PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plans, organizes, schedules and monitors preventive maintenance programs.
- Supervises the repair, inspection and installation of train control equipment on the Authority's 272-mile railroad and 29 grade crossings.
- Assigns work to employees, conducts regular field inspections to monitor the inspection, repair and maintenance, work methods, efficiency and accuracy of work performed.
- Insures that all inspections and work performed meets with national standards and the Authority's policies and programs.
- Evaluates and monitors the performance of staff for compliance with the Authority programs, policies and attainment of preset goals and objectives.
- Supervises and coordinates the activities of personnel during system emergencies, incidents and weather related emergencies which cause disruptions to the CTA system. Coordinates the signal enforcement of slow-zones. Provides on-site technical support and solutions as needed.
- Prepares documentation and performs investigation for rail related incidents used for future analysis and accident prevention. Investigates electrical and mechanical problems to determine the cause of malfunction or failure.
- Performs field audits on all signal equipment to ensure maintenance is being performed.
- Performs safety audits on personnel in the field, on the right of way, briefing books, and PPE equipment.
- Assists the Manager in the development and administration of the Signal Maintenance Department's programs, policies, goals and objectives.
- Develops plans, technical aspects, designs, specifications and cost estimates relating to wayside signal programs.
- Determines capital equipment and infrastructure needs, maintenance programs and construction activities.
- Assesses infrastructure conditions and recommends replacement or upgrade to the signal system, assists with annual operating budget and equipment needs.
- Reviews, comments and recommends approval on related capital project submittals.
- Provides engineering assistance and technical advice.
- Evaluates new equipment and technology for acceptance on the CTA signal system. Offers technical evaluations and possible solutions to incorporate into design elements for system compatibility and acceptance.
- Coordinates with contractors and operations personal to ensure that appropriate signal support is available for single tracks and reroutes.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position may include the following jobs:
Job Title
- Construction Foreman
- Carbourne Foreman
- Relay Room Foreman
CHALLENGES
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, plus eight (8) years of experience in the construction and maintenance of signal systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.
- Registered Illinois Professional Engineer or Registered Illinois Electrical Engineer preferred.
- Must possess a valid State of Illinois Driver's License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity and fingering for working with computer key boards.
- Must be able to walk the right-of-way (structure, ballast, and subway) for extended distances in all weather conditions.
- Must be able to climb ladders.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Detailed knowledge and experience in the design, operation, and maintenance of signal systems and associated equipment.
- Detailed knowledge of electrical, mechanical and pneumatic equipment along with the associated circuitry utilizing a spectrum of electrical components and devices.
- Working knowledge of signal and interlocking equipment capabilities and limitations.
- Working knowledge of working with electronic test equipment, oscilloscopes, ammeters, and multimeters.
- Intermediate computer skills, including familiarity with spreadsheets and word processing programs such as Excel and Word and familiar with cad design, particularly AutoCAD .
- Intermediate mathematics skills.
- Ability to write and express oneself in a clear, logical and comprehensible manner.
- Working knowledge of M23s, M3s, 5Gs, 5Hs.
- Working knowledge of lying down and installation of switch machines.
- Working knowledge of diagnosing signal anomalies
WORKING CONDITIONS
- General office environment.
- Regularly exposed to electrically energized conductors, moving trains and other hazardous conditions. Required to walk the right-of-way structure, ballast, and subways.
- Subject to being on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency responses and call outs as conditions dictate.
- Expected to perform night and off shift field audits and worker reviews.
- Travels within the Chicago Metropolitan area to meet with suppliers, manufacturers, other transit agencies and etc.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
- Standard office equipment.
- Personal computer, network routers and communication modems for fiber optic and copper transmission of data.
- Computer software programs, i.e. Java Script, C++, PC Anywhere, ProComm, Excel, Word Perfect, Lotus, Power Point, D Base, Paradox, AutoCAD, Technical Publication Software, Imaging Software, Primavera etc.
- Computerized diagnostic equipment and portable test units, EEPROM programmers, various electrical and mechanical measurement/ test equipment.
- Engineering and Maintenance manuals, national standards/codes.