Sr Electrical Engineer

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail is seeking an Electrical Engineer in Chicago to lead electrical power distribution design and project management on large rail projects.

The role requires deep knowledge of electrical engineering principles, experience with CAD tools, and the ability to oversee consultants and budgets while coordinating across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Eight years of experience, with design of electrical power distribution systems and project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage consultants, including developing and maintaining project schedules and meetings.
• Prepare design packages with drawings, specs, cost estimates, and calculations.
• Handle contract documents, solicit bids, and review proposals for compliance and value.
• Coordinate day-to-day team activities, assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide guidance.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with codes and standards.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Microsoft Office

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

$86,686.00 - $130,030.00

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 Director of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Design, the Electrical Engineer applies specialized expertise in the performance of electrical design, construction, and project management functions; provides technical guidance on the repair and maintenance of newly installed equipment to maintenance electricians working on Metra commuter railroad lines, facilities, and stations; and trains less experienced staff on division operations.

The primary duties include: Manage consultants including: developing and maintaining project schedules, leading planning and progress meetings, monitoring and approving tasks, visiting job sites to inspect work-in-progress for compliance with contract specifications and quality standards, and resolving technical issues. Prepare design packages including drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and technical calculations for power distribution projects, electrical equipment purchases, and lighting systems, ensuring compliance with federal and local codes, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and electrical industry standards. Prepare contract documents required to solicit projects for bid; participate in pre-bid meetings to respond to scope, specification, and technical questions; review vendor bid proposals for compliance, feasibility, efficiency, and cost effectiveness; and make recommendations for contract awards. Perform contract administration duties including: reviewing invoices for contract compliance, accuracy, and supporting documentation; evaluating change orders and contract modifications for cost effectiveness and necessity; and approving or resolving payment discrepancies. Manage contract files according to Metra quality management plan, keep orderly and accurate records of all project related correspondence, and prepare detailed project status reports. 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. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. 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 Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of eight (8) years experience including both: the design of electrical power distribution systems with some railroad specific electrical systems, lighting, and control; and project management experience that includes engineering design or construction.
• Experience in the design of railroad engineering projects, specifically DC traction power is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of electrical engineering principles and standards.
• Considerable knowledge of electrical systems and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of specification writing.
• Good knowledge of the National Electric Code, Chicago Building Code, and NFPA standards.
• Knowledge of DC train traction power.
• Considerable skill preparing and interpreting engineering plans, cost estimates, and technical drawings.
• Good math, analytical, organizational, and problems solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good inter-personal skills to work with various engineering departments, freight railroads, and governmental agencies.
• Proficient in AutoCAD or Microstation software and Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment.
• Ability to work as a team leader or independently on major projects.
• Ability to evaluate complex technical problems and apply engineering knowledge to provide practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Ability to deliver presentations on technical subject matter.
• Must possess and maintain a current driver's license and able to operate a vehicle.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferences

• Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer

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. 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.