Senior Communications Engineer (Radio and Public Access)

Job ID: 7415

Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad

Location: New York, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Deputy Chief Engr C&S

Date Posted: May 20, 2024

Description

POSTING NO.

7415

JOB TITLE:

Senior Communications Engineer (Radio and PA)

DEPT/DIV:

Operations /Communications & Signal (C&S)

WORK LOCATION:

Grand Central Terminal (Graybar)

FULL/PART-TIME

FULL

SALARY RANGE:

$ 94 , 9 06 .00 – $ 1 24 , 564 . 13

DEADLINE:

May 29 , 2024

This position is eligible for teleworking which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

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:

This position entails direct responsibility for overseeing the Metro-North Railroad Radio and Public Address (PA) infrastructure systems to meet operational and corporate communication needs. The incumbent will be responsible for the strategic planning, direction, and management of both wayside and on-board radio and public address systems. This includes oversight of base, mobile, and portable radios, as well as passenger station public address office and field equipment, and information display systems. Additionally, the role encompasses the management of central radio control systems, and radio and telephone consoles that are essential tools for Metro-North operations and corporate workgroups.

Responsibilities:

• Provide authoritative leadership and technical guidance to the Radio/PA management workgroup within Metro-North radio shops, collaborating closely with the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the Metro-North voice communications and Station PA/VIS (Visual Information System) infrastructure.

• Directly oversee resources (labor, material, and equipment) within the Radio/PA management workgroup, OCC, ECC, and radio shops, ensuring seamless integration with the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the Metro-North voice communication infrastructure.

• Coordinate, manage, and execute revisions and additions to communication systems used throughout Metro-North operational and corporate territories, ensuring optimal functionality of voice systems.

• Design and meticulously review the designs of voice communication cable and electronic apparatus systems associated with Metro-North field and office communication systems.

• Manage the installation and maintenance of radio and public address systems at central control offices, field offices, and passenger stations, crucial for providing communication services to Metro-North users .

• Evaluate alternative solutions, system upgrades, and revisions from both technical and economic perspectives, proposing efficient solutions aligned with mission parameters for communication services systems.

• Develop staff and support the workgroup in expanding system knowledge, reducing operational costs, and adapting to new requirements for communication systems.

• Take a lead in supporting the Metro-North Safety Program by executing required activities and policies associated with personnel working along or on the railroad right-of-way and other locations, contributing to a safe working environment.

  Required Qualifications:

  Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.

• Possess a profound understanding of mathematics, physics, general electronics theory, and specialized training in areas such as wave propagation, RF measurement/instrumentation, filters, analysis, design, implementation, optimization, and enhancement of wireless telecommunications networks, particularly digital LMR.

• Proficiency in EDX Pro RF Propagation Network Modeling or similar software.

• Demonstrated competence in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD , and/or equivalent applications.

• Thorough knowledge and experience in the integration of 2-way radio and public address systems and technology.

• Expertise in mobile/base radio and PA installations and practices.

• Comprehensive understanding of installation requirements along the railroad right-of-way and onboard Metro-North rolling stock.

• Familiarity with training processes, procedures, and curriculum development.

• Strong analytical skills for evaluating new and existing products, equipment, and procedures; ability to recommend improvements or replacements to enhance voice and communications systems support.

• Capable of working in a high-profile/high-pressure environment.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with internal departments and external agencies.

• Ability to implement and actively participate in Metro-North Railroad’s Priority One Safety Program.

• Flexibility with 24/7 availability and willingness to work outside of regular hours as required to support maintenance and construction projects.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

  The following is/are preferred:

• Proficient in Metro-North Policies and Procedures.

• Well-versed in Metro-North collective bargaining agreements.

• FCC General Radio/Telephone Operator (GROL) License.

• Proficient in FRA, FCC, AAR, and AREMA communications and signal standards and regulations, including the Congressional 2008 Rail Safety Act.

  Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering .

• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the management, installation, and maintenance of 2-way radio, public address, and related control systems.

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in 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.