Sr Project Manager, Telecom

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.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra’s fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Manager of Telecommunications Design, the Sr Project Manager, Telecommunications is responsible for managing the full life cycle of assigned projects including; overseeing budgets, estimates, scope, timelines, staffing, scheduling; and ensure budgetary requirements are being met in accordance with the contract. The role guarantees continuous project performance through close collaboration with cybersecurity, operations, information technology/operational technology (IT/OT) teams, and vendors to maintain around the clock system functionality.

The primary duties include: Work with subject matter experts; maintain project files to include preparation of project budgets; cost estimates, specifications, scope, standard procedures, policies, schedules, and staffing plans for assigned projects to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness to meet the agency's goals. Monitor and coordinate the performance of the project team; ensure scope of work, schedule, and budgetary requirements are met in accordance with the contract; identify potential project risk and recommend solutions to mitigate project improvements. Prepare presentations; reports; and ensure projects are compliance with contract specifications, engineering best practices, quality, and safety standards. Assign tasks and provide guidance and training to team members as needed. Collaborate with the contract administration team to review contract specifications and bid documents. Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

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

Job Requirements

• Bachelors degree, preferably in Project Management, Engineering OR in lieu of degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in telecommunications or project management.
• In addition to #1 must have five years of experience in telecommunications, preferably in the railroad, or transportation industry.
• Considerable knowledge of telecommunication systems, including portable, and vehicular two-way radios; private branch exchange telephone network (PBX); fiber optics; alarm and card access systems; GPS tracking; video surveillance systems; and dispatching communication systems.
• Considerable knowledge of telecommunication software system components and interoperability.
• Considerable knowledge of Ethernet and network protocol.
• Proficient in Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Project, Power BI, Power Automate, SharePoint), Dynamics 365 (D365), and similar systems such as SAP or other ERP platforms.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to translate common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and other documents to team members and stakeholders.
• Strong networking skills, particularly in the use and support of wireless technologies.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment blueprints, diagrams, manuals, and technical specifications.
• Ability to take initiative, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments and effectively manage deadlines.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be Rules qualified within 60 days.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
• Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• General Radiotelephone Operator License or similar (FCC) license.

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.