Sr Electrical Engineer

About the Role

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

$86,686.00 - $

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra’s fixed assets such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications, and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors and assists in maintaining the fixed assets on freight lines where Metra trains operate.

The department is divided into Capital Projects and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Director, Civil Engineering, the Senior Electrical Engineer applies specialized expertise in electrical design, construction, and project management; provides technical guidance on repair and maintenance of newly installed equipment to maintenance electricians working on Metra commuter railroad lines, facilities, and stations; and trains less experienced staff on division operations.

The primary duties include managing consultants, developing and maintaining project schedules, leading planning and progress meetings, monitoring and approving tasks, visiting job sites to inspect work‑in‑progress for compliance with contract specifications and quality standards, and resolving technical issues; preparing design packages including drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and technical calculations for power distribution projects, electrical equipment purchases, and lighting systems, ensuring compliance with federal and local codes, the National Fire Protection Association, and electrical industry standards;

preparing contract documents required to solicit projects for bid; participating in pre‑bid meetings; reviewing vendor bid proposals; performing contract administration duties; managing contract files; preparing detailed project status reports; coordinating the team’s day‑to‑day activities; and promoting safe work practices while maintaining a safe work environment. Incumbents work under both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions and prevailing weather conditions. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience including both the design of electrical power distribution systems with railroad‑specific electrical systems, lighting, and control; and project management experience that includes engineering design or construction.
• Experience in the design of railroad engineering projects, specifically DC traction power is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of electrical engineering principles and standards.
• Considerable knowledge of electrical systems and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of specification writing.
• Good knowledge of the National Electric Code, Chicago Building Code, and NFPA standards.
• Knowledge of DC train traction power.
• Considerable skill preparing and interpreting engineering plans, cost estimates, and technical drawings.
• Good math, analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills to work with various engineering departments, freight railroads, and governmental agencies.
• Proficient in AutoCAD or Micro Station software and Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding…