Sr Configuration Management Specialist

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 94,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail in Illinois seeks a Sr Configuration Management Specialist to manage the PLM system and oversee configuration, change, release, and program activities.

You will collaborate with stakeholders across departments, develop processes, maintain baselines, and produce reports while promoting safe work practices and adherence to policies. This role is based in Chicago and requires travel within Metra’s region as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or STEM field or equivalent combo.
• 5 years of experience in configuration or systems administration.
• Knowledge of configuration management tools and processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 suite.
• Experience with PLM systems (Bentley/AssetWise or similar).
• Strong written and verbal communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Provide maintenance and support for the PLM system and CM activities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments and vendors on automated system changes (PTC).
• Develop and implement CM processes, baselines, and documentation; generate reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or STEM

4 years in engineering or IT system support (in lieu of degree)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Bentley ProjectWise

AssetWise

Job description

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.

Salary Range

$93,752.00 - $140,627.00

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 Configuration Management, the Sr. Configuration Management Specialist is responsible for implementation and administration of the product lifecycle management (PLM) system; facilitating configuration, change, release, and program management; and ensuring the PLM system is maintained and supported as the standard, fully utilized, system of record.

The primary duties include: Provide maintenance and support for the department's PLM system and related configuration management (CM) activities; and collaborate with stakeholders in other departments and vendors on various automated system changes including positive train control (PTC). Develop and implement processes and workflows; establish and maintain functional and allocated system baselines for hardware and software; and generate operational and status reports. Review, coordinate, and manage system upgrades, configurations, and changes; determine any system impact; and ensure consistent adherence to defined, standardized steps, policies, and workflows. Serve as the PLM system administrator and subject matter expert and vendor liaison for user and administration issues. Ensure system changes or deviations are reviewed, analyzed, recorded and documented appropriately; monitor and track system updates to identify and resolve defects or deficiencies; and verify or recommend changes. Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related field OR in lieu of the specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in engineering or information technology (IT) system support.


• In addition to #1 above, must have five (5) years of experience in configuration or systems administration that includes installation, setup, and maintenance of automated configuration management systems.


• Considerable knowledge of configuration management tools, concepts, principles, and techniques for a wide range of configuration-controlled items.


• Considerable knowledge of configuration planning and controls.


• Knowledge of contract requirements, specifications, and deliverables associated with configuration management processes.


• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Access) or similar productivity systems.


• Proficient in Bentley ProjectWise, AssetWise or similar PLM systems.


• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to manage projects, interact with stakeholders, and facilitate meetings.


• Strong organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to details.


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.


• Ability to work independently and on a team.


• Ability to keep abreast of new technologies.


• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.


• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred

• Experience with PLM systems.

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 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. For general assistance, please contact [e-mail]. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [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.