Purple Line Infrastructure Operations Center (IOC) Operator (BOC Specialist 2)

M.C. Dean, Inc•New Carrollton, MD

2h•$33 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

The Purple Line Infrastructure Operations Center (IOC) Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and operating critical transit infrastructure systems in support of final commissioning, integrated testing, and the transition to full Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of the Purple Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. IOC Operators monitor automation systems, alarm and notification platforms, SCADA systems, and CCTV systems to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the Purple Line infrastructure. This role requires close coordination with construction teams, commissioning agents, systems integration teams, and track testing personnel to support dynamic testing activities while maintaining safety for the general public. This position is based at the Glenridge Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) or the Backup OMF and requires the ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by commissioning and operational needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required. Vocational school or associate degree in a technical trade preferred.
4+ years of experience in one or more of the following:
Infrastructure operations centers
Transit operations
SCADA or control room operations
Electrical power systems operations
Critical infrastructure monitoring
Candidate Expectations:
Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Strong understanding of operational safety principles and procedural compliance.
Good customer communication skills.
Knowledge & Skills
Ability to operate Windows-based computer systems and multi-monitor control room interfaces.
Ability to read and interpret:
Electrical one-lines
Operating procedures
Test plans and switching instructions
Understanding of electrical power distribution and isolation concepts.
Knowledge of alarm management, CCTV monitoring, and incident response.
Strong communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Ability to make real-time decisions based on incomplete or evolving information.

Nice To Haves

Vocational school or associate degree in electrical, electronics, transportation, or a related technical discipline.
Experience supporting:
Light rail or heavy rail systems
Traction power systems
SCADA-controlled infrastructure
Familiarity with commissioning and system integration testing environments.
Prior experience in a union or multi-contractor construction environment.

Responsibilities

Infrastructure Operations & Monitoring
Monitor real-time status of Purple Line infrastructure systems, including:
Traction power systems
SCADA systems and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
Trackside power and signaling interfaces
Communications systems
CCTV and security monitoring platforms
Alarm, notification, and event management systems
Identify, acknowledge, and triage alarms, faults, and abnormal system conditions.
Perform system checks and operational readiness verifications prior to testing windows.
Maintain continuous situational awareness of system health and operational status.
SCADA & Electrical Switching Operations
Perform electrical switching operations via SCADA to:
Enable track testing and commissioning activities
Isolate or energize traction power sections
Support safe work zones and lockout/tagout boundaries
Verify system state before, during, and after switching operations.
Ensure all switching activities comply with approved procedures, safety rules, and operational directives.
Coordinate switching activities with authorized personnel and document all actions taken.
Commissioning & Testing Support
Support system integration testing (SIT), dynamic testing, and trial operations.
Coordinate closely with:
Construction teams
Commissioning agents
Track testing crews
Traction power, signaling, and communications teams
Execute operational steps required to support test scripts and test plans.
Monitor system behavior during testing and immediately report anomalies, failures, or unsafe conditions.
Assist in troubleshooting system issues by providing logs, event data, and operational insights.
Safety & Public Protection
Ensure infrastructure operations prioritize public safety, worker safety, and system integrity.
Monitor public-accessible areas to detect unsafe conditions or unauthorized access.
Support implementation of safety controls during testing, including power isolation and controlled energization.
Escalate safety concerns immediately in accordance with established incident response protocols.
Transition to Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
Support the transition from commissioning to revenue service operations.
Assist in the development and refinement of:
IOC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Alarm response procedures
Shift handover protocols
Operational checklists
Participate in lessons learned, system readiness reviews, and operational drills.
Provide input to help shape the future Purple Line O&M program and IOC staffing model.
Coordination & Communications
Serve as a central coordination point between field teams and control center operations.
Maintain clear, concise, and accurate communication with:
Field supervisors
Testing and commissioning leads
Operations leadership
Escalate issues appropriately using sound judgment and established escalation paths.
Maintain accurate logs of system events, switching actions, incidents, and communications.
Performance & Quality
Perform all duties in accordance with contract requirements, safety rules, and company standards.
Meet required response times and support mission-critical testing schedules.
Maintain accurate documentation, logs, and reports.
Continuously improve operational practices through feedback and procedural updates.