Deputy Chief Engineer

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Chief Engineering Officer, the Deputy Chief Engineer provides strategic leadership to senior director and director level managers accountable for the planning, management, and performance of the division's engineering projects and activities; oversees the development and administrations goals, objectives, and processes that align with the Agency's strategic plans; and provides technical and design expertise on complex and multi-disciplinary technical issues.

The primary duties include: Function in a senior leadership role providing guidance to directors accountable for engineering programs and projects in the areas of Signal, Positive Train Control, Telecommunications, Track, and Maintenance; act as liaison between staff and the Chief Engineering Officer communicating directives and ensuring assignments are completed effectively. Provide guidance and direction on construction and engineering projects; oversee project delivery and performance ensuring they meet quality standards, government regulations, efficiencies, and safety requirements; and interact with federal, state, and local constituencies on project funding, design, and implementation. Develop strategies, goals, and objectives for engineering operations and programs that meet quality standards, best practice, and sound engineering principals. Provide oversight in the development and administration of the department's annual budget; approve acquisitions and expenditures; and is accountable for financial controls and effective cost-containment. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments to evaluate impact on operations; recommend and implement policy and procedural changes to meet requirements; and keep the Chief Engineering Officer apprised of progress and issues. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management required. Master's degree preferred.
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible engineering operations experience in the railroad or transportation industry that includes managing multi-million dollar projects, process development, strategic planning, and organizational management.
3. Must have a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of engineering design and construction theories, practices, and principles.
5. Considerable knowledge of business principles, and fiscal and project management.
6. Considerable knowledge of railroad operating rules and safety procedures.
7. Good knowledge and understanding of collective bargaining agreements.
8. Strong leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
9. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
10. Strong analytical, organizational and critical thinking skills.
11. Proficient in Microsoft 365.
12. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with multiple and diverse constituencies.
13. Ability to demonstrate exceptional independent judgment and discretion.
14. Ability to effectively direct multi-dimensional responsibilities simultaneously.
15. Ability to develop and lead engineering strategies to support and advance cost-effective operations and on-time budget delivery.
16. Must be process driven and a visionary leader able to engage the workforce in the support of a variety of projects and prioritize conflicting needs in the implementation of initiatives and goals.
17. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
18. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
19. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
20. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
21. Travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
22. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Professional Engineer (PE) License

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.