Engineer-FRA/LIRR Testing and Inspection
Description
Title: Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing and Inspection
Department: Engineering
Post Date: 11/08/2024
Close Date: 11/22/2024
Hay Point Evaluation: 805
Salary Range: $109,826 - $164,738
Position Classification: Safety Sensitive
Location: Queens
Reports To: Principal Engineer – Signal Investigations, Standards and Special Projects
This is a Non-Represented Position.
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.
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.
SUMMARY:
Responsible for ensuring that all FRA/LIRR signal testing is performed in accordance with FRA/LIRR rules and regulations. Direct test procedures to ensure timely compliance in accordance with FRA/LIRR procedures and monitor schedules to ensure timely compliance with FRA/LIRR and US DOT recommendations and requirements. Oversee Signal Department NYS DOT and Roadway Authorities biannual Grade Crossing Preemption Inspection. Also responsible for issues associated with grade crossing safety and improvements. Act as a Signal department expert with regards to answering complaints or issues directed to you by Public Affairs and Government Relations departments. This is a key position in the Signal Department responsible for ensuring public safety.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Plan, manage, coordinate, and evaluate all FRA/LIRR required signal system testing. Maintain test documentation to ensure compliance with FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) Rules and regulations.
- Develop testing procedures to ensure proper testing in accordance with FRA/LIRR rules and regulations on all signal systems including new technologies. Direct the development of testing manuals for distribution to field personnel. Work with the training department to ensure all procedures are included in signal training courses.
- Serve as the Principal Engineer & ACE (Assistant Chief Engineer)’s advisor on all FRA/LIRR signal test requirements. Support Principal Engineers as 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 the development of computerized and written signal system test activities. Monitor and evaluate test results and coordinate corrective remedial action.
- Direct Signal investigative teams responding to reported grade crossing failures, signal system failures and derailments. Generate investigative reports and analysis. Analyze wayside event recorder data when available to corroborate investigation results. File required forms with FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) for all applicable signal department incidents.
- Plan, coordinate, and direct testing of LIRR signal systems. Direct the development of tests specific to new signal system projects. Support and oversee the cutover of new Signal systems.
- Conduct internal audits and support FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) mandated signal and crossing system audits and inspections. Manage, plan and schedule signal test gangs. Direct the management, review, filing and tracking of FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) required Hours of Service (HOS) requirements and reporting mechanism.
- 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. 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.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A). Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Business. Demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree; combined years of experience and education required in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree must equal 4 and will be required in addition to the experience requirement noted below.
- Must possess progressively responsible railroad experience in signaling (approximately 8-10 - years, 3 years of which shall include experience managing/supervising staff in a related capacity).
- Must possess thorough and extensive knowledge of all aspects of the Signal Department.
- 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 possess comprehensive knowledge of the Communications and Signal manuals (C&S 227, C&S 223 & C&S 996a, Special Instructions (Signal Black Book)).
- Must possess knowledge and understanding of operating rules and other LIRR disciplines.
- Must possess strong organizational skills for monitoring, controlling and tracking all tests.
- Must be able to direct signal personnel regarding proper procedures to be used with all FRA/LIRR tests.
- Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
- Must be able to plan, schedule, coordinate and analyze FRA/LIRR tests.
- Must possess signal design experience, knowledge of QA techniques.
- Must possess extensive knowledge of signal systems.
- Must possess an active Signal Employee Certification as per LIRR approved 49 CFR 246 program and maintain certification as required. (For candidates prior to March 17th, 2025, employee must be on the active list of candidates for submission to the FRA as an employee who is Signal Certified.)
B.) Preferred
- Knowledge and experience with investigative procedures and investigative interviewing.
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.