wayside signal systems across the New Haven Line territory. You will oversee interlockings, grade crossings, yards, and PTC-related assets, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and safety programs.

The role requires 7+ years managing field maintenance operations in safety-critical rail environments and 5+ years of supervisory experience, with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Transportation, Systems Eng or related field, or equivalent.
• 7+ years managing field maintenance operations in safety-critical rail environments.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience leading technical or maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead wayside signal maintenance workgroups for safe, efficient practices.
• Coordinate with Operations, Track, Structure, Power, Safety and others.
• Direct daily functions within labor and material budget parameters.
• Analyze system performance to meet operational and safety needs.
• Evaluate upgrades and propose cost-effective solutions.
• Support Metro-North Safety Program and staff development.

Skills

Communication

MS Office

Inventory management

Analytical thinking

Process improvement

High-pressure work

Interpersonal skills

Drug & Alcohol testing knowledge

Electronic processors knowledge

24/7 availability

Driver's license

Education

BA/BS in Electrical/Transportation/Systems Eng

Tools

PeopleSoft payroll

Metro-North systems

FRA CFR Parts 234/236

Signal control processors

Job description

Description

Position at Metro-North Railroad

• Job Title: Assistant Deputy Director- Signal Maintenance (New Haven Line) | Department: Maintenance of Way
• MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad | Primary Location(s): Various
• Salary Range: $116,641- $145,800 | Regulated/Safety Sensitive: DOT Regulated/Safety Sensitive
• Union Affiliation: Non-agreement | Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled
• Shift (if applicable): | Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable
• Other: Not Telework eligible |

ABOUT THE AGENCY

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 for its employees.

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for planning, managing, and directing the labor, materials, and equipment required for the maintenance, testing, and inspection of wayside signal systems across the assigned territory. The role ensures that all work is conducted in compliance with applicable federal regulations, internal signal standards, and organizational safety programs. It provides leadership in maintaining reliable, safe, and efficient signal operations while supporting coordination with internal departments, external partners, and safety initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and technical direction to the Hudson, Harlem, and GCT Signal Maintenance Workgroups in the execution of safe and efficient maintenance, testing and inspection practices associated with interlockings, intermediate territory, grade crossings, yards and all other wayside apparatus including PTC and systems utilized by the Metro- North wayside signal system.
• Coordinate the functions of the wayside signal workgroup with the requirements and needs of the Operation, Track and Structures, Power, Mechanical, Communications, Signal Construction, 3rd Party Contractors, Safety Departments and others as necessary to ensure the safe operation of the signal system is maintained and protected.
• Direct and manage the daily functions of the wayside workgroup and ensure that all activities are being performed efficiently and within labor and material budget parameters.
• Analyze and monitor the overall wayside signal system performances to ensure that all functions and performance being provided meet the required operational needs and safety parameters.
• 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.
• Develop staff and support the workgroup in expanding system knowledge, increasing safety, reducing operational costs and supporting new requirements for the communications systems.
• Provide a lead in supporting 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.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or comparable applications
• Develop and manage service and equipment database inventory.
• Strong analytical skills in order to analyze new and existing products, equipment and/or procedures.
• Must be able to recommend improvements or replacements to better support the wayside signal systems.
• Must be able to work in a high-profile/high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with internal departments and outside agencies.
• Strong knowledge of federal Drug and Alcohol testing.
• Strong knowledge of vital and non-vital electronic processors utilized on railroad wayside systems.
• 24-hours 7 days availability required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

The following is/are preferred:

• Broad background in technology used in signal systems.
• Strong knowledge of federal Hours of Service regulations
• Familiarity with Metro-North PeopleSoft payroll and material systems.
• Working knowledge of FRA regulations, specifically CFR Parts 234, and 236.
• Familiarity with Metro-North Railroad systems, policies, collective bargaining agreements, and Priority One Safety Program
• Knowledge of AC/DC traction return systems and electric snow melter operations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Electrical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include four (4) additional years of relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
2. Minimum of 7 years of experience managing field maintenance operations, signaling systems, traffic control systems, or other safety critical transportation infrastructure (e.g., highway ITS, aviation ground signaling, maritime navigation systems), including oversight of labor, materials, and equipment. Experience should also include working within safety regulated environments governed by federal transportation regulations (e.g., FRA, FHWA, FTA, FAA), with the ability to learn and apply CFR Parts 234, and 236.
3. Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience leading technical or maintenance teams within transportation, utilities, or other industrial sectors with complex regulatory and safety requirements.

THE FOLLOWING IS/ARE PREFERRED:

1. Minimum 1 year prior experience with railroad signal systems, interlockings, or wayside infrastructure
2. Minimum 1 year experience with vital and non vital processors used in signal or control systems.
3. Minimum 1 year experience using PeopleSoft payroll and materials systems.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required:

• Valid Driver’s License

OTHER INFORMATION

• Pursuant 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”).
• Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
• Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.