Assistant Engineer FRA/LIRR Test Level I, II, III Job ID: 9923Business Unit: Long Island Rail RoadLocation: Jamaica, NY, United StatesRegular/Temporary: RegularDepartment: ACE Signals & Commun StaffDate Posted: Dec 24, 2024Description Title: Assistant Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing & Inspection Level I, II & III Department: Engineering Post Date: 12/24/2024 Close Date: 01/07/2025 Hay Point Evaluation: 702 Salary Range: $99,782-149,672 Position Classification: Safety Sensitive Location: Queens Reports To: Assistant Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing & Inspection Level III This is a Non-Represented Position. This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire. Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics. Summary: Responsible to assist the Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing & Inspection in ensuring all FRA/LIRR signal testing is performed in accordance with FRA/LIRR rules and regulations. Review design drawings and write FRA/LIRR tests for construction and maintenance. Develop test procedures to ensure timely compliance in accordance with FRA/LIRR procedures and monitor schedules to ensure timely compliance with FRA/LIRR and DOT recommendations and requirements. Provide Support to US DOT Federal Railroad Administration Inspectors performing Signal System Audits and Inspections. Provide Support to NYS DOT Rail Safety Coordinators performing NYS Consolidated Laws, Railroad Law – RR § 53-F. Joint inspection of traffic control signals interconnected with highway-rail at-grade crossing warning systems. Provide support for internal and external agency audits. Write and review Signal Department Rules and Procedures for Construction, Maintenance, and Testing of Signal Systems, including C&S 223, C&S 227, C&S 996A, C&S Special Instructions, and C&S Miscellaneous. Investigate reports of signal system failure, including false proceeds, stop signal violation, highway grade crossing failures, derailments, and train accidents. Auditing of the MTA Time and Attendance Policy. This is a key position in the Signal Department responsible for ensuring employee and public safety. Responsibilities: Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Assist the Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing and Inspection in planning, managing, coordinating & evaluating all FRA/LIRR required signal system testing. Maintain test documentation to ensure compliance with FRA Rules and regulations.
Develop computerized and written signal FRA/LIRR tests for new and existing signal systems. Support testing activities and cutover of new signal systems.
Develop testing procedures to ensure proper testing in accordance with FRA/LIRR (Federal Railroad Administration/Long Island Rail Road) rules and regulations on all signal systems, including new technologies. Develop testing manuals for distribution to field personnel. Conduct trial field tests and R&D to develop new or improved test procedures.
Assist the Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing and Inspection in advising on all FRA/LIRR (Federal Railroad Administration/Long Island Rail Road) signal test requirements and interfacing with other departments (safety, public relations, Transportation) and outside agencies (FRA/DOT [Federal Railroad Administration/Department of Transportation], NTSB [National Transportation Safety Board], PTSB [Public Transportation Safety Board]), regarding signal system safety matters.
Assist the Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing and Inspection in directing Signal investigative teams responding to reported grade crossing failures, signal system failures and derailments. Aide in the generating investigative reports and analysis. Analyze wayside event recorder data when available to corroborate investigation results.
Assist the Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing and Inspection in conducting internal audits and support FRA mandated signal and crossing system audits and inspections. Monitor the review and filing of FRA required Hours of Service (HOS) reports. Ensure standard forms are readily available to field forces.
Assist the Engineer – FRA/LIRR Testing and Inspection in providing support to the US DOT Federal Railroad Administration Inspectors and NYS DOT Rail Safety Coordinators with Audits, Inspections and Testing.
Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
Qualifications
Level I
A.
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Business, or related field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
Must possess recent related railroad engineering (2 years) experience in Railroad Signaling, or successful completion of the Junior Engineer’s training program.
Must possess an active Signal Employee Certification as per LIRR approved 49 CFR 246 program and maintain certification as required. (For candidates prior to March 17th, 2025, employee must be on the active list of candidates for submission to the FRA as an employee who is Signal Certified.).
Must possess hands-on experience in the electric/electronic field.
Must possess proficient computer skills including, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Windows Operating System.
Must possess strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management and to communicate ideas and motivate employees.
Must possess strong organizational, planning, analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills demonstrating sound judgment.
Must possess a professional demeanor and high degree of integrity.
Must possess the capability to assist in the planning, scheduling, coordinating, and analyzing FRA/LIRR tests.
Must possess the ability to direct signal personnel regarding proper procedures to be used with all FRA/LIRR tests.
Must possess the ability to assist in managing and investigating under demanding situations, including harsh environmental conditions.
Must possess the ability to effectively perform job tasks during temporary non-regular shifts.
Must possess the ability to utilize signal department data analyzing software programs (i.e. UDA, WDA, Microlok, VPI) used to download evidentiary incident information.
Must possess the ability to act as a representative of the FRA Group during meetings with NYS Department of Transportation (DOT), FRA, interdepartmental, or other agencies.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Level II
A.
Must possess ALL required qualifications listed above for a Level I.
Must possess an active Signal Employee Certification as per LIRR approved 49 CFR 246 program and maintain certification as required. (For candidates prior to March 17th, 2025, employee must be on the active list of candidates for submission to the FRA as an employee who is Signal Certified.).
Must possess comprehensive and recent related railroad engineering, auditing, and investigation knowledge/experience (approximately 4 years) in Railroad Signaling.
Recent, demonstrated ability to manage/supervise office and/or field personnel.
Must possess knowledge of investigative techniques used in incident/emergency management.
Must be able to assist in writing/revising procedures as needed.
Must possess the ability to conduct interviews and analyze information and data to determine evidentiary value.
Level III
A.
Must possess ALL required qualifications listed above for a Level I & Level II.
Must possess an active Signal Employee Certification as per LIRR approved 49 CFR 246 program and maintain certification as required. (For candidates prior to March 17th, 2025, employee must be on the active list of candidates for submission to the FRA as an employee who is Signal Certified.).
Must possess comprehensive and recent related engineering, auditing, and investigation knowledge/experience (5 years, 2 years of which shall include experience managing/supervising staff in a related capacity) in one Railroad Signaling.
Must possess advanced knowledge and understanding of FRA regulations/train control and US DOT and NYS DOT MUTCD.
Must possess knowledge of LIRR Corporate & FRA Group policies and procedures.
Must be able to manage the planning, scheduling, coordinating and analyzing of FRA/LIRR tests.
Must possess the ability to provide testimony on signal related incidents. Including explanation on all aspects of signaling, as required to; consultants, outside agency representatives, law enforcement officials, legal counsel, and interdepartmental staff.
Other Information
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.