Assistant Engineer - Communications (Design)

Description

Position at Long Island Rail Road

Job Title: Assistant Engineer- Communications (Design)

Department: Engineering

MTA Agency: LIRR

Primary Location(s):

Salary Range: $99, 782 - $124,727

Position Classification: Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Non

Closing Date: Until Filled

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the planning, management, and coordination all Communication's related activities including, testing, inspection, and repairs, oversee field forces, prepare maintenance schedules, manage project work, conduct manpower utilization studies, preparation of the budget, oversee safety programs, maintenance of ISO 9001 certification, and for implementing continuous process improvement practices as they pertain to system maintenance requirements, which includes periodically updating Standard Operating Procedures (Communications SOP), developing system maintenance procedures and documentation, ensuring accurate records are kept and that staff is familiar with all of the above.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate all Communications-related activities to ensure all implementation, testing, inspection, and maintenance goals and initiatives are met. Includes daily management of forces, scheduling and prioritizing work and field inspections and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Establishing new standards and procedures for maintenance of Communication systems consistent with current existing policies to achieve departmental goals. Determine how new procedures will be implemented. Monitor and evaluate installation/construction of programmed work. Conduct design reviews. Write installation / maintenance procedures and processes as required.
• Prepare, manage and monitor section budget. Establishment of appropriate staff resource requirements and fiscal guidelines. Initiate and oversee the procurement of materials.
• Apply the applicable Labor Agreements consistently and uniformly. Interpret work rules. Assist in handling grievances in section, relative to the existing contract. Research answers for formal Union claims. Provide input for future labor negotiations. Provide required documentation for Claims and Labor Relations. Assist in responding to complaints from other departments and the public.
• Conduct investigations and recommend new creative and innovative technologies for application at the LIRR. Ensure employees are properly trained on all new and emerging technologies in a timely manner.
• 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 performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Manage, implement and control the adherence to safety rules and regulations. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions for employees. Preform safety audits. Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example. Investigate reported on-job accidents for cause and prevention.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management. Support operational and weather-related needs of the Comm Dept. on a 24/7 basis.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Assistant Engineer Level I

A)

• Must possess Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Successful completion of the LIRR Engineering Department Junior Engineer Program or a minimum of two (2) years as a Communication Technician or Communication related or recent, related telecommunication / Electronics / Computer / Networking experience (2 years).
• Must possess knowledge/experience with troubleshooting technical systems.
• Must possess the ability to direct field personnel in a union environment.
• Possess effective administrative, organizational, project management, and leadership skills and abilities.
• Must possess effective problem-solving skills and ability to make effective, sound decisions.
• Must be available on a 24/7 basis.
• Must possess the ability to conduct investigations.
• Must possess the ability to prepare organizational plans and budgets.
• Must possess strong analytical abilities.
• Must possess strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must possess strong communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management as well as the ability to develop effective working relationships with the unions.

B)

• Thorough understanding of LIRR disciplines.
• Knowledge of LIRR Policies and Procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreement(s).

Assistant Engineer Level II

• Must possess ALL required qualifications listed above for Level I.
• Must possess Bachelor's Degree in Engineering 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 telecommunication / Electronics / Computer / Networking experience (3 years).
• Must possess recent, demonstrated ability to manage/supervise office and/or field personnel.
• Must possess familiarity with procurement process, project estimates, budgets and schedules.

Assistant Engineer Level III

• Must possess ALL required qualifications listed above for a Level I & II.
• Must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Must possess recent, related telecommunication / Electronics / Computer / Networking experience (4 years).
• Recent experience managing/supervising staff in a related capacity. (minimum 2 year).
• Must possess practical experience of communications' maintenance field operations and communications technology.
• Must possess a thorough understanding of LIRR Communications operations.
• Must possess thorough understanding of LIRR disciplines.
• Must possess knowledge of LIRR Policies and Procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreement(s).
• Must be familiar with Communication's department SOP and maintenance practices.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission"). Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion. Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history. Including attendance and discipline records. Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications

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.

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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER:

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.