PTC Systems Engineer 2

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a PTC Systems Engineer 2 to support the long term operations of the PTC system, troubleshoot issues, and document events in the ticketing system. This role reports to the Manager of PTC Engineering and focuses on ensuring safe, reliable rail operations.

Responsibilities include on-board equipment initialization, wayside software installation, and cross-team collaboration to improve troubleshooting methods and system performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in IT or Engineering with focus on system testing
• Four years of experience in a technical help desk, end user support, or root cause analysis
• Proficiency in Linux (Red Hat), Windows, and enterprise networking concepts
• Experience with Microsoft 365 and enterprise applications
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 2 support for the PTC system and document issues in the ticketing system
• Perform root cause analysis of events and incidents and recommend fixes
• Install onboard train equipment and wayside software, and dispatch maintenance staff
• Collaborate with other departments to improve operational support and documentation

Skills

Root cause analysis

End user support

Microsoft 365

Linux

Networking

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Engineering

Tools

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Microsoft Windows

Job description

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

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, creating Signal work orders and dispatching Signal maintainers. 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, troubleshooting 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Good knowledge of software, computers, operating systems (Red Hat enterprise Linux, Microsoft), data communications transports, data security, and networking technologies.
• Good knowledge of the root cause analysis process.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Skill navigating enterprise applications.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization as well as contractors.
• Ability to apply analytical decision-making principles in resolving systems problems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
• Willing to work occassional holidays.

Preferences - 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.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants andemployees’ 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 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.

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.

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