Director, Elec Maintenance

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 Senior Director, Engineering Maintenance, the Director Electrical Maintenance will direct the activities and operations of the Electrical Maintenance Section.

The primary duties include: Plan, direct, and coordinate electrical maintenance projects ensuring optimum utilization of manpower, materials, and equipment; adherence to goals, budgets, and time schedules; and compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards and requirements.

Establish work priorities and schedules, assign and monitor projects, and reallocate resources as needed to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. 

Develop goals, objectives, and standard operating procedures in line with strategic plans and work expectations, and to minimize risk reduction.

Provide technical guidance on complex projects, keep abreast of current trends and best practices in the field of electrical engineering maintenance, and oversee staff training and development.

Participate in the contracting process including developing request for proposals, scope of work, and letters of interest and qualifications; approving labor and material cost estimates; ensuring purchase orders are in place; authorizing payments; and resolving contracting 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.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.

Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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 Electrical Engineering or in lieu of a degree a combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four years in the construction, maintenance, or wiring of electrical systems.   

2. In addition to #1, must have 10 years of electrical experience, that includes high voltage, substation systems, and computerized maintenance management systems.

3. Must have a minimum of five years of direct supervisory experience, preferably in a union environment, that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.

4. Considerable knowledge of:

• the tools, materials, and techniques used in electrical maintenance.
• electrical codes and safety rules and procedures.

5. Good knowledge of project planning principles.

6. Strong:

• analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
• verbal and written communication skills.

7. Good leadership and project management skills.

8. Skill in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.    Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and computerized maintenance management systems.

9. Ability to:

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• conform to shifting priorities, demands, and time lines.  
• read electrical drawings and ladder logic.

10. Must be:

• able to operate a vehicle and be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferences:

• Experience in the railroad or transportation industry.

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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.