Sr Electrical Engineer

Metra • Chicago, IL

5d

About The Position

Metra’s Engineering Department builds and maintains fixed assets including buildings, stations, bridges, track, and electrical, telecommunications, and signal systems. Reporting to the Director of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Design, the Electrical Engineer applies specialized expertise to electrical design, construction, and project management. The role provides technical guidance to maintenance electricians on repairs and maintenance of newly installed equipment across Metra commuter railroad lines, facilities, and stations, and trains less experienced staff on division operations.

The position manages consultants and electrical projects, prepares design and bid packages, performs contract administration, maintains project records, and coordinates the team’s day-to-day activities. The role promotes safe work practices and may involve work both indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and snow. Travel within and outside Metra’s six-county region is required, and flexible hours may include early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends. Other related duties may be assigned to meet organizational needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• At least eight years of experience in both electrical power distribution system design—including some railroad-specific electrical systems, lighting, and control—and project management involving engineering design or construction.
• Considerable knowledge of electrical engineering principles and standards, electrical systems and equipment, and 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 and interpersonal skills for working with engineering departments, freight railroads, and governmental agencies.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation and Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment and work as a team leader or independently on major projects.
• Ability to evaluate complex technical problems and apply engineering knowledge to practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Ability to deliver presentations on technical subject matter.
• Must possess and maintain a current driver’s license and be able to operate a vehicle.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
• Willingness to travel within and outside Metra’s six-county region.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing railroad engineering projects, specifically DC traction power.
• Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Manage consultants by developing and maintaining project schedules, leading planning and progress meetings, monitoring and approving tasks, inspecting work in progress for compliance with contract specifications and quality standards, and resolving technical issues.
• Prepare design packages—including drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and technical calculations—for power distribution projects, electrical equipment purchases, and lighting systems, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and industry standards.
• Prepare contract documents for project bids; participate in pre-bid meetings to address scope, specification, and technical questions; review vendor proposals; and recommend contract awards.
• Administer contracts by reviewing invoices, evaluating change orders and modifications, and approving or resolving payment discrepancies.
• Maintain contract files according to Metra’s quality management plan, keep accurate project correspondence records, and prepare detailed project status reports.
• Coordinate the team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks and projects, monitor performance, and provide guidance and training; this role is not a supervisor.
• Provide technical guidance to maintenance electricians on repair and maintenance of newly installed equipment.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior