Assistant Engineer Planning & Operations Level I,II,III

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 129,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Long Island Rail Road is seeking an Assistant Engineer - Planning & Operations Level I-III to support planning, weather analyses, and capital program coordination for safe, reliable rail service from Bethpage.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, strong communication skills, and the ability to work with regulators, vendors, and auditors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, business, computer science, or related field.
• Experience in planning, maintenance, design, or related engineering disciplines is preferred.
• Ability to work with regulators, vendors, and auditors.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating capital and maintenance construction activities and department controls.
• Monitor, analyze and report daily operational issues including weather events.
• Coordinate Engineering activities with regulators, vendors, consultants, and auditors.
• Develop and monitor 20-year needs assessments and capital program strategy.
• Support budget and headcount planning for the Engineering department.
• Promote a professional environment and safe working conditions.
• Lead by example in safety and performance.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Windows OS

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Decision making

Integrity

Technical writing

Engineering knowledge

Interviewing ability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Computer Science, or related field

Job description

Description

Job Title: Assistant Engineer - Planning & Operations Level I, II, III

Department: Engineering

MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road

Primary Location(s): Bethpage

Salary Range: $129,471 - $ 161,838

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: N/A

Closing Date (if applicable): Open Until Filled

Shift (if applicable): Day

Telework Eligible: No

Driver's License Required: Yes

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for assisting with the planning of the construction, maintenance, and design of all fixed assets of the railroad to ensure safe reliable operations in compliance with industry standards and regulatory compliance. The incumbent must monitor, perform data acquisition and analysis, and report on daily operational and weather issues that impact the operation. They must assist in controlling the integration and facilitation of department activities with respect to daily operational issues. This position will also assist with weather and extreme event planning, event support, and follow-up for lessons learned and continuous improvement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in coordinating departmental capital and maintenance construction activities, construction project coordination, and department controls.
• Monitor, analyze and report on daily operational issues and associated impacts including weather and special events.
• Assist in communicating and coordinating all Engineering department activities with third parties including regulators, vendors, consultants, and auditors.
• Assist in developing, recording, and monitoring the Engineering department's 20-year needs assessment and strategy for capital program development. Prepare Engineering department analysis for Engineering groups.
• Support Engineering Department budget and headcount planning, development, and justifications.
• Contribute to a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures.
• Lead by example.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Level I

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Computer Science, or related field. An additional four years demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Must possess one year of comprehensive and recent related engineering, auditing, and investigation knowledge/experience in one or more of the following disciplines: Signal, Communications, Power, Track, Structures.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Level I

• Must possess proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Windows Operating System.
• Must possess strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management and to communicate ideas and motivate employees
• Must possess strong organizational, planning, analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills demonstrating sound judgment.
• Must possess a professional demeanor and high degree of integrity.
• Must possess the ability to assist in managing and investigating under demanding situations, including harsh environmental conditions.
• Must possess the ability to effectively perform job tasks during temporary non-regular shifts.

Level II

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Computer Science, or related field. An additional four years demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Minimum 2 years of comprehensive and recent related engineering, auditing, and investigation knowledge/experience in one or more of the following disciplines: Signal, Communications, Power, Track, Structures.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Level II

• Must possess proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Windows Operating System.
• Must possess strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management and to communicate ideas and motivate employees
• Must possess a professional demeanor and high degree of integrity.
• Must possess strong organizational, planning, analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills demonstrating sound judgment.
• Must possess knowledge of investigative techniques used in incident/emergency management.
• Must be able to assist in writing/revising procedures as needed.
• Recent, demonstrated ability to manage/supervise office and/or field personnel.
• Must possess the ability to conduct interviews and analyze information and data to determine evidentiary value.
• Must possess prior experience in the preparation of technical reports, such as the development and packaging of the Technical Requirements of Contract Documents.
• Must possess strong background in Civil/Electrical Engineering with in-depth knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Must possess prior experience drafting responses and/or correspondence to inquiries, claims, complaints, etc.

Level III

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Computer Science, or related field. An additional four years demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Minimum 4 years of comprehensive and recent related engineering, auditing, and investigation knowledge/experience in one or more of the following disciplines: Signal, Communications, Power, Track, Structures.
• Minimum 2 years of recent related experience managing/supervising staff in a related capacity.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Level III

• Must possess ALL required qualifications listed for Level I and Level II.
• Must possess advanced knowledge and understanding of FRA regulations/train control, AAR standards, and DOT MUTCD.
• Must possess a strong knowledge of LIRR Corporate & FRA Group policies and procedures.
• Must possess a strong knowledge of planning, scheduling, coordinating, and analyzing FRA/LIRR tests.
• Experience writing details, articulate reports and giving presentations to senior management.
• Must possess strong problem solving, strong analytical decision-making and computer skills.
• Working knowledge of interaction between Engineering and other LIRR departments.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Employees driving company vehicles 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.
• Safety Sensitive
• LIRR: In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / ADA DISCLAIMER:

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