Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

Opening:

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal.  We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut.  A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation.  MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Position Objective:

Direct and control, maintain, and modify/upgrade the Metro-North voice and data radio and Public Address infrastructure systems in support of operational and corporate communication needs and requirements.  This position is directly accountable for planning, directing, and managing the wayside and on-board radio and public address systems; base, mobile, and portable radios; passenger station public address office and field equipment, information display systems, Kiosks, PTC wayside radio cases and interface with CILs/back office, central radio office control systems, GCT PA including the big boards, audio PA and track displays, CCN and legacy GCT radio, radio and telephone consoles, and satellite phone systems utilized by the Metro-North operations and corporate workgroups.  There is heavy involvement with the C&D department with respect to Communications system project development (i.e. Zetron upgrade project, CSI project in relation to PA and Security, Ethernet migration, PBX upgrade etc.). Additionally, there are numerous additional projects requiring input from the ACE position (i.e. Penn Station Access – East and West, Southeast parking facility, all Station upgrades, etc.). In addition, due to the heavily diversified project involvement, there is significant expertise required in project development from inception through development, award, deployment, test acceptance, and maintenance.  This position also ensures cybersecurity guidelines and requirements are adhered to for Operational Technology (OT) systems under the sphere of responsibility.  Finally, the position is the GCM (Grand Central Madison) liaison for the department with both LIRR and contractors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team by utilizing SME expertise to Mentor, coach, advise and manage employees to keep the department aligned with goals and objectives.  Assist the department’s Deputy Director in strategic planning and M of W initiatives. Ensure hiring, training, performance management, and vision and goal setting for the group is effective and successful.  Create a professional and respectful work environment with open lines of communication and a shared problem-solving approach to technical and managerial issues. Lead technical discussions within the agency (MTA) and outside the agency.  Present technical information to various groups (technical and non-technical audiences) and represent the Radio group as needed at public hearings, as required.
• Provide technical direction to the Radio/PA management workgroup within the 8+ radio shops and in association with the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the Metro-North voice, radio, PA, and PTC communication infrastructure.
• Provide technical direction and support for all additional system deployment and maintenance efforts including PBX, system-wide office and field networking upgrades, security, and station improvements, etc.
• Provide technical and project interfaces for Outside agencies.
• Provide guidance and direction with respect to the development, implementation, testing, acceptance and of new system deployments and existing system upgrades.
• Coordinate, manage, and execute revisions and additions to the communications systems utilized by the voice and alarm systems throughout the Metro-North operational and corporate territories.
• Design, and review the designs of others, the voice communication cable and electronic apparatus systems associated with the Metro-North field and office communication systems.
• Direct the management, installation, and maintenance of the radio, FCC Licenses, public address, and alarm systems at the central control office, field offices, and passenger stations necessary to support communication services to Metro-North users. Manage contractors involved in the development and deployment of new systems and system upgrades.
• Evaluate alternative solutions, system upgrades, and revisions from the technical and economic perspective and propose solutions that are efficient and meet the mission parameters for the communication services.
• Provide a lead in supporting the Metro-North Safety Program through the execution of required activities and policies associated with personnel working along or on the railroad right-of-way and other locations.
• Continuously improve technical knowledge by attending classes, lectures, symposiums, and discussions related to areas of responsibility and maintaining awareness of industry-wide best practices to determine what solutions MNR might be able to incorporate to improve our efforts.
• Act as a liaison between the Cyber Security dept and the Radio group.  Ensure new systems comply with MTA and outside entities Cyber Security requirements.  Coordinate with Comms Cyber Deputy Director.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members.  Provide effective coaching and counseling.  Manage team and individual performance.  Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.

Required Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge and experience in the integration of 2-way radio (voice and data) and public address systems and technology.
• Strong Knowledge of 2-way radio RF propagation.
• Excellent familiarity with FCC and licensing requirements for radio.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, Telcordia, Bellcore, IEEE, NYC, ADA, and NYS codes, etc. requirements and recommendations as they pertain to communications in general and system responsibilities in particular.
• Knowledge of FTA, FRA regulations, and requirements as they pertain to Radio, PTC, and PA.
• Strong knowledge of installation requirements along the railroad right-of-way and onboard the Metro-North rolling stock (or comparable equipment).
• Expert in communication services required for a railroad, corporate operations, and end-users.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or comparable applications.
• Excellent analytical skills are needed in order to analyze new and existing products, equipment, and/or procedures.
• Has demonstratable experience evaluating alternate design and system expansion approaches and solutions.
• Strong ability to recommend improvements or replacements to better support the voice and communications systems.
• Strong ability to work in a high-profile/high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with internal departments and outside agencies.
• Ensure internal and presented designs represent the optimal engineering/cost balance.
• Experience developing, mentoring, and supporting workgroups in expanding system knowledge, reducing operational costs, and supporting new requirements for comm. Systems.
• Must be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week as required to support maintenance and construction projects.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Understand cyber requirements, regulations, and standards as they apply to Operational Technology systems.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Familiarity with Metro-North Policies and Procedures.
• Familiarity with Metro-North collective bargaining agreements.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related engineering field.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience to include the following:

• Management, installation, and maintenance of 2-way radio, public address, and related control systems and alarm systems.
• Experience encompassing all aspects of 2-way voice communications.
• Experience encompassing large-scale communications projects, including installations and maintenance.

• Minimum five (5) years of experience managing professional staff, a diverse workforce, and/or projects.

Other Information

This position is safety-sensitive and subject to toxicological testing.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.