Telecommunications Engineer

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

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.

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 one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Engineering Department 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 the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups:
Capital Projects, and Telecommunications and Maintenance.

Reporting directly to the Manager, Telecommunications Design, the Telecommunications Engineer II will provide recommendations, design requirements, and specifications for Communications and related Electronic equipment used throughout Metra.

Provide project management for "in-house" engineering projects and is the Metra representative for "Turn-Key" projects. Technical liaison to communications carriers (such as AT&T, Verizon, Comcast). Research new technologies, provide cost estimates and forecast future Communication needs. Conduct field surveys, evaluate system performance, and assist in system design upgrades. Responsible for QMP for Communication related projects. Initiate and maintain current FCC licenses.

Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. May require Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Fingering, Grasping, Feeling, and Verbal Communication. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

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 or Electronic Engineering Technology OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in the telecommunications field.
• In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of railroad telecommunications experience.
• Must have coursework or experience in analog circuits, digital circuits, integrated circuits, switching power supplies, computer networking, modulation and detection theory, and antennas and propagation.
• Specific knowledge in telecommunication systems including On-train, Portable, and vehicular two-way radios, private branch exchange telephone networks, OC-3 fiber optic and Microwave systems, On-train, Platform, and Terminal Public Address systems, Alarm and Card Access systems, GPS tracking, Video Surveillance systems, Dynamic Sign systems, Train Dispatching and Police Dispatching Communication System, Facsimile Machines, Radio Towers, Computer Networking, Emergency Generators, DC Battery Plants, Ticket Vending Machines, and Information Systems Inside and Outside Plants.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Windows, MS Office Suite. Familiarity with Linux OS and MacOS preferred.
• Must be proficient in the use of…