Telecommunications Engineer 2

Metra • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

The Telecommunications Engineer II reports directly to the Manager, Telecommunications Design. The role provides recommendations, design requirements, and specifications for communications and related electronic equipment used throughout Metra. It manages in-house engineering projects and represents Metra on turnkey projects, while serving as a technical liaison to communications carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast. The engineer researches new technologies, develops cost estimates, forecasts future communications needs, conducts field surveys, evaluates system performance, and assists with system design upgrades. The position is responsible for the Quality Management Plan (QMP) for communications-related projects and for initiating and maintaining current FCC licenses. It also supports the organization’s safety objectives and ensures compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.

The work involves both indoor and outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. The position may involve climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and verbal communication. It is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing, and travel within Metra’s six-county region is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four years in the telecommunications field in lieu of the specified degree.
• Five years of railroad telecommunications experience.
• Coursework or experience in analog circuits, digital circuits, integrated circuits, switching power supplies, computer networking, modulation and detection theory, and antennas and propagation.
• Specific knowledge of telecommunications systems, including on-train, portable, and vehicular two-way radios; private branch exchange telephone networks; OC-3 fiber optic and microwave systems; on-train, platform, and terminal public address systems; alarm and card access systems; GPS tracking; video surveillance systems; dynamic sign systems; train dispatching and police dispatching communication systems; facsimile machines; radio towers; computer networking; emergency generators; DC battery plants; ticket vending machines; and information systems inside and outside plants.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and MS Office Suite.
• Proficiency using telecommunications test equipment, hand tools, and other communication devices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess and maintain a current driver’s license.
• Must be qualified in Railroad Workplace Safety (49 CFR 214.301) or able to obtain qualification within 60 days of hire.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s six-county region.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Linux OS and MacOS.
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license.
• Manufacturer-specific certification courses; manufacturers listed include Cisco, Microsoft, HP/HPE/Aruba, Brocade, Junglemux, Pivot3, Systemax, Motorola, Mitel, and QSC.

Responsibilities

• Provide recommendations, design requirements, and specifications for communications and related electronic equipment used throughout Metra.
• Manage in-house engineering projects and serve as Metra’s representative for turnkey projects.
• Act as a technical liaison to communications carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast.
• Research new technologies, provide cost estimates, and forecast future communications needs.
• Conduct field surveys, evaluate system performance, and assist with system design upgrades.
• Be responsible for the Quality Management Plan (QMP) for communications-related projects.
• Initiate and maintain current FCC licenses.
• Support the organization’s safety objectives, goals, and program, ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.

What This Job Offers

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