Manager, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems

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 Director, PTC Engineering, the Manager, CAD Systems, manages the operation and maintenance of the Computer Aided Dispatch systems; supervises the CAD group; and manages systems architecture, design, development, deployment, and issues resolution; and develops and administers systems training; and updates and maintains systems documentation.

The primary duties include: Assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of staff performing CAD systems functions; enforce work policies, procedures, standards, and protocols; and provide training on back-office administration, system monitoring tools, and troubleshooting procedures. Participate, oversee, and plan the design, development, and deployment of CAD and CAD-adjacent systems including database, infrastructure, configuration, workstations, software, communications, and support. Analyze dispatch needs and software and database performance reports, propose solutions, develop system specifications and test cases, and manage the testing effort and test environments to facilitate the continuous delivery of new software and database updates. Analyze software and database performance reports, identify issues, and develop and implement solutions. Act as the primary technical liaison for the dispatch environment and ancillary software programs, collaborating with other departments in root cause analysis, communications and information exchange, and planned resolutions. 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. 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 Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electrical/Electronics Engineering or lieu of a degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four years in systems software development, maintenance, or support.
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of seven years of experience in the development, maintenance, support, and administration of computer aided dispatching systems. Experience working with database systems such as Microsoft SQL.
3. Considerable knowledge of back office systems, signal system operations, and signal design principles.
4. Good knowledge of CAD interaction with Positive Train Control.
5. Good knowledge of database design, querying, and architecture.
6. Good knowledge of PTC system components and system interoperability.
7. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills.
8. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
9. Strong Linux and Windows system administration skills.
10. Skill developing and managing databases.
11. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
12. Ability to solve complex issues in large scale distributed systems.
13. Ability to supervise staff.
14. Ability to work in a high pressure environment.
15. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
16. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
17. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
18. Must be willing to travel outside of Metra's 6-county region.
19. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
20. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Experience with railroad computer aided dispatching system.

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.