Vice President, Signals

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York seeks an executive to lead NYCT’s Signal Train Control Systems and CBTC, ensuring safety, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness of critical infrastructure.

The role oversees the New Tech Signals group, develops short and long‑term strategies, manages capital construction projects, and directs the division’s safety program and policies with 24/7 readiness for emergencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Transportation Management or Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 15 years of professional experience.
• 10 years of managerial/supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a clear vision for the subway signal system.
• Create long-term strategies to enhance system performance, safety, and reliability.
• Manage multimillion-dollar capital projects related to signal upgrades or replacements.
• Prioritize investments in signal technology upgrades and replacements.
• Monitor KPIs related to signal system reliability, uptime, and safety.
• Report regularly to senior management on system performance and improvement initiatives.
• Provide leadership to subordinates by setting clear goals and expectations.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Subway rules knowledge

Signal maintenance understanding

Project management

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication skills

Decision making

Teambuilding

Education

Bachelor degree in Transportation Management or Engineering

Job description

This position is responsible for providing executive direction and oversight for NYCT’s Signal Train Control Systems and Communication Based Train Control (CBTC), ensuring the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of this critical infrastructure. The role includes strategic planning, development, administration, and allocation of both capital and operating budgets. The incumbent oversees the New Tech Signals group, which maintains, repairs, and inspects all electronic signal components, and develops short ‑ and long ‑ term strategies to optimize system performance. The position also oversees the Signals EAM program, provides leadership to subordinates in goal setting and achievement, and directs the division’s safety program, policy development, and multimillion ‑ dollar capital construction projects. Additionally, the role requires 24/7/365 responsiveness to emergency situations to ensure Signal personnel take appropriate and timely action.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• D evelop and communicate a clear vision for the subway signal system that aligns with organizational goals.
• Create long ‑ term strategies to enhance system performance, safety, and reliability.
• Manage multimillion ‑ dollar capital construction projects related to signal upgrades or replacements.
• Prioritize investments in signal technology upgrades and replacements.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators related to signal system reliability, uptime, and safety.
• Report regularly to senior management on system performance and improvement initiatives.
• Provide leadership to subordinates by setting clear goals and expectations.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Baccalaureate from an accredited college in Transportation Management or Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Fifteen (15) years of professional experience.
• Ten (10) years of Managerial/Supervisory e xperience.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Extensive knowledge of NYCT and Subways rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Thorough understanding of signal maintenance and repair operations.
• Strong knowledge of the NYCT subway system.
• Strong project management skills.
• High ‑ level decision ‑ making, negotiation, conflict resolution, teambuilding, and presentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

SELECTION METHOD

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, interview, and written assessment.

All selected candidates will be subject to a full background investigation that includes employment and education. Discrepancies may lead to dismissal.

OTHER INFORMATION

Appointment may be at a comparable level to current level of selected candidate. (If necessary)

As an employee of MTA NYC Transit, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the state of New York, if your position earns more than $101,379 (this is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

For 55-a eligible titles: Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page

TA APPLICANTS MUST BE IN A PERMANENT CIVIL SERVICE STATUS IN THE TITLE(S). IF YOU ARE ON AN ESTABLISHED LIST, YOUR LIST NUMBER MUST BE REACHABLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct. Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.