ATCS Support & Test Specialist (Advanced Train Control System) (Alaska Railroad)

State of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaska Railroad in Anchorage seeks a specialist to define and execute advanced train control system requirements, providing business user support for ATCS.

You will work with dispatchers, train crews, and engineers to test, document, and implement changes, ensuring compliance with regulations and improving procedures. Office environment in Anchorage.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Math, Computer Science or related field is required.
• Five (5) years of experience in train operations and/or dispatch functions.
• Knowledge of railroad operating rules and regulations.
• Operational knowledge of railroad MOW (Maintenance of Way) operations.
• Ability to operate in a computer environment using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software (Word, Visio, Excel preferred).
• Ability to achieve team consensus.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Train Control System Business User Support: Supports Train Operations (Dispatchers and Train Crews) to attain maximum utilization of the ATCS Systems (Primarily Computer Aided Dispatch and PTC).
• Quality Assurance & Control: Defines and ensures compliance with QA processes for ATCS system development and may direct resources.
• Test Systems and documentation: Documents configurations and executes test scripts across ATCS test systems.
• System Defect Management: Identifies, documents, and tracks defects with logs and video evidence.
• ATCS – Business Plans: Identifies opportunities for system improvement in response to regulatory needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Associate’s degree in Math/CS or related field

Tools

Word

Visio

Excel

Database software

Job description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Responds to changing train operations regulatory requirements and train control technology, by defining new train control system requirements, establishing project scope, devising quality assurance plans and then executing them to confirm system compliance. Also provides Advanced Train Control System (ATCS) business user support in response to train operations or system incidents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Advanced Train Control System Business User Support: Supports Train Operations (Dispatchers and Train Crews) to attain maximum utilization of the ATCS Systems (Primarily Computer Aided Dispatch and PTC). This includes developing user training, devising system incident management processes, triaging system issues, coordinating resolution of system problems using internal knowledge management systems or engaging system engineers for complex technical problems.

Quality Assurance & Control: Collaborates with ATCS staff and contract resources to define and ensure compliance with the department’s overarching quality assurance processes associated with the life cycle development of ATCS systems. May direct contract resources or System Engineers in executing manual or automated test scripts.

Test Systems and documentation: Documents test system configurations and software/firmware revision levels. Executes test scripts across all ATCS test systems and documents results.

System Defect Management: Identifies and documents any system defects detected by testing. Pulls together necessary system configuration, logs and videos demonstrating the systems of the defects. Then tracks the progress of defect resolution.

ATCS – Business Plans: – In correspondence with Train Operations and ATCS staff identifies opportunities for system improvement to support business opportunities or to address future regulatory requirements.

Performs other duties as assigned.

FACTOR 1: Technical and Operational Knowledge

Associate’s degree in Math, Computer Science or related field is required. Four years of applicable experience which demonstrates progression to more responsible positions may be substituted for the associate’s degree requirement. Must have five years of experience in train operation and/or dispatch functions. Must have knowledge of railroad operating rules and regulations. Must have knowledge of railroad MOW (Maintenance of Way) operations. Must be able to operate in a computer environment using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software (Word, Visio, and Excel preferred).

FACTOR 2: Analytical Skills & Impact

Must be familiar with railroad operations in running different scenarios of train movement. Attention to detail and strong analytical skills are used when working with the train dispatchers in defining operational procedures. Conducts assessment of training and safety needs ensuring smooth automation transition. Evaluates current procedures and practices for accomplishing department objectives. Analyzes new federal regulations for impact to operations. Develops and implements improved procedures and practices. Uses computerized system to create train schedules to ensure efficient and safe day-to-day train operations.Administers the system configuration, security and trouble tickets of the Computer-aided Dispatch System and lab environment for PTC.

FACTOR 3: Supervision and Control

Manages work performed on assigned projects to include the oversight and direction of ARRC employees and contractors working on assigned projects. Exercises technical staff supervision over dispatch operating personnel.

FACTOR 4: Communication

Communicates with ARRC employees representing all levels of the organization and various departments for the purpose of coordinating all phases of the transportation system programs. Contacts are with vendor representatives to ensure continuous and efficient operation of the system and in development of system potential. Works with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.

FACTOR 5: Working Conditions

Work is performed in a corporate office environment.

Required:

• Associate’s degree in Math, Computer Science or related field is required. Four years of applicable experience which demonstrates progression to more responsible positions may be substituted for the associate’s degree requirement.
• Five (5) years of experience in train operations and/or dispatch functions.
• Knowledge of railroad operating rules and regulations.
• Operational knowledge of railroad MOW (Maintenance of Way) operations.
• Ability to operate in a computer environment using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software (Word, Visio, Excel preferred).
• Ability to achieve team consensus.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Alaska Railroad Human Resources Department

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510-7500

Street Address: 327 West Ship Creek, Anchorage, AK

Fax Number: [phone]