Telecommunications Engineer 2

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

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Telecommunications Engineer II to design and specify communications equipment across Metra’s fixed assets. The role includes project management for in-house and Turn-Key projects, plus coordination with telecom carriers and field surveys.

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering and at least five years of railroad telecom experience, with strong Windows and MS Office skills. Some Linux/MacOS familiarity is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in the telecommunications field.
• Five (5) years of railroad telecommunications experience.
• Coursework or experience in analog circuits, digital circuits, integrated circuits, switching power supplies, computer networking, modulation and detection theory, and antennas and propagation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Windows, MS Office Suite. Familiarity with Linux OS and MacOS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide recommendations, design requirements, and specifications for Communications and related Electronic equipment used throughout Metra.
• Provide project management for in-house engineering projects and is the Metra representative for Turn-Key projects.
• Technical liaison to communications carriers (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, Comcast).
• Research new technologies, provide cost estimates and forecast future communication needs. Conduct field surveys and evaluate system performance.

Skills

Telecom system knowledge

Railroad telecom experience

Windows proficiency

MS Office

Verbal and written communication

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering

4 years telecom education/experience alternative

Tools

Telecom test equipment

Linux OS familiarity

MacOS familiarity

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

$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.

The Engineering Department 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 Telecommunications and Maintenance.

Reporting directly to the Manager, Telecommunications Design, the Telecommunications Engineer II will provide recommendations, design requirements, and specifications for Communications and related Electronic equipment used throughout Metra.

Provide project management for "in-house" engineering projects and is the Metra representative for "Turn-Key" projects. Technical liaison to communications carriers (such as AT&T, Verizon, Comcast). Research new technologies, provide cost estimates and forecast future Communication needs. Conduct field surveys, evaluate system performance, and assist in system design upgrades. Responsible for QMP for Communication related projects. Initiate and maintain current FCC licenses. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. May require Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Fingering, Grasping, Feeling, and Verbal Communication. 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.

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].

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering Technology OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in the telecommunications field.
• In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of railroad telecommunications experience.
• Must have coursework or experience in analog circuits, digital circuits, integrated circuits, switching power supplies, computer networking, modulation and detection theory, and antennas and propagation.
• Specific knowledge in telecommunication systems including On-train, Portable, and vehicular two-way radios, private branch exchange telephone networks, OC-3 fiber optic and Microwave systems, On-train, Platform, and Terminal Public Address systems, Alarm and Card Access systems, GPS tracking, Video Surveillance systems, Dynamic Sign systems, Train Dispatching and Police Dispatching Communication System, Facsimile Machines, Radio Towers, Computer Networking, Emergency Generators, DC Battery Plants, Ticket Vending Machines, and Information Systems Inside and Outside Plants.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Windows, MS Office Suite. Familiarity with Linux OS and MacOS preferred.
• Must be proficient in the use of telecommunication test equipment, hand tools, and other communication devices.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Must possess and maintain a current driver's license.
• Railroad Workplace Safety (49 CFR 214.301) qualified or able to obtain within sixty (60) days of hire.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.

Preferences

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license preferred.
• Manufacturer specific Certification courses a plus. Manufacturers include (but not limited to):
• Cisco
• Microsoft
• HP / HPE / Aruba
• Brocade
• Junglemux
• Pivot3
• Systemax
• Motorola
• Mitel
• QSC

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.