Junior Engineer - Signal Design

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

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York, NY, seeks a Junior Engineer – Signal Design for a structured training program. The role introduces the Long Island Rail Road’s signal design, construction, and maintenance practices with a mentor and classroom sessions.

Upon successful completion, you would be eligible for an entry-level signal design position. The program includes hands-on field and office work, exposure to AREMA standards, and progression through varied HQs while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and symbols.
• Ability to create/modify AutoCAD wiring diagrams.
• Familiar with programming languages or Boolean logic.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong research abilities.

Responsibilities

• Observe, learn, and implement teachings in field and office.
• Learn principles of Signal Design, Construction, and Maintenance.
• Understand AREMA standards and practices.
• Learn Signal Design standards and typical circuits.
• Communicate effectively to build positive relationships.
• Support supervision in task delivery and training.
• Learn LIRR policies, procedures, and FRA tests.
• Develop proficiency in Vital-Sim, AutoCAD, Microlok Tools, CAAPE, and MS Office.
• Attend training school and pass exams.
• Rotate through maintenance and construction hubs.
• Review signal circuit plans and perform field surveys.

Skills

Driver's license

Read electrical schematics

AutoCAD wiring diagrams

Boolean logic

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical, Computer, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Vital-Sim

Microlok Tools

CAAPE

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Job Details

• Job Title: Junior Engineer – Signal Design
• Department: Engineering
• MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road
• Primary Location(s): Queens, NY
• Salary Range: See wage progression chart below - 100% hourly rate: $46.34*
• Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive/Non-DOT Regulated
• Union Affiliation: Brotherhood of Railroad Signalman (BRS) – Local 241
• Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled
• Shift (if applicable): Not applicable
• Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable
• Other: Not Telework eligible

About the Agency

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.

Job Summary

This position is a Training Program and is an introduction to the Long Island Railroad and its various operating and supporting departments as they related to Signal Design. This program is designed to develop the employee for future management positions within the Engineering Signal Design Department. The participant will work with a mentor and be assigned tasks with metrics that shall be monitored. The participants will also participate in classroom training (One hundred class sessions, two eight hour classes a week).

At successful completion of the program, incumbent would be eligible to assume an entry level signal design position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to:

• Observe, learn, and implement teachings in field and office.
• Understand and learn principles of Signal Design, Signal Construction, and Signal Maintenance.
• Demonstrate known engineering principles as it pertains to “American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-Of-Way Association” (AREMA) Manual.
• Must learn and demonstrate an understanding of Signal Design standards and typical circuits.
• 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 office policies and procedures.
• Must become proficient in computer software for Vital-Sim, AutoCAD, Microlok Tools, CAAPE, and Microsoft Office.
• Attend Phase II Signal training school and maintain passing grades on exams.
• Rotate through various maintenance and construction headquarters.
• Review and understand signal circuit plans.
• Perform field surveys.
• Review and understand the purpose and procedures for required LIRR and FRA tests
• Attend technical evaluations and practicals of field personnel.
• Become familiar with on-going and future signal projects.
• 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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematic diagrams and symbols.
• Ability to create and modify wiring diagrams in AutoCAD
• Familiar with programming languages or Boolean logic
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to provide solutions to complex problems.
• 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.

Required Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical, Computer, or related field.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred

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

Special Requirements

• This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.

Rate of Pay

The starting rate for this position is $38.12/hour. The annual wage progression scale is as follows:

• First 6 months - $38.1240
• 6-12 months of service - $40.0302
• 12-18 months of service - $42.0317
• 18-24 months of service - $44.1333
• 24 months of service - $46.3400

The 100% full rate of pay is $46.34/hour.

This salary is non‑negotiable, based on the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen 241 Bargaining Agreement. Accordingly, please be advised that the terms and conditions of employment for this position are subject to the collective bargaining agreement.

Seniority

Applicants will establish seniority in the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen 241 Union, the union representing Junior Engineers, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.

Members of the BRS Local 241 are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.

Other Information

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Long Island Rail Road may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.

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”).

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.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees

• Current Long Island Rail Road employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration.
• Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on‑time training or lock-in requirement, if applicable. If you are transferring to another craft, you may