Job Information
MTA Assistant Chief Engineer/Officer - Power in Jamaica, New York
Assistant Chief Engineer/Officer - Power
Job ID: 11003
Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road
Location: Jamaica, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Asst CE Power
Date Posted: Mar 20, 2025
Description
Title: Assistant Chief Engineer/Officer - Power
Department: Engineering
Post Date: 03/20/2025
Close Date: 04/02/2025
Hay Point Evaluation: 1090
Salary Range: $133,509 - $200,264
Position Classification: Safety Sensitive
Location: Bethpage
Reports To: Deputy Chief Engineer
This is a Non-Represented Position.
This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
Please note that this position has been designated as a "Policy Maker," pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.
SUMMARY :
This position is responsible for managing LIRR infrastructures assets valued at several billion dollars (i.e., power infrastructure, equipment, power distribution, SCADA control, etc.) and hundreds of million investments in Capital improvements (i.e., Substations, over 350 miles of 3rd Rail, Breaker Houses, Motor Generators, Facility Power Systems, etc.). Responsible to manage, oversee and lead all aspects within the Power department including the planning and directing its effort to operate the power system, control the forces, procurement of materials, equipment, maintenance, construction, testing & inspection, and design. Ensure properly functioning and cost-effective electrical systems for safe and reliable railroad operations. Ensure safety reviews are performed when designing, installing, maintaining, testing, and inspecting all wayside electrical systems for LIRR. Establishing standards and controls to ensure adherence for construction, maintenance, testing and inspection of all wayside electrical systems. Ensure project scopes, estimates, reports, and schedules are accurate. Ensure department procedures are updated to reflect current practices and audits are addressed. This position is also responsible for the overseeing execution, completion, and maintenance of such capital program investments of Force Account Construction. This position will also provide the support necessary for recruiting, selection, hiring and training of new positions in the Power department. Responsible for safety of Power employees and 3rd party contractors and safety initiatives to improve employee and operational safety. The ACE – Power is also required to coordinate resources and forces of other departments and public utilities (PSEG & Con Ed) to achieve Capital & Maintenance goals. This individual will also coordinate and work with union leadership on all aspects of safety, performance and discipline. This position also assists in directing 24/7 emergency response to critical operational issues, derailments, storm-related events, etc. This position is responsible for making critical safety related decisions 24/7 for both normal operations, maintenance and emergency situations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Provide leadership through planning, directing, controlling, and evaluating the activities of Substations, High Tension, Electric Light & Power, Electric Traction and Design. Oversee the Electrical System Operator (ESO) and power load dispatching to ensure a safe and reliable operating environment; maintenance of the infrastructure, construction management teams to effectively, efficiently and safely complete Capital Programs on time and on budget. Ensure that Projects Controls, Field Monitoring, and analysis of project status is done through standard practices. Monitor performance on all related Force Account projects based on physical progress and earned value.
Lead and oversee the regular testing and inspection to ensure that high standard maintenance and construction programs are developed and implemented in accordance with LIRR/FRA standards.
Establish Engineering standards as applicable in response to changes in regulations, technology, and best practices. Oversee the development of procedures and ensure their compliance. Ensure that the administrative functions are completed and that they comply with LIRR and MTA reporting requirements. Direct investigation and progress improvements in materials, equipment, and procedures for Power and LIRR.
Direct preparation and management of Power schedules, budgets, and control. Review cost reports; investigate overrun/ under run conditions. Ensure all necessary materials are procured for both maintenance and construction projects for the Department. Develop/Implement 5-year and 20-year Power strategy plans. Provide direction and guidance for development of strategy and policy/procedures.
Oversee the coordination of hiring and training in the formulation of a comprehensive recruitment to ensure that an adequate and capable management and craft employees will be available with the required lead time to hire and train staff to successfully execute Engineering plans and objectives. Ensure an accurate hiring plan is developed to support this effort. Ensure commitment and continued adherence to the current MTA, LIRR, and Engineering policies and procedures. Oversee the coordination of hiring and training of Power employees to ensure adequate levels of employees are available to successfully execute plans and objectives.
Maintain positive, effective relationships with other LIRR departments, unions, other MTA Agencies, and local governments. Develop and direct internal and external correspondence, procedures, policies, and guidelines relating to Power department.
Direct, implement and control the adherence to safety rules and regulations. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions for employees.
Represent the Chief Engineer from a Power standpoint at meetings with the MTA and its agencies, federal, state and city agencies and other departments within the railroad.
Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling and discipline- when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example. Perform all other duties as requested by Senior Management.
All other assignments at the request of senior management
QUALIFICATIONS:
A) Required:
Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
Must be a seasoned manager with 14 years of progressively responsible experience in a railroad engineering environment. Experience must include effective management and primary responsibility for a multi-million-dollar budget with management responsibility for both professional and union employees.
Experience in rehabilitation/design and construction of power facilities and/or assets, as well as knowledge in procedures and methods related to a commuter railroad.
Progressively responsible senior level, related project management experience.
Experience managing within a complex, unionized environment with knowledge of union rules.
Experience in the development of scopes, estimates, schedules, and budgets.
Experience managing and directing strategy for a large segment of a Capital Program.
Experience in the interviewing, selecting, and hiring of new candidates for the Power Departments.
Extensive knowledge of utility power infrastructure and its function in railroad operations on a day-to-day basis as well as during emergencies.
Extensive knowledge of utility power distribution systems and relationships to support an electric transportation system.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of electrical wayside systems and their controls, including relaying and solid-state circuitry.
Extensive knowledge of company/ department operations, policies, and procedures along with an understanding of all facets of the railroad.
Must have demonstrated technical, leadership, management, organizational, facilitation, and negotiating skills necessary to effectively administer new corporate guidelines; lead all facets of design, construction, and maintenance including standards; and to provide direction to staff and coordinate activities with other Engineering disciplines and LIRR departments.
Must have demonstrated a high level of initiative, problem solving skills and decision-making abilities with ability to influence change as necessary.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to inspect equipment, analyze utility power data and compile trend analysis on errors/defects in the system.
Ability to motivate, train and influence others in a positive and productive manner to meet department/ corporate goals and new initiatives. Must be self-motivated.
Ability to plan, forecast, set objectives/ goals to support corporate goals and determine course of action.
Ability to direct business functions associated with operations, including schedules, budgets, utility costs, resource, and material allotment.
Ability to ensure adherence to corporate and department safety policies.
Ability to represent the Department/Company at various events and functions, while being sensitive to local issues and political climate.
Ability to lead and direct forces, develop the organization, including setting high standards of professional conduct.
Ability to take initiative with the ability to identify problems and utilize effective problem-solving skills.
Must be regularly available to work off-hours and on a 24/7 basis for issue resolution/mitigation.
B) Preferred:
Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
Professional Engineer’s License
Extensive knowledge of railroad operations including Amtrak, related FRA (Federal Railroad Administration), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and NEC (National Electric Code) rules and regulations.
OTHER INFORMATION:
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.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.