Assistant Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

The South Shore Line Railroad, also known as the Northen Indiana Commuter Transportation District, intends to hire a Control Systems Administrator to manage and maintain the communications and control systems supporting the railroad operational technology infrastructure. This role ensures system reliability and operational continuity for dispatch, train control, SCADA, and communications networks within its Operations Control Center at Michigan City, Indiana, and associated field locations.
Description:  Control Systems Administrator duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitor operational technology systems including train control communications, SCADA systems, alarm systems, signal and highway grade crossing warning systems, and dispatch communications.
• Respond to alarms, incidents, and outages affecting operational systems.
• Maintain operational uptime and system availability.
• Maintain fiber optic backbone infrastructure and communications transport systems.
• Administer Ethernet switching infrastructure supporting operational technology networks.
• Support voice communications systems including VoIP platforms, dispatch communications, and intercom systems.
• Configure and maintain network devices including switches and communications equipment.
• Maintain VLAN segmentation and IP addressing for operational networks.
• Maintain configuration backups and system records.
• Diagnose and repair fiber optic communication failures, network outages, and system faults.
• Coordinate repairs with contractors and vendors for issues that exceed in-house capabilities or required timelines.
• Perform preventative maintenance on communications and control systems.
• Maintain infrastructure diagrams, fiber allocation records, and system documentation.
• Document configuration changes, incidents, and maintenance activities.
• Maintain inventory records for communications infrastructure equipment.
• Assures adequate supply of capital spares.
• Provide technical support to Operations Control Center personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:   The following skills are required for consideration:

• A minimum of an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics, or comparable degree relating to electricity and/or electronics.  Minimum of five (5) years experience in related and relevant work may be substituted for degree(s).
• Computer systems familiarity is required -- either coursework or actual experience in network management.  
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in highly stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal skills; ability to work with fellow employees and vendors. 
• Valid driver’s license with a safe and insurable driving record.
• Willingness to work varied shift hours, varied days off, holidays, and extended hours as may be needed to respond to operational circumstances.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office products as well as generic computer and keyboarding skills.
• Superior record concerning safety attitude, attendance, and work performance.
• Solid business writing and communication skills.
• Reliable transportation to and from Michigan City. 
• Close home proximity to the Operations Control Center in Michigan City.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience and competence in any of the following:

• Railroad operational technology environments.
• Fiber optic communications infrastructure and backbone networks
• Ethernet switching and TCP/IP networking
• VLAN segmentation and network security fundamentals
• SCADA communications and industrial control systems
• Voice communications systems including VoIP and dispatch communications
• Network monitoring, logging, and alarm management systems
• System documentation, configuration management, and asset inventory

Schedule: The anticipated normal hours of service are during the daytime on Monday through Friday.  The specific work schedule will depend on the needs of the service and managerial availability.  The successful applicant will be expected to be available for calls during the night, evening, and weekend from other managers, supervisors, and control center personnel. 
Supervision: The position reports to the Director of Systems and Signals Engineer.
Salary and Benefits: Salary within the range of $80K to $82K will be determined on skills, experience, and consistent with pay structure for others with comparable assignments.  Vacation, holidays, health, dental, retirement benefits through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), and supplemental pension plans apply to the assignment. Details are available during the interview process.  Relocation benefits are not available.
Questions:  Contact Joseph Cieniawski, Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, at (219) 874-4221, ext 268, with questions about this opportunity.  Do not use this number for questions about other posted positions or opportunities.         
How to Apply: Complete the application and submit a written resume outlining education, training, experience, and work history. A cover letter outlining the reasons why you are interested and why you believe you are best qualified is encouraged but not required. Contact Joseph Cieniawski, Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, at (219) 874-4221, ext. 268, if you have questions about this opportunity or notice.

NICTD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class, assuming the individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

NICTD’s complete EEO Policy Statement is available upon request to the District’s EEO Officer, Ms. Melissa Jones, at (219) 874-4221, ext. 289; e-mail: melissa.jones@nictd.com.

Applicant Note: This application form is intended for use in evaluating your qualifications for employment. It is not an employment contract. Please answer all questions completely and to the best of your ability. False or misleading statements are grounds for refusal or termination of employment and benefits.

Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law in all employment decisions.

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