Junior Engineer Planning & Operations

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Long Island Rail Road seeks a Junior Engineer in Planning & Operations to participate in on‑the‑job training, rotational assignments, and hands‑on projects. The role supports coordination of construction, maintenance, and design activities for railroad fixed assets, ensuring safe, reliable operations.

Responsibilities include monitoring operations, analyzing weather and operational data, and generating reports to aid decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Strong human relations, communication, interpersonal and judgment skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to provide solutions to complex problems.
• Detail oriented with excellent comprehension and research skills.
• Critical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Observe, learn, and implement teachings in field and office.
• Understand and learn principles of railroad construction.
• Demonstrate known engineering principles; learn and demonstrate daily on large construction jobs.
• Learn to control manpower, material, equipment, track, budget and quality control.
• Communicate effectively to form positive relationships and develop motivational skills.
• Take initiative to complete tasks productively through learned supervising processes.
• Apply LIRR references (CE-1, MW I & FRA) in practice.
• Learn union rules and apply to crafts under jurisdiction.
• Become familiar with administrative forms for project control, payroll, material, requisition, etc.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adhere to safety policies; lead by example.
• Perform other assignments as requested by senior management

Skills

Strong communication

Self-motivated

Detail oriented

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Construction Management or related field

Job description

Job Title: Junior Engineer - Planning & Operations

MTA Agency: Long Island Railroad

Primary Location(s): Bethpage

100% Hourly Rate of Pay: $46.34 *(See Wage Progression Chart)*

Position Classification: Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Brotherhood of Railroad Signalman (BRS)-Local 241

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Railroad (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.

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a developmental training position designed to prepare employees for future management roles within the Planning & Operations Group. Through a combination of on-the-job training, rotational assignments, and hands‑on project work, employees will develop the knowledge and skills required to support the department's operational objectives. The employee will learn to plan and assist in the coordination of construction, maintenance, and design activities for railroad fixed assets, ensuring safe, reliable operations that comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include monitoring operations, collecting and analyzing operational and weather‑related data, and preparing reports to support informed decision‑making. The role also supports the coordination and integration of departmental activities related to daily operations, assists with weather and emergency preparedness planning, provides operational support during planned and unplanned events, and contributes to post‑event reviews, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Observe, learn, and implement teachings in field and office.
• Understand and learn principles of railroad construction.
• Demonstrate known engineering principles; learn and demonstrate daily on large construction jobs.
• Must learn and demonstrate control of the following: manpower, material, equipment, track, budget and quality control.
• Effectively communicate to form positive relationships and develop motivational skills.
• Assume responsibility and initiative to get job done productively through the learned process of supervising.
• Apply what is learned from LIRR references (i.e. textbooks, policies & procedures, such as CE-1, MW I & FRA).
• Learn union rules and agreements and apply to crafts under jurisdiction.
• Become familiar with administrative forms required for project control, payroll, material, requisition,, etc.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
• Perform other assignments as requested by senior management

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Must possess strong human relations, communication, interpersonal and judgment skills.
• Must be self‑motivated with the ability to provide solutions to complex problems.
• Must be a detail oriented individual, with excellent comprehension and research skills.
• Must be a critical thinker with excellent problem‑solving skills .
• Must possess a valid driver's license

PREFERRED:

• A Master’s Degree with applicable work experience.
• Technical writing skills, specification writing skills

WAGE PROGRESSION:
First 6 months - $38.12
6-12 months of service - $40.03
12-18 months of service - $42.03
18-24 months of service - $44.13
24 months of service - $46.34

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.

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.

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.

Disclaimer

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.