Engineer - Communications Maintenance
Description
Job Title: Engineer – Communications Maintenance – Level I, II | Department: Engineering - Communications |
MTA Agency: LIRR | Primary Location(s): 144-41 94th Avenue |
Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $102,707 - $128,384 | Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive |
Union Affiliation: N/A | Closing Date (if applicable): 9/18/2025 |
Shift (if applicable): Regular | Other: |
About your agency: 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. |
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the operational upkeep of all aspects related to Engineering Dept. networks & communications systems across LIRR’s operating territory, including, but not limited to, East Side Access (ESA), CS-179, Mid-day Storage Yard and Arch Street Yard and Van Yard including implementation, cutover, site acceptance, factory (FAT) and Site (SAT) acceptance testing, ongoing maintenance, including communications system optimization as required. Provide maintenance planning and oversight for monthly goals to be obtained and trouble repair leveraging, 3rd. Party support, Equipment Manufacturers, System Integrators, Engineering Staff, Supervision & Force Account resources. Manage Supervision and force account resources as required to maintain operational stability for Engineering networks & communications systems. Ensure that spare and replacement parts & materials are ordered and kept on hand as required. Ensure all maintenance contracts are kept current and available as required. Position will also require management and coordination with the Communications Network Operations Center (CNOC) and facilitate training and mentoring of staff and subordinates as required. Developing network and communications systems maintenance documentation is an essential function of the position. Overseeing system and device configuration management and ensuring communications systems are kept in a state of good repair is a crucial component of this position.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, direct and coordinate activities of the Communications Maintenance group in meeting the goals of maintenance of vital train movement circuits, ensuring communication systems meet or exceed the requirements in Operations and Planning. Includes daily management of forces, scheduling and prioritizing work and field inspections and hands-on troubleshooting.
- Establish standards and procedures for maintenance of Communication facilities. Monitor and evaluate installation/construction of programmed works.
- Prepare, manage and monitor section budget. Establish appropriate staff resource requirements and fiscal guidelines.
- Apply the applicable Labor Agreements consistently and uniformly. Create an environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their fullest potential. Interpret work rules. Handle grievances in section, relative to the existing contract. Provide answers for formal Union claims. Provide input for future labor negotiations. Provide required documentation for Claims and Labor Relations. Respond to complaints from other departments and the general public.
- Investigate new technologies and their application to the LIRR and ensure employees are training to maintain state-of-the-are technology. Must ensure material is ordered in a timely fashion.
- 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 performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
- Manage, implement and control the adherence to safety rules and regulations. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions for employees.
- Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example. Investigate reported on-job accidents for cause and prevention.
- Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Level I
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field or must be actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
- Must possess recent, related progressive experience (2 years) in one or more of the following telecommunication fields: \ PBX, and \ System Administration and Configuration.
Level II
- Must possess ALL required and desired qualifications listed above for Level I in one or more telecommunication fields: Networks, PBX, CCTV, Network Security, System Administration and Configuration.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field or must be actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
- Must possess recent, related progressive experience 4 years) in one of the following telecommunication fields: Networks, PBX, CCTV, Network Security, System Administration and Configuration.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Level I
- Must possess the ability to demonstrate strong working knowledge / understanding of construction and maintenance practice for inside and outside cable plant.
- Must possess working knowledge and understanding of communications systems including voice and data network technologies.
- Must possess effective administration, organization, project management and leadership skills and abilities.
- Must possess effective problem-solving skills and ability to make effective, sound decisions.
- Must be available to be “on-call” as necessary, beyond normal business hours.
- Must possess the ability to prepare organizational plans and budgets.
- Must possess strong communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management as well as the ability to develop effective working relationships with the unions.
Level II
- Must possess specialized skillset(s) required to configure and administer vital Communication Department technical systems.
- Must possess the ability to conduct investigations and trials.
The Engineer II position also requires the following minimum requirements if elevated from Engineer I position:
- Recommendation from the Section Head and approval of the Chief Engineer.
- Solid Performer Plus or better on two consecutive performance appraisals.
- Completion of 50% of MECC classes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Level I
- Experience managing/supervising in a union environment is highly desirable.
- Knowledge/experience troubleshooting communications systems.
- Thorough understanding of Railroad disciplines.
- Knowledge of Company Policies and Procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreement(s).
- Familiarity with procurement process, project estimates, budgets and schedules.
- Familiar with Communication’s department SOP and maintenance practices.
- Must possess strong analytical abilities to troubleshoot server and network hardware/software issues.
- Ability to work in complex environments with subject matter experts and other technical disciplines.
- Recent experience and knowledge in structured wiring distribution and cable management best practices.
- Recent experience configuring SNMP managers and devices for remote telemetry.
- Experience maintaining OpenScape and OpenStage systems including Xpert System Manager, Xpressions Voicemail System
- Hands on experience on Siemens PBX systems including HiPath 4000 IPDA, SIP and SIP trunking, Sessions Border Controllers.
- Resolve telephony problems within established time frames.
- Experience configuring RAID 5, 6 data storage.
- Experience with the Genetec Video Management System.
- Experience with Lenel access control components.
- Recent experience designing, installation and configuration of CCTV, NVR, DVR, VMS and Access Control Systems.
- Experience in different types of Access Control technology concepts and door locks or barriers.
- Oversee whole project activities including physical installation, configuration, cabling, termination, testing and commissioning.
- Troubleshoot hardware, software of all related systems.
- Recent experience in IP and non IP based CCTV
- Working knowledge of Microsoft DC, Radius, DNS, RDS servers and related systems.
- Working knowledge of various operating systems including Windows, Unix, Linux.
- CompTIA Security+ certification.
- MCSA certification.
Level II
- Vendor certifications.
- Current valid CCNA certification in Routing and Switching.
- Experience with legacy analog voice.
- Experience with Siemens Hi-Comm systems.
- Experience configuring and administration of IP-PBX VoIP Gateway Appliances.
- Unify HiPath certification.
- CompTIA Security+ certification.
- MCSA certification.
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
- Layout 1 (mta.info)
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Pursuant 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”).
- 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.
- Current employees 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.
- Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page
- 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.
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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.