Description
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, Back Office Systems, the position will function as the technical lead for back office engineers working in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) group; assist in the development of training, documentation, and system improvements; participate in system architecture design, deployment, and maintenance; and analyze and resolve complex systems issues.
The primary duties include: Participate and oversee the deployment of CAD and CAD-adjacent systems working with user department and various groups in PTC to assess and coordinate system updates both in the lab and production environments, troubleshoot issues, and oversee functionality changes. Analyze Metra's dispatch needs and propose solutions; participate in system design and analysis meetings; and develop system requirement specifications. Act as a subject matter expert for the CAD team having in- depth knowledge of Metra's dispatch system requirements, vendor design, and CAD configurations in order to provide detailed analysis of complex issues and participate in multi-discipline troubleshooting sessions. Develop test cases and test environments for the CAD team to facilitate continuous deliver of new software and database updates. Analyze software and database performance, identify issues, and provide solutions. Act as the primary technical liaison for the entire dispatch environment collaborating with end users on system updates and issues; working with vendors on systems and application development and expansion; and researching and recommending new CAD technologies. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Requirements
1. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or Computer Science, or lieu of a degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in the development, maintenance, or support of computer-aided systems.
2. In addition to #1 above must have a minimum of seven years of experience that includes a combination of developing, maintaining, or supporting computer-aided dispatching systems, railroad signaling systems, and/or complex computer systems.
3. Considerable knowledge of:

• systems engineering principles.
• infrastructure planning and maintenance.

4. Good knowledge of:

• railroad Computer Aided Dispatch Systems and railroad operations.
• IP based, RF, and analog communications systems.

5. Strong:

• analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• verbal and written communication skills.

6. Skilled in developing and managing databases.
7. Proficient in:

• Linux and Windows system administration.
• Microsoft 365.
• Microsoft SQL or similar systems.

8. Ability to:

• solve complex issues in large scale distributed systems.
• work in a high pressure environment and maintain attention to detail.
• train coworkers and systems users.

9. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Preferred :
Experience:

• working in Back Office Systems or railroad signaling systems.
• with database systems such as Microsoft SQL.

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.