Deputy Director, Communications Network Architect

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:

This highly technical position is responsible for operation, maintenance, and control of the Metro-North network communication infrastructure systems as well as dedicated networks for PTC, CTC, SCADA, Radio, PBX, PA, and physical security systems. Support operational and corporate communication needs and requirements.  It is directly accountable for planning, designing, directing, and managing all MNR communication systems, which are a major element of the mission critical and vital voice, train, and power control systems, as well as the communication components related to revenue collection and public information.  This position also represents the Communications department at highly technical networking meetings with the Cyber group, and manages the networking discipline within the Communications department

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team by utilizing SME (subject matter expert) expertise to Mentor, coach, advise and manage employees to keep department aligned with goals and objectives.  Assist the department’s Director with strategic planning and M of W initiatives. Ensure hiring, training, performance management, and vision and goal setting for the group is effective and successful.  Create a professional and respectful work environment with open lines of communication and a shared problem-solving approach to technical and managerial issues. Lead technical discussions within the agency (MTA) and outside the agency.  Present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences, as required.
• Provide leadership and direction in the design, implementation, configuration, maintenance and monitoring support of the CTC, PTC SCADA, PA, radio, and security networks.
• Take a lead role in the decommissioning of the DACS, SONET and other obsolete Communications networking equipment.
• Take a lead role in the management and execution of revisions and additions to the fiber optic and copper communications systems utilized by the voice, data, and control systems throughout the Metro-North operational and corporate territories.  Plan for the ongoing DWDM network evolution as tech changes.
• Directly responsible for monitoring and analyzing the DWDM system’s performance to ensure that all communications services being provided meet the required operational needs of the user or user systems.
• Respond to critical networking issues 24x7x365.
• Develop and evaluate network design solutions, system upgrades, and revisions from the technical and economic perspective, and propose solutions that are efficient and meet the mission parameters for the systems communication services.
• Keep up to date with modern networking technologies, techniques, and best design/implementation practices.  Conduct research into modern optical networking tech.
• Provide technical lead for optical networking projects.  Make recommendations and participate in network design workshops as needed. Provide SME support for all Comm projects requiring a networking interface.
• Provide a lead interface for the department with the MTA Cyber Security group.
• 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:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• SME knowledge and experience in the integration of optical and IP networks.
• SME network design level experience.
• SME Knowledge of telecommunication copper and fiber plants.
• SME direct, hands-on working knowledge of LAN, WAN, SONET, DWDM, Carrier Ethernet, routing protocols, network management, carrier or network troubleshooting experience, or comparable experience.
• SME knowledge of communication services provided by the system and an understanding of how the customers will use them.
• SME knowledge and experience in network system integration.
• Strong knowledge of Cybersecurity industry best practices, CIST frameworks, and MTA guidelines.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or comparable applications
• SME analytical skills in order to analyze new and existing products, equipment and/or procedures.
• SME level problem solving skills in the technical (optical and IP) networking arena.
• Must be able to recommend improvements or replacements to better support all voice 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.
• Valid driver’s license.

The following is/are preferred:

• Familiarity with Metro-North Policies and Procedures.
• Familiarity with Metro-North collective bargaining agreements.
• Familiarity with MNR’s communications network infrastructure.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience encompassing all aspects of data communications.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of management experience encompassing large scale data network design, installations, and maintenance.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of LAN’s and associated equipment.

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.