Supervisor, Signal

About the role

The Signal Supervisor oversees signal maintenance, PTC, and construction projects ensuring compliance with Metra standards, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety standards, and professional guidelines for safe railroad operations. The primary duties include supervising and evaluating the work of signal employees, verifying the accuracy of inspection reports, coordinating work, and resolving signaling or PTC issues.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate the work of signal employees performing inspections, maintenance, repairs, and construction tasks; and ensure tasks comply with Metra and regulatory standards, adhere to established quality protocols; and are performed within required timelines.
• Verify the accuracy of inspection reports, signal plans, vendor documentation, and records for construction projects to maintain regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Act as a liaison between internal teams and external parties to coordinate work and resolve signaling or PTC issues that arise.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for difficult signal system or PTC repairs, determine the most effective repair processes, and document solutions for future use.
• Collaborate with Signal and PTC Engineers on quality control inspections and reviews on signal projects, ensuring adherence to Metra standards and federal regulations.
• Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Construction Maintenance, or a related field OR, in lieu of specified degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four years in signal circuit repair and maintenance, or design experience.
• In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of five years of experience in signal circuit repair and maintenance, or design.
• Must have a minimum of three years of direct supervisory experience that includes managing day-to-day operations, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, resolving conflicts, and overseeing budgeting, hiring, discipline, and/or terminations.
• Considerable knowledge of signal system operations and design principles, including circuit repair, maintenance, and modification techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of OHM's Law, series and parallel circuits, and related electrical principles that apply to signal systems and troubleshooting.
• Considerable knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and modification of signaling systems, as well as the associated safety standards.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including, PTC, FRA, and American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way (AREMA) standards.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational skills enabling effective problem solving and data interpretation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to field employees and management.
• Considerable skill in reading and interpreting equipment blueprints, diagrams, manuals, and specifications.
• Good project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Able to effectively manage signal projects ensuring their delivery is completed on schedule and within budget.
• Able to manage training timetables and deadlines.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and promote collaboration among teams, departments, and external partners.
• Able to understand and apply labor agreements, addressing union issues and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and policies.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Able to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
• Available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the railroad industry and with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems.
• Experience developing, facilitating, and implementing training programs for adult learners, including the creation and delivery of technical courses and instructional materials related to signal systems or railroad operations.