Description Position at Long Island Rail Road
Job Title: Engineer - Signal Design
Department: Engineering
MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road
Primary Location(s): Queens, NY
Salary Range: $129,471 - $161,838
Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Non-DOT/Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation: Non-agreement
Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled
Shift (if applicable):
Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable
Other: Telework eligible
ABOUT THE 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.
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible to assist the Principal Engineering Signal Design in managing and coordinating efforts of the Signal - Design group to ensure prompt production of safe, quality design/specifications for use by vendors and LIRR field forces. Provide engineering design, specifications and standards for modification to the signal systems of the LIRR. Assist filed personnel in handling problems encounter during signal cutovers and is responsible to oversee revising design plans to reflect as-in-service changes or modifications. The Engineer will develop signal engineering plans, designs specifications. Direct and check the work of others in lower classifications. Interface with consultants/suppliers regarding project issues, i.e., designs, submittal reviews, and component parts. Perform related duties and projects as assigned. This position is also responsible to review and sign off on all capital and third party designs affecting the LIRR signal systems. This position is also responsible to review and sign-off on all capital and third-party designs affecting the LIRR signal systems.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist Principal Engineer Signal Design to manage Signal Design Group including project tracking, accounting, and estimate preparation. Supervise the design of circuits for conventional signal system utilizing relay or microprocessor systems without any guidance for interlockings, highway crossings and automatic signaling.
- Provides final approval of all circuit drawings and revisions prior to installation.
- Responsible for LIRR technical requirements and criteria for all signal and train control systems including but not limited to design criteria, standard specifications, drawings, and design build project requirements. Collaborates with various LIRR Departments to validate functional and technical requirements.
- Provides technical support to LIRR Capital Projects throughout the design phase of capital projects. Support includes but is not limited to submittal review, response to requests for information, preparation of typical drawings and guidelines.
- Review and attend meetings dealing with the scope and contents pertaining to new projects. Review design completion benchmarks submitted by consultants. Advise consultants on preparation of signal layout plans and other data relative to signaling. Identify and implement cost effective signaling equipment that
- meet LIRR standards for signal use.
- Provide support for prompt repair and revision of existing signal system including emergency conditions. Must be able to evaluate design changes for impacts to interfaces to comply with LIRR & FRA standards.
- Participate in framing and implementing the improvements to railroad signaling technology and efficiency. Ensure efficient concepts are utilized in signaling projects
- and rolling stock and is compatible with signal system. Provide technical support for procurement of material and services.
- 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.
- Complies with all policies and standards
- May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
- Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
- Reviews invoices and approve them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
- Addresses performance issues with the contractor, when possible, as applicable
- Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Required:
- Ability to design and modify software system for Vital/Non-vital Microprocessor based systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge in the principles and design of vital and nonvital logic (both relay and processor based), track circuits and cab signaling, block design and safe braking analysis.
- Must possess working knowledge of railroad operations, signal systems, operating rules and physical characteristics of the right of way.
- Must possess knowledge of track construction processes as well as track design concepts.
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact with internal departments and outside consultants/suppliers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Must possess knowledge of labor agreements (BRS 241).
- Must possess knowledge of LIRR business practices, including procurement, accounting, budget, Federal Railway Administration (FRA) and Association of Railway Engineering, Signal Engineering Operations Manual (SEOM) and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA) standards.
- Must possess the ability to make sound decisions and exercise sound judgment particularly in a crisis.
- Must possess the ability to ensure corporate/department safety policies are adhered to.
- Must possess the ability to lead and direct others particularly technical personnel.
The following is/are preferred: None
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Electrical Engineering or related field. Demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
- Must possess progressively responsible, recent directly related railway signaling experience (approximately 8 years).
- Must possess recent progressively responsible experience in signal design.
- Must possess supervisory/managerial experience.
The following is/are preferred: None
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred:
OTHER INFORMATION
- Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
- To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.
- If applicable, 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").
- If applicable, employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and 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.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
HOW TO APPLY:
For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.
For External Applicants: Visit , click the "Careers" link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on "See All Open MTA Positions". Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.
