Manager, CAD and PTC Projects

Job 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.

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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.

Transportation is responsible for providing safe, efficient and dependable transportation to commuters on all Metra-operated lines: Milwaukee North and West, Rock Island, Metra Electric, SouthWest Service, North Central Service and Heritage Corridor and those lines operating under purchase of service agreements: BNSF and Union Pacific. In addition to all employees directly involved in providing train service, the Transportation Department also oversees the Rules Department, Dispatching Office, Crew Management Center, Station Services, Customer Service, Ticket Services and GPS Center.

Reporting to the Director, PTC Deployment & Regulatory Compliance, the Manager, CAD and PTC Projects will manage the administration of the computer aided dispatching (CAD) system and the positive train control (PTC) system interface to ensure implementation, functionality, and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with specified objectives; prevent or mitigate impacts of service disruptions; ensure safe and efficient day-to-day train movement; and maintain operational compliance.

The primary duties include supervise and manage assigned team of CAD system managers; manage project schedules to ensure resources are available to meet milestones; assess dispatcher training and safety needs to ensure they are met; and identify and resolve user and system problems. Provide technical expertise in the design, development, testing, and implementation of the agency's CAD and PTC initiatives; serve as a subject matter expert and operations liaison on PTC projects; ensure that dispatch system functionalities are included when PTC system updates are considered. Participate in project related meetings; and share expert knowledge as a vital member of the various project teams that may be instituted. Collaborate and work with dispatchers and cross-functional teams to define operational procedures and agency specific system requirements; and assist with the development, maintenance, and ongoing implementation of the CAD system and PTC integration implementation. Provide system configurations and system support; oversee the administration of the security and trouble tickets for the CAD system. Work with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure regulatory requirements are met; manage changes to system infrastructure and requirements that are due to federal regulations; and determine impact of regulations on operations. In conjunction with the Engineering department, assist in coordinating PTC schedules, locations, and field testing (e.g., critical features, signal verification and validation, brake algorithms, revenue service demonstrations, etc.). Review reports and PTC implementation and safety plans; identify potential methods and procedures that provide opportunities for increased operational efficiencies and safety enhancements; and provide status updates and commentary from an operational perspective to senior management. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the department.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Math, Computer Science, Information Systems OR in lieu of specified degree any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in the railroad or transportation industry, preferably working with dispatching or signal systems.
• In addition to #1, five (5) years of experience in the railroad or transportation industry, preferably in train operations, dispatching, or PTC signaling systems.
• Two (2) years of experience as a team lead or supervisor is required.
• Considerable knowledge of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety and railroad operating rules and regulations, and PTC and CAD-TMDS system procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of train management dispatching systems such as ALSTOM or Wabtec and their functionality.
• Considerable knowledge of project management principles, techniques, and methodologies.
• Considerable knowledge of back office systems and positive train control.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and Project).
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to interact and collaborate with others.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to details.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and rapidly learn on-board issues related to system interfaces between train dispatchers and operating crews.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with employees at all levels within the agency.
• Must be qualified for General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) within 60 days of hire date.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Certifications:

• Must be qualified for General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) within 60 days of hire date.

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.

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. For general assistance, please contact [email protected] . 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [email protected] .

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.