Manager, CAD and PTC Projects

Job Description

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.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!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.

Transportation is responsible for providing safe, efficient and dependable transportation to commuters on all Metra-operated lines: Milwaukee North and West, Rock Island, Metra Electric, SouthWest Service, North Central Service and Heritage Corridor and those lines operating under purchase of service agreements: BNSF and Union Pacific. In addition to all employees directly involved in providing train service, the Transportation Department also oversees the Rules Department, Dispatching Office, Crew Management Center, Station Services, Customer Service, Ticket Services and GPS Center. Reporting to the Director, PTC Deployment & Regulatory Compliance, the Manager, CAD and PTC Projects will manage the administration of the computer aided dispatching (CAD) system and the positive train control (PTC) system interface to ensure implementation, functionality, and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with specified objectives; prevent or mitigate impacts of service disruptions; ensure safe and efficient day-to-day train movement; and maintain operational compliance.

The primary duties include supervise and manage assigned team of CAD system managers; manage project schedules to ensure resources are available to meet milestones; assess dispatcher training and safety needs to ensure they are met; and identify and resolve user and system problems. Provide technical expertise in the design, development, testing, and implementation of the agency’s CAD and PTC initiatives; serve as a subject matter expert and operations liaison on PTC projects; ensure that dispatch system functionalities are included when PTC system updates are considered. Participate in project related meetings; and share expert knowledge as a vital member of the various project teams that may be instituted.

Collaborate and work with dispatchers and cross-functional teams to define operational procedures and agency specific system requirements; and assist with the development, maintenance, and ongoing implementation of the CAD system and PTC integration implementation. Provide system configurations and system support; oversee the administration of the security and trouble tickets for the CAD system.

Work with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure regulatory requirements are met; manage changes to system infrastructure and requirements that are due to federal regulations; and determine impact of regulations on operations. In conjunction with the Engineering department, assist in coordinating PTC schedules, locations, and field testing (e. g.

, critical features, signal verification and validation, brake algorithms, revenue service demonstrations, etc. ). Review reports and PTC implementation and safety plans; identify potential methods and procedures that provide opportunities for increased operational efficiencies and safety enhancements; and provide status updates and commentary from an operational perspective to senior management.

Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the department. Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Math, Computer Science, Information Systems OR in lieu of specified degree any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in the railroad or transportation industry, preferably working with dispatching or signal systems.

In addition to #1, five (5) years of experience in the railroad or transportation industry, preferably in train operations, dispatching, or PTC signaling systems. Two (2) years of experience as a team lead or supervisor is required. Considerable knowledge of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety and railroad operating rules and regulations, and PTC and CAD-TMDS system procedures.

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