Metronorth Railroad

Assistant Deputy Director - Signal Maintenance (Grand Central Terminal)

Metronorth Railroad$116K — $145K *
Transportation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Transportation, or Systems Engineering, or a related field plus relevant experience can substitute for education.
  • 7+ years in managing field maintenance operations or safety-critical transportation infrastructure.
  • 5+ years of supervisory experience with technical or maintenance teams in regulated environments.
  • Strong knowledge of federal transportation regulations (e.g., FRA, FHWA, FTA, FAA).
  • Experience with wayside signal systems and interlockings is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and direct the signal maintenance workgroups for efficient operations.
  • Coordinate with various departments and external partners to ensure signal system safety.
  • Manage daily workgroup functions within budget parameters.
  • Monitor overall system performance and recommend improvements.
  • Support staff development and expand knowledge of system operations and safety initiatives.
  • Implement the Metro-North Safety Program for personnel working on or near railways.
  • Motivate and develop staff, providing performance management and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare plan.
  • Retirement savings plans with employer contributions.
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Employee wellness programs.
Full Job Description
Job ID: 16860

Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad

Location: New York, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Deputy Chief Engr C&S

Date Posted: Aug 10, 2026

Description

Job Title: Assistant Deputy Director- Signal Maintenance (Grand Central Terminal)

Department: Maintenance of Way

MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): New York, NY

Salary Range: $116,641- $145,800

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: DOT Regulated/Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Non-agreement

Closing Date (if applicable) : Until Filled

Shift (if applicable) :

Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable

Other: Not Telework eligible

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for planning, managing, and directing the labor, materials, and equipment required for the maintenance, testing, and inspection of wayside signal systems across the assigned territory. The role ensures that all work is conducted in compliance with applicable federal regulations, internal signal standards, and organizational safety programs. It provides leadership in maintaining reliable, safe, and efficient signal operations while supporting coordination with internal departments, external partners, and safety initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide leadership and technical direction to the Hudson, Harlem, and GCT Signal Maintenance Workgroups in the execution of safe and efficient maintenance, testing and inspection practices associated with interlockings, intermediate territory, grade crossings, yards and all other wayside apparatus including PTC and systems utilized by the Metro- North wayside signal system.
  • Coordinate the functions of the wayside signal workgroup with the requirements and needs of the Operation, Track and Structures, Power, Mechanical, Communications, Signal Construction, 3rd Party Contractors, Safety Departments and others as necessary to ensure the safe operation of the signal system is maintained and protected.
  • Direct and manage the daily functions of the wayside workgroup and ensure that all activities are being performed efficiently and within labor and material budget parameters.
  • Analyze and monitor the overall wayside signal system performances to ensure that all functions and performance being provided meet the required operational needs and safety parameters.
  • Evaluate alternative solutions, system upgrades and revisions from the technical and economic perspective and propose solutions that are efficient and meet the mission parameters for the systems communication services.
  • Develop staff and support the workgroup in expanding system knowledge, increasing safety, reducing operational costs and supporting new requirements for the communications systems.
  • Provide a lead in supporting Metro-North Safety Program through the execution of required activities and policies associated with personnel working along or on the railroad right-of-way and other locations.
  • Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Complies with all policies and standards
  • May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
  • Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
  • Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
  • Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
  • Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or comparable applications
  • Develop and manage service and equipment database inventory.
  • Strong analytical skills in order to analyze new and existing products, equipment and/or procedures.
  • Must be able to recommend improvements or replacements to better support the wayside signal systems.
  • Must be able to work in a high-profile/high-pressure environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with internal departments and outside agencies.
  • Strong knowledge of federal Drug and Alcohol testing.
  • Strong knowledge of vital and non-vital electronic processors utilized on railroad wayside systems.
  • 24-hours 7 days availability required.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.


The following is/are preferred:
  • Broad background in technology used in signal systems.
  • Strong knowledge of federal Hours of Service regulations
  • Famil iarity with Metro-North PeopleSoft payroll and material systems.
  • Working knowledge of FRA regulations, specifically CFR Parts 234, and 236.
  • Familiarity with Metro-North Railroad systems, policies, collective bargaining agreements, and Priority One Safety Program
  • Knowledge of AC/DC traction return systems and electric snow melter operations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  1. Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Electrical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include four (4 ) additional years of relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  2. Minimum of 7 years of experience managing field maintenance operations, signaling systems, traffic control systems, or other safety critical transportation infrastructure (e.g., highway ITS, aviation ground signaling, maritime navigatio n systems), including oversight of labor, materials, and equipment. Experience should also include working within safety regulated environments governed by federal transportation regulations (e.g., FRA, FHWA, FTA, FAA), with the ability to learn and apply CFR Parts 234, and 236.
  3. Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience leading technical or maintenance teams within transportation, utilities, or other industrial sectors with complex regulatory and safety requirements.


The following is/are preferred :

1. Minimum 1 year p rior experience with railroad signal systems, interlockings, or wayside infrastructure

2. Minimum 1 year e xperience with vital and non vital processors used in signal or control systems.

3. Minimum 1 year experience using PeopleSoft payroll and materials systems.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required :
  • Valid Driver's License


OTHER INFORMATION
  • Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
  • Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
  • Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
  • To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.


HOW TO APPLY:

For Internal Applicants : Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants : Visit www.mta.info , click the "Careers" link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on "See All Open MTA Positions". Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.

About Metronorth Railroad

Metro-North Railroad is a commuter railroad that serves the northern suburbs of New York City. The railroad was founded in 1983 and is owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Metro-North operates three main lines, the Hudson Line, the Harlem Line, and the New Haven Line, which together serve over 85 million passengers annually. The railroad has a fleet of over 400 rail cars and operates over 700 trains per day. In addition to commuter service, Metro-North also operates several tourist trains, including the popular Fall Foliage and Holiday Express trains.
Learn more about Metronorth Railroad
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Net Income
$100 million
Founded
1983
5 Year Trend
-5%
Revenue
$1 billion

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