Engineer - Track Rail Integrity

Engineering Jamaica, NY


Description

Position at Long Island Rail Road

Job Title: Engineer – Track Rail Integrity 
Department: Engineering
MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road
Primary Location(s): Bethpage
Salary: $112,166.00 - $129,471.00


Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation: N/A
Closing Date (if applicable): Open until filled
Shift (if applicable): Day
 Telework Eligible: No
Drivers License Required: Yes
 
 
Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island. 
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.
 
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible to plan, lead, manage, and implement Track Rail Integrity and FRA Compliance programs ensuring the most effective utilization of track forces and resources to meet the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) commitment to safety in maintaining all aspects of track structural integrity.  This includes the management of our Continuous Welded Rail Plan, rail adjustment and installation procedures, thermite welding procedures, rail grinding program, internal rail defect detections, track geometry inspection, investigation of rail service failures, 3rd party contract testing services incident investigations, and general FRA compliance.  Provide safe, reliable, and on-time train operations in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations while maintaining budgetary constraints. 
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Plan, implement, manage, and coordinate various Track Inspection programs for the system to ensure track is in a state of good repair with minimal service disruptions to meet OTP goals. Organize and plan rail grinding and rail replacement programs ensuring appropriate scheduling of track outages to minimize delays and maximize work.
  • Manage all track condition assessments in conjunction with Geometric Information System (GIS). Develop and implement Linear Analytics to assist with predictive maintenance planning.
  • Develop, implement, and manage annual maintenance and reimbursable budgets for section.   Manage workforce assignment of appropriate resources to ensure effective productive levels of performance.  Manage overtime schedule for section.
  • Support and monitor Track Geometry Car runs to comply with FRA regulations (49 CFR §213) and/or existing waivers.  Support and monitor Sperry Rail Testing.
  • Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. 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.
Conduct training programs for maintenance using MW-2000/CE-1/CWR manuals.  Supply revisions and modifications to MW-2000/CE-1/CWR Plan.
  • Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
  • Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
 
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or an additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree. 
  • Minimum 6 years of recent, related progressively responsible engineering experience, track operations preferred, with experience managing labor forces and/or professional staff, and management responsibility for a budget and/or projects.
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Working knowledge and understanding of project management procedures, planning, and scheduling.
  • Knowledge of LIRR physical characteristics (Right of Way facility locations, road charts, etc.) with the ability to read and understand Track drawings, track charts and Physical Characteristics maps
  • Possess detailed knowledge and understanding of Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) rules and procedures.
  • Must be familiar with LIRR and federal safety and training policies and regulations as they relate to Engineering and Track department.
  • Knowledge of LIRR physical characteristics (Right of Way facility locations, road charts, etc.) with the ability to read and understand Track drawings, track charts and Physical Characteristics maps.
  • Familiarity with managing budget constraints, estimating projects and materials. 
  • Knowledge of related Engineering principles and theories and related application of such.
  • Working knowledge of LIRR operations and track maintenance/construction scheduling procedures or demonstrated equivalent.
  • Possess strong, effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Possess demonstrated leadership skills, problem solving, judgment, and decision-making abilities.
  • Possess a professional demeanor with a high degree of integrity.
BENEFITS:
  • Commuting Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
  • Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
  • Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
  • Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
  • Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
  • Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • #TapYourCareer
  • #MTACareers
OTHER INFORMATION:
  • Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
  • Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
  • LIRR: 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.   
  • #TapYourCareers 
  • #MTACareers 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / ADA DISCLAIMER:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.