Engineer - Signal Design

Metropolitan Transportation Authority•New York City, NY

About The Position

The Engineer – Signal Design assists the Principal Engineering Signal Design in managing and coordinating the Signal Design group to produce safe, quality designs and specifications for vendors and LIRR field forces. The role develops engineering designs, specifications, and standards for modifications to LIRR signal systems, supports signal cutovers, and oversees revisions to design plans to reflect in-service changes. It directs and checks the work of employees in lower classifications, interfaces with consultants and suppliers on project issues, and reviews and signs off on capital and third-party designs affecting LIRR signal systems. The position provides technical oversight for signal design and capital projects, including final approval of circuit drawings before installation, establishing technical requirements and criteria, validating requirements with other LIRR departments, reviewing consultant deliverables, and supporting procurement. It also has supervisory responsibilities, including personnel development, coaching, performance appraisals, and discipline when necessary. The role promotes safe work practices and may require work outside regular hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; demonstrated directly related equivalent experience and education may be considered instead.
Approximately 8 years of progressively responsible, recent directly related railway-signaling experience.
Recent, progressively responsible experience in signal design.
Supervisory or managerial experience.
Ability to design and modify software systems for vital and non-vital microprocessor-based systems.
Knowledge of vital and non-vital logic design, both relay- and processor-based, track circuits, cab signaling, block design, and safe-braking analysis.
Working knowledge of railroad operations, signal systems, operating rules, and right-of-way physical characteristics.
Knowledge of track construction processes and track design concepts.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with internal departments and external consultants and suppliers.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of labor agreements, including BRS 241.
Knowledge of LIRR business practices, procurement, accounting, budgeting, FRA requirements, AREMA standards, and the Signal Engineering Operations Manual (SEOM).
Sound decision-making and judgment, particularly in crisis situations.
Ability to ensure adherence to corporate and department safety policies.
Ability to lead and direct others, particularly technical personnel.

Nice To Haves

New York State Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.

Responsibilities

Assist the Principal Engineer Signal Design in managing the Signal Design Group, including project tracking, accounting, and estimate preparation.
Supervise the design of conventional signal-system circuits using relay or microprocessor systems for interlockings, highway crossings, and automatic signaling.
Provide final approval of circuit drawings and revisions before installation.
Establish and maintain LIRR technical requirements and criteria for signal and train-control systems, including design criteria, standard specifications, drawings, and design-build requirements.
Collaborate with LIRR departments to validate functional and technical requirements.
Provide technical support to LIRR Capital Projects throughout design, including reviewing submittals, responding to requests for information, and preparing typical drawings and guidelines.
Review and attend meetings concerning the scope and contents of new projects.
Review design-completion benchmarks submitted by consultants and advise consultants on signal layout plans and related signaling data.
Identify and implement cost-effective signaling equipment that meets LIRR standards.
Support prompt repair and revision of existing signal systems, including during emergencies.
Evaluate design changes for impacts to interfaces and compliance with LIRR and FRA standards.
Participate in planning and implementing improvements to railroad signaling technology and efficiency, ensuring signaling concepts are compatible with signal systems and rolling stock.
Provide technical support for procurement of materials and services.
Select, develop, and motivate personnel; provide career development, coaching, and counseling; address discipline or termination when necessary; and review direct reports and approve performance appraisals.
Promote safe work practices, ensure safe working conditions and compliance with safety policies, and foster a professional environment that respects individual differences.
Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management and comply with applicable policies and standards.
Work outside regular hours when required.
Observe contractor work, review and approve invoices when work meets contractual standards, address contractor performance issues when possible, and escalate issues as needed.