PTC Systems Engineer 2

As a PTC Systems Engineer 2, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail operations by mastering Positive Train Control (PTC)-a federally mandated safety system (Title 49, Part 236, Subpart I). In this dynamic position, you will analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize the interaction between PTC and critical train components, including wayside signaling devices, advanced GPS technology, and 220 MHz radio communication networks. Your expertise will directly contribute to enhancing rail safety, preventing accidents, and improving overall system reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and troubleshoot PTC system operations to support long-term functionality.
• Conduct Tier 2 analysis of PTC events and issues, ensuring rapid diagnosis and resolution.
• Respond to end-user inquiries, providing expert support and guidance.
• Document system events and issues within the PTC ticketing system for tracking and resolution.

The Primary Duties include:

1. Provide support and assist personnel experiencing issues with the system including initializing equipment on-board trains, installing wayside software and equipment, and creating bulletins and train IDs
2. Analyze and clearly, concisely, and accurately document situations, events, and issues of the system
3. Perform root cause analysis of events and issues and make recommendations to prevent future occurrences
4. Work with other departments to improve operational support, trouble shooting methodologies, and documentation processes to decrease delays and increase system performance
5. Utilize best practices for configuration management and quality assurance in maintaining the system
6. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing

Why This Role Matters:

PTC plays a vital role in enhancing rail safety by preventing train-to-train collisions, derailments due to excessive speeds, misaligned switch movements, and unauthorized train encroachments into work zones. Your expertise will directly contribute to Metra's operational efficiency and passenger safety.

As part of the Metra Technical Assistance Center (MTAC), you will receive hands-on training and mentorship, providing you with the foundation to advance your career in rail systems engineering.

About the Engineering Department:

Metra's Engineering Department is responsible for building and maintaining critical fixed assets, including stations, bridges, tracks, electrical systems, telecommunications, and signals. The department is divided into two key areas: Capital Projects and Communications & Maintenance, ensuring the infrastructure that keeps Metra running smoothly.

This role reports to the Manager, PTC Engineering and plays a pivotal role in maintaining one of the most advanced rail safety systems in the industry.

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.

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.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

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

• Bachelor's degree or in lieu of degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four years in Information Technology or Engineering with an emphasis on system testing, maintenance, or root cause analysis.
• In addition to #1, must have four years of experience in a technical help desk, end user support facility, tier 2 support, or root cause analysis of digital components and systems.
• Good knowledge of software, computers, operating systems (Red Hat enterprise Linux, Microsoft), data communications transports, data security, and networking technologies.
• Good knowledge of the root cause analysis process.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Skill navigating enterprise applications.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization as well as contractors.
• Ability to apply analytical decision-making principles in resolving systems problems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• 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 available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
• Willing to work occasional Holidays.

Preferences:

• Experience working in the transportation industry.

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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.

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 RAC@Metrarr.com