Supervisor, Signal

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.

The Signal Supervisor will oversee signal maintenance, PTC, and construction projects ensuring compliance with Metra standards, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety standards, and professional guidelines for safe railroad operations.

The primary duties include: Supervise and evaluate the work of signal employees performing inspections, maintenance, repairs, and construction tasks; and ensure tasks comply with Metra and regulatory standards, adhere to established quality protocols; and are performed within required timelines. Verify the accuracy of inspection reports, signal plans, vendor documentation, and records for construction projects to maintain regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Act as a liaison between internal teams and external parties to coordinate work and resolve signaling or PTC issues that arise. Lead troubleshooting efforts for difficult signal system or PTC repairs, determine the most effective repair processes, and document solutions for future use. Collaborate with Signal and PTC Engineers on quality control inspections and reviews on signal projects, ensuring adherence to Metra standards and federal regulations. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. 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. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Construction Maintenance, or a related field OR, in lieu of specified degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four years in signal circuit repair and maintenance, or design experience.
• In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of five years of experience in signal circuit repair and maintenance, or design.
• Must have a minimum of three years of direct supervisory experience that includes managing day-to-day operations, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, resolving conflicts, and overseeing budgeting, hiring, discipline, and/or terminations.
• Considerable knowledge of signal system operations and design principles, including circuit repair, maintenance, and modification techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of OHM's Law, series and parallel circuits, and related electrical principles that apply to signal systems and troubleshooting.
• Considerable knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and modification of signaling systems, as well as the associated safety standards
• Considerable knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including, PTC, FRA, and American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way (AREMA) standards.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational skills enabling effective problem solving and data interpretation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to field employees and management.
• Considerable skill in reading and interpreting equipment blueprints, diagrams, manuals, and specifications.
• Good project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to effectively manage signal projects ensuring their delivery is completed on schedule and within budget.
• Ability to manage training timetables and deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and promote collaboration among teams, departments, and external partners.
• Ability to understand and apply labor agreements, addressing union issues and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and policies.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within 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:

• Experience in the railroad industry and with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems.
• Experience developing, facilitating, and implementing training programs for adult learners, including the creation and delivery of technical courses and instructional materials related to signal systems or railroad operations.

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. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or 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 [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.