Assistant Deputy Director – Positive Train Control Office Network Security

This position is eligible for teleworking which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

Opening:

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:

The Assistant Deputy Director - PTC (Positive Train Control) Office Network Security – supports the Deputy Director – PTC Office. The incumbent is involved in all aspects of MNR’s and PTC system network security, including the PTC Office and Wayside subsystems at the Primary Control Center (PCC), Backup Control Center (BCC), Remote Office Workstation locations, and the Wayside and Onboard components of the PTC system. PTC network security is a critical component of the system and is designed to ensure compliance with the 2008 Rail Safety Act. This position will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and continued engineering development of the PTC Office system and its security. This position will provide a partnership with the MTA Cyber Security Group by identifying potential risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to improve the security posture of the PTC system, including wayside radio cases and other remote locations.

Responsibilities:

• Provide 24/7 Engineering support and oversight for daily systems maintenance and management for Metro-North’s mission-critical and safety-critical real-time Positive Train Control systems including GCT, Field Vital Processor Interlockings, Fiber-Optics Communications Interfaces, and the PTC Operations Remote Workstation network.
• Provide, installation, testing, and documentation support for all required configuration changes to the PTC network systems. Provide technical support in troubleshooting critical and subcritical system failures with both office and field employees.
• Provide day to day operational management, version control audits, data archiving and retrieval management, and timely systems backup and restoration for all mission-critical and safety-critical systems. Partner with the MTA Cyber Security Group to improve security posture.
• Provide daily interactions with the Transportation and C&S departments, AMTRAK, and vendors in direct support of safety and the rail operation and business plan.
• Provide a lead in supporting the 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 Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of Cisco and Juniper switches, routers, and firewall configurations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of railroad and Positive Train Control (PTC) Systems.
• Knowledge and experience in the integration of digital networks.
• Knowledge of 49 CFR Part 236 requirement.
• Knowledge of TSA and NYS Cyber Security mandates.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or comparable applications.
• Ability to develop and manage services, software releases, and asset inventory.
• Strong analytical skills to analyze new and existing products, equipment and/or procedures.
• Must be able to recommend improvements or replacements to better support the network and communications 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.
• Must be able to implement and participate in Metro-North Railroad’s Priority One Safety Program.
• 24-hour 7-day availability required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills Abilities:

• Familiarity with Metro-North Policies and Procedures
• Familiarity with Metro-North collective bargaining agreements.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or other related fields. Demonstrated (4) years of related education, experience and/or technical credentials, may be considered in place of a degree.
• Minimum seven (7) years of blended experience in the management and maintenance of computer and network systems, including experience in but limited to :

• Cisco, Juniper, Windows Server 2019/22, Windows 10 Operating Systems, and Configuration.
• Experience in industrial control systems or related real-time control systems network security.
• Project management experience with strict adherence to budget and deadlines.

• Minimum five (5) years of experience managing a professional, diverse staff and/or managing projects.

The Following is/are preferred, but other satisfactory combinations of relevant experience, education, and/or technical credentials will be considered.

• Minimum six (6) years of experience in railroad operations.
• Network Security Certificates: CISM, CCNP, CISSP, CASP+.

Other Information

This position is safety-sensitive and subject to toxicological testing.

According 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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

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