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Assistant Director - Positive Train Control (PTC) Radio Systems
Job ID: 5338
Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad
Location: New York, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Deputy Chief Engr C&S
Date Posted: Mar 25, 2024
Description
POSTING NO. | |
JOB TITLE: | Assistant Director - PTC Radio Systems |
DEPT/DIV: | Communications & Signal (C&S) |
WORK LOCATION: | Grand Central Terminal. |
FULL/PART TIME | FULL |
SALARY RANGE: | $89, 892.00 - $117,983.25 |
DEADLINE: | Open Until Filled |
MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service and rewarding opportunities to its employees.
Position Objective
This position supports the design, implementation, testing, maintenance and operation of Positive Train Control (PTC) data radio systems. This includes wayside PTC digital radio systems, onboard digital radios equipment, related centralized control systems as well as existing legacy analog voice radio equipment. It is directly accountable for overseeing the installation, management, and maintenance of the wayside field equipment/control points as well as the installation and integration into the train fleet to ensure compliance with all federal, state, company, and local rules and regulations.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the design integrity of PTC Radio systems including participating in design reviews, documentation development, travelling to material suppliers, developing specifications, reviewing reports, etc.
- Support the safe testing of Positive Train Control systems including wayside and train.
- Develop installation plans and procedures.
- Train Communication department staff to properly maintain the PTC Radio equipment in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Support lab and qualification/integration testing of communications systems and devices.
- Collect relevant data to support problem identification and resolution.
- Provide support for field technicians to help debug and troubleshoot failures.
- Assist in the development of maintenance, troubleshooting and checklist procedures.
- Support field updates and system configuration changes as required.
- Implement periodic planned system upgrades and revisions, develop lifecycle replacement program for PTC system components. Assist in keeping PTC radio systems in a good state-of-repair.
- Coordinate project needs to ensure reliable, on-time implementation that can be maintained with minimal outages.
- Develop staff and support the workgroup in expanding system knowledge, reducing operational costs and supporting new requirements for communications systems, including PTC and voice radio systems.
- Provide a lead in supporting Metro-North Safety Program through the execution of required activities and policies associated with personnel working along or on the railroad right-of-way and other locations.
Required Qualifications
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be proficient with EDX Pro RF Propagation Network Modeling software.
- Strong knowledge of training processes, procedures and curriculum.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Power Point and/or comparable applications
- Develop and manage service and equipment database inventory.
- Strong analytical skills in order to stay current on and analyze new and existing products, equipment and/or procedures.
- Must manage personnel in dealing with CM on all associated PTC systems.
- Must be able to recommend improvements or replacements to better support the signal systems.
- Must be able to work in a high-profile/high-pressure environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with internal departments and outside agencies.
- Strong working knowledge of the FRA, FCC, AAR and AREMA communications and signal standards and regulations (including the Congressional 2008 Rail Safety Act)
- Strong working knowledge of Metro North Railroad’s infrastructure and MOW Departments.
- In-depth knowledge of mathematics, physics, general electronics theory as well as specialized training in areas such as wave propagation, RF measurement / instrumentation, filters, analysis, design, implementation, optimization and enhancement of wireless telecommunications networks, specifically digital LMR.
- Must be able to implement and participate in Metro-North Railroad’s Priority One Safety Program
- 24-hours 7 days availability required.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials to include four (4) additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience encompassing all aspects of RF Design and Network Design
- Minimum three (3) years of experience working within PTC RF field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in railroad signal systems, testing and installation and control systems including voice and data communication systems.
The following is/are preferred:
- Knowledge of Metro-North Railroad developed applications.
- Knowledge of Radio Systems used in Positive Train control.
- Knowledge of and or certified on Key Sight RF sensor / Geolocation hardware and applications for interference mitigation.
- Knowledge of Metro-North Railroad signal system testing, inspection & maintenance.
- Extensive knowledge of All NEC Freight and Commuter railroads as a member of the NEC Communications Engineering Committee.
- Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Extensive knowledge of the interference mitigation engineering efforts in support of interoperability.
- Extensive experience in C&S testing and maintenance
Other Information
This is a federally regulated position and is subject to toxilogical testing.
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”).
Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
Selection Criteria
Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.
Additional Criteria for Current Employees: Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration. Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position, and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example: Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union. Non-agreement employees must have worked in your current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please apply online at www.mta.info
Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.
How to Apply
MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.
Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.
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.