Network Engineer

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with eight (8) years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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 Chief Engineering Officer, Network Engineers install, maintain, and monitor and support local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) equipment and software; analyze service options, infrastructure configurations, and ongoing support requirements to improve system reliability and maintain operations metrics; and maintain infrastructure equipment with current vendor support agreements.

The primary duties include: Assist in the design, research, and implement LAN/WAN solutions for enterprise networks. Solve infrastructure problems and manage performance and capacity issues. Lead network security architecture and deployment activities and manage daily Cisco infrastructure security. Assess new software releases to determine if upgrades are needed, apply patches, and execute/test upgrades for Cisco infrastructure. Document infrastructure issues, processes, and environment utilizing the provided tools. Coordinate and oversee the work of third party networking consultants, maintain equipment with current vendor support agreements, and function as primary contact for resolution of Cisco support issues. 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.

1. Bachelor's degree in computer related discipline, engineering, or in lieu of degree, any combination of education and work experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in Information Technology infrastructure and networking services.
2. In addition to #1, must have six years of progressively responsible IT experience that includes: implementing LANs, WANS, and Cisco infrastructure in a primary data center/disaster recovery environment, working with Cisco enterprise level switches, routers firewalls, and wireless LAN controllers; and at least three years planning, analyzing, configuring, installing, and managing Cisco systems.
3. Considerable knowledge of Cisco technologies, multiple routing and Cisco OTV protocols (OSPF/BGP/HSRP/EIGRP), and current Cisco IOS.
4. Considerable knowledge of security related technologies such as 2-factor authentication, RADIUS, RSA and 802.1x.
5. Good knowledge of load balancers, monitoring tools and enterprise business systems/applications used for both internal and external-facing systems as they relate to infrastructure support .
6. Proficient in WAN, T-1, Frame Relay, MPLS, and wireless Cisco protocols.
7. Strong Layer 2 and 3 network skills.
8. Skill assessing highly complex infrastructure problems and investigating, developing, and implementing solutions.
9. Strong analytical and organization skills with attention to detail.
10. Strong communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with users, management, and consultants.
11. Ability to multi-task, prioritize multiple objectives, and bring projects to completion.
12. Ability to work independently.
13. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
14. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
15. Ability to stand, walk, and/or, for extended periods of time.
16. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
17. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
18. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
19. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
20. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. CCNP or F5 certification

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.