Principal Engineer – Signal Investigations, Standards & Special Projects

Job ID: 7265

Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road

Location: Jamaica, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: ACE Signals & Commun Staff

Date Posted: May 10, 2024

Description

Title: Principal Engineer – Signal Investigations, Standards & Special Projects

Department: Engineering

Post Date: 05/10/2024

Close Date: 05/23/2024

Hay Point Evaluation: 864

Salary Range: $115,579 - $151,697

Position Classification: Safety Sensitive

Location: Queens

Reports To: Assistant Chief Officer – Communications and Signal

This is a Non-Represented Position.

Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

SUMMARY

This position is responsible to direct, manage, and oversee the equipment, tools, and standards to be utilized for the development, installation, and maintenance of LIRR Signal Systems. Ensures and manages signal department compliance with CFR 49 §233, §234, §235, §236 to include: configuration management (Subpart H) & DOT MUTCD. Responsible for management and investigation of signal system failures/anomalies and is the primary liaison to NYSDOT, NTSB, PTSB, and FRA. Responsible for the management, coordination, and oversight of Special projects including, but not limited to SCADA, PTC, CTC, DOT and NYAR to ensure successful completion and to ensure that resulting systems are monitored, maintained and upgraded as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Develop, maintain and manage C&S223, 227, 996a, Special Instructions, standard procedures, practices, drawings and manuals to ensure current information is available for use by all affected personnel.

• Oversee the direction of Signal Investigative teams responding to reported grade crossing failures, signal system failures and derailments. Ensures investigative reports and required documentation/forms are filed with the FRA {Federal Railroad Administration) and LIRR Senior Management for all applicable Signal Department incidents.

• Provide oversight and management of Signal Supervisory and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Group affecting service operations. Oversee the identification and reported system failures investigations. Research and update systems and/or equipment as required to improve reliability and availability. Ensure that SCADA Systems are properly monitored and maintained. Ensure that all identified or reported system faults are thoroughly investigated and addressed to minimize potential of future faults.

• Provide oversight and management of Positive Train Control (PTC) and Centralized Train Control (CTC) Systems. Oversee the identification and reported system failures investigations. Research and update systems and/or equipment as required to improve reliability and availability. Ensure that PTC and CTC systems are properly monitored and maintained. Ensure that all identified or reported system faults are thoroughly investigated and addressed to minimize potential of future faults.

• Coordinate, manage, develop and prioritize special projects (i.e. DOT, NYAR and other department requests) which may or may not have an impact on the signal system. Oversee the process for researching, gathering information, reviewing and approving scope of work and making recommendation for all Special Projects that are proposed to the Signal Department from political requests. Track all Special Project specific to Maintenance and Construction.

• Provide oversight and management for the research and development (R&D) of new equipment, tools and materials. Research and test new equipment for compatibility with existing signal system including form, fit and function. Research and test all new tools procured for field personnel. Oversee the establishment pilot usage programs and locations for pilot test and all documentation are accurately recorded and filed to be in compliance.

• Serve as the ACO (Assistant Chief Officer)'s advisor on all FRA/LIRR signal test requirements. Serve as Signal's liaison to safety, public relations, Transportation, and outside agencies, FRA/DOT (Federal Railroad Administration/Department of Transportation), NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), PTSB (Public Transportation Safety Board), regarding signal system safety matters. Monitor, review and provide guidance on policy changes regarding new FRA {Federal Railroad Administration rules and regulations.

• Direct internal auditing and support outside agency audit/inspections of Signal Department apparatus.

• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the section. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

• Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.

• Perform all other assignments requested by Senior Management including support during storms and events impacting train service etc.

  QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience (approximately 15 years recent, related Signal experience, approximately 8 of which should be in a supervisory or management capacity) and education may be considered in lieu of the degree., subject to approval.

• Must possess progressively responsible related experience (approximately 10-15 years) with remote control systems, electrical engineering, vital microprocessor, and transport technologies.

• Must possess recent, related experience in LIRR Signal engineering including relevance to signal systems, railroad operations and operating rules.

• Must recent, related experience with managing scopes, schedules, and budgets. -Must possess strong emergency management and investigative experience and skills.

• Must possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of LIRR Signal standards and procedures to include C&S 227, C&S 223 & C&S 996a.

• Must possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of FRA CFR 49 §233, §234, §235, §236, NYS DOT Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Communications & Signal Manual of Recommended Practice. -Must have experience working with other LIRR departments and/or outside governmental agencies (FRA, NTSB, PTSB, DOT, etc.).

• Must possess experience managing a staff. -Must possess budgeting and accounting experience.

• Must possess experience with 236 Subpart H implementation: Railroad Safety Program Plan (RSPP), Product Safety Plan (PSP), and Informational Filings (IF).

• Must possess knowledge and experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) or equivalent system, Positive Train Control, and Centralized Train Control systems.

• Must possess working knowledge of labor agreements.

• Must possess proven leadership and management skills with ability to develop and motivate technical personnel in the design application and emergency supervision of all Signal department personnel.

• Must possess high level of professional integrity and work ethic.

• Must be self-motivated with the ability to provide solutions to complex problems.

• Must possess strong communication, analytical, problem-solving, decision making, presentation, and project management type skills.

• Must possess the ability to exercise sound judgment skills and provide effective resolutions to complex issues.

• Must be willing to be responsible for the performance of subordinates.

• Must be a seasoned manager with a high level of professional integrity and work ethic.

  PREFERRED SKILLS :

• Knowledge and experience with ISO control procedures

• Signal Design Concepts

• Knowledge and experience with ground faults, lightning isolation and protection systems.

• Knowledge and experience with investigative procedures and investigative interviewing.

• Trained and knowledgeable in FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) & National Infrastructure Management System (NIMS) under HSPD-5

  OTHER INFORMATION

  In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening. assessment (i.e., physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work. history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection. process. A medical examination and safety sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

  EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

  MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

  The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.