Senior Communications Engineer - Rail & Transit

PEMCCO, Inc. is an Information Technology and Information Management (IT/IM) services firm. We assist our customers in maximizing existing and emerging technologies to achieve their desired business productivity objectives. Living the Culture and Making It Happen is the motto we live by. We Live the Culture by carrying out the tenets of our Core Values of Loyalty, Integrity, and Commitment to our Customers and Employees every day. We Make It Happen by following Smart Organization Healthy Organization (SOHO) principles for internal and external communications and the successful execution of projects.

We’re looking for a Senior Communications Engineer to play a lead role in overseeing multiple Communications System Capital Improvement Projects within the Metro Rail system, with a focus on fiber optic cable transmission systems (CTS) design, installation, testing, and commissioning. The engineer will also supervise other communication-related construction projects, including Fire Alarm, CCTV, Radio systems, and RTU upgrades. This role is vital for maintaining Metro's communications infrastructure and ensuring project execution meets high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and implementation of concurrent capital rail improvement projects involving fiber optic cable systems and communication infrastructure.
• Supervise construction and installation of communication systems, including Fire Alarm, CCTV, Radio, and RTU upgrades, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Develop design plans, construction specifications, procurement documentation, and project schedules, and manage budget allocations for assigned projects.
• Provide technical oversight and engineering support for project execution, including coordination with Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) and Metro’s Contracts and Procurement Department.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (IEEE, NFPA 130, National Electrical Code) and local fire department regulations (LAFD).
• Manage system cutover from existing fiber backbone cable systems to new fiber backbone cable systems, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
• Oversee technicians and contractors responsible for fiber installation and communications infrastructure maintenance.
• Conduct system inspections, testing, and commissioning to maintain a State of Good Repair (SGR) for Metro communications.
• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly progress reports, and conduct project-related meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate Right of Way (ROW) access with Track Allocation staff to facilitate timely project completion.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in rail communications maintenance, specializing in fiber optic networks (CTS), with an Associate degree in Electronic Communication; OR
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the construction, installation, testing, and maintenance of fiber optic backbone communication systems.
• Proven experience with rail communication systems, including fiber backbone, CTS equipment, fire alarms, RTUs, and public safety radio systems (UHF, VHF).
• Strong background in managing contractors and technicians, ensuring adherence to rail safety rules and compliance with Los Angeles County Fire Department regulations.
• Experience with industry standards (IEEE, National Electrical Code, NFPA 130) and local code compliance.
• Previous system cutover experience from existing to new fiber backbone cable systems is highly desirable.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with stakeholders across departments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage large-scale projects and oversee construction teams in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with Metro’s State of Good Repair (SGR) capital projects is preferred.
• Ability to respond to project needs during off-hours, including nights and weekends, when required.

LOGISTICS

• The role will be primarily based at the One Santa Fe offices, with field visits required for inspections and project oversight.
• The engineer must have a working cell phone with a camera and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for ROW access.
• Attendance at Metro Safety Training, including Rail and Right of Way training, is mandatory.

PAY RATE

• $42.16 - $57.69 per hour and is commensurate with experience.

BENEFITS

• 15 days of Paid Time Off
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Whole Life Plus, Identity Theft, and Law Assure
• Employee Assistance Program

PEMCCO, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The Company does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Salary : $42 - $58