PTC Systems Engineer 2

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a PTC Systems Engineer 2 to support long-term operations of the PTC system. You will troubleshoot, analyze Tier 2 events, and respond to end-user calls, documenting occurrences in the ticketing system.

Responsibilities include initializing on-board equipment, installing wayside software, documenting events, and performing root cause analysis to prevent recurrence. Flexibility for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in IT or Engineering with emphasis on system testing, maintenance, or RCA.
• Four years of experience in a technical help desk, end user support facility, tier 2 support, or RCA of digital components/systems.
• Good knowledge of software, computers, OS (Red Hat Linux, Windows), data communications, data security, and networking technologies.
• Good knowledge of the root cause analysis process.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and assist personnel with system issues including initializing equipment on-board trains, installing wayside software, and creating bulletins/train IDs.
• Analyze and document situations, events, and issues of the system clearly and concisely.
• Perform root cause analysis of events and issues and recommend preventive actions.
• Collaborate with other departments to improve operational support, troubleshooting methods, and documentation processes to reduce delays and boost system performance.
• Apply best practices for configuration management and quality assurance in system maintenance.

Skills

Technical support

Root cause analysis

Microsoft 365

Networking

Communications

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in IT/Engineering

Tools

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Microsoft Windows

Job description

Salary Range

$80,986.00
-
$121,479.00

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Manager, PTC Engineering, the PTC Systems Engineer 2 supports the long term operations of the PTC system through troubleshooting and monitoring of the system, conducting Tier 2 analysis of PTC events and issues, and responding to end-user calls, and documenting events and issues in the PTC ticketing system.

The Primary Duties include: Provide support and assist personnel experiencing issues with the system including initializing equipment on-board trains, installing wayside software and equipment, and creating bulletins and train IDs. Analyze and clearly, concisely, and accurately document situations, events, and issues of the system. Perform root cause analysis of events and issues and make recommendations to prevent future occurrences. Work with other departments to improve operational support, trouble shooting methodologies, and documentation processes to decrease delays and increase system performance. Utilize best practices for configuration management and quality assurance in maintaining the system. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree or in lieu of degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four years in Information Technology or Engineering with an emphasis on system testing, maintenance, or root cause analysis.
2. In addition to #1, must have four years of experience in a technical help desk, end user support facility, tier 2 support, or root cause analysis of digital components and systems.
3. Good knowledge of software, computers, operating systems (Red Hat enterprise Linux, Microsoft), data communications transports, data security, and networking technologies.
4. Good knowledge of the root cause analysis process.
5. Good verbal and written communication skills.
6. Good problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
7. Skill navigating enterprise applications.
8. Must be proficient in Microsoft 365.
9. Ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization as well as contractors.
10. Ability to apply analytical decision‑making principles in resolving systems problems.
11. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
12. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
13. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
14. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
15. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
16. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
17. Willing to work occasional Holidays.

Preferences:

1. Experience working in the transportation industry.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non‑synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre‑employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.