Project Designer (1006) - Communications

Septa • Philadelphia, PA

14d • $0 - $90,688 • Onsite

About The Position

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is seeking to hire candidates for their Project Designer (1006) - Communications position. This role is responsible for undertaking network engineering assignments of moderate complexity, providing technical support and direction for engineering activities. This includes definition and coordination for design review and implementation, establishing inspection plans, program/project development, consulting, statistical methods, audits, and continuous improvement approaches to ensure alignment with SEPTA's mission, values, and goals. SEPTA is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region and is recognized as a leader in innovation within the transit industry, driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region. They have also been recognized as a 2023 Forbes Best in State Employer and Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024.

Requirements

• High School graduate and eleven (11) years relevant experience in communications/signals required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience (two years of related experience equating to one (1) year of formal post high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
• Familiarity with, and ability to design and troubleshoot to the component level various types of signal and communications systems and devices required.
• Understanding of FRA regulations, AAR Standards, AREMA standards and recommended practices required.
• Demonstrated computer skills in configuration and monitoring of railway communication networks.
• Experience in developing and managing projects required.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Progressively responsible relevant work experience in communications in transit or railroad environment preferred.
• Experience with radio communications systems, cyber security implementation and network monitoring preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides communications and network engineering analysis, design reviews and approves communications designs for installation by field forces and/or third parties. Provides conceptual, preliminary and final designs.
• Designs and implements new network solutions and/or improves the efficiency of current networks. Installs, configures and supports network equipment including routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS and DHCP. Procures network equipment and manages subcontractors involved with network installation.
• Reviews, monitors and oversees communications and network construction work in progress and takes necessary action to correct unusual communications and network equipment operations and recommends standard preventative maintenance procedures.
• Conducts preliminary engineering site walks with various parties, and reviews and approves third-party communications and network construction drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with, and ability to troubleshoot to the component level various types of communications and network systems and devices.
• Generates and coordinates design plans and specifications for in-house and 3rd party forces.
• Generates written memoranda, technical reports, audits, etc. in a professional, effective manner. Reviews and approves drawings and specifications.
• Writes specifications and Request for Proposals and reviews designs for all communications and network devices and systems including preparing proof of concept for all new wireless network devices, Wi-Fi, Cellular and other systems.
• Provides, promotes, and enforces safe working conditions in accordance with accepted safety practices and procedures.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources.
• Invest in Your Growth – Tuition reimbursement offered.
• Student Loan Assistance – Positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Free Travel Perks – FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED