Metronorth Railroad

Assistant Engineer - Structures

Metronorth Railroad$103K — $140K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Recent civil construction or inspection experience (2 years for Level I; 4 years for Level II; 6 years for Level III).
  • Strong project management familiarity and relevant engineering operations knowledge.
  • Proficient in software tools such as MS Office and AutoCAD.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with managing resources for structural maintenance and projects.
  • Plan and schedule labor resources for structural section operations.
  • Investigate and respond to customer inquiries and complaints.
  • Aid in planning the Capital Program for major structural projects.
  • Perform special assignments as directed by senior engineers.
  • Prepare reports and presentations to monitor project progress.
  • Support improvement of productivity and efficiency among engineering staff.

Benefits

  • Commuting assistance including complimentary transportation pass.
  • High-quality health insurance plans with low premiums for eligible retirees.
  • Pension plans and retirement savings options.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday policies.
  • Tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing further education.
  • Employee assistance programs and support services.
Full Job Description
Job ID: 12453

Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road

Location: Jamaica, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Principal Eng Structures Staff

Date Posted: Jul 31, 2025

Description

Job Title: Assistant Engineer - Structures Level I, II, & III

Department: Engineering

MTA Agency: LIRR

Primary Location(s): 114-41 94 th Avenue

Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $103,523 - $140,492

Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: N/A

Closing Date (if applicable): 8/8/2025

Shift (if applicable): Regular

Other:

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

JOB SUMMARY :

Responsible to assist the Principal Engineer and Engineers - Structures to plan, manage, and direct the operations of the Structures Department This is comprised of Civil Design, Civil Inspection, Structural Maintenance and Structural Projects. Assist in the management of Capital Improvement Projects, State of Good Repair (SGR) Bridge and Line Structure Maintenance and SGR Station Maintenance including: passenger stations, buildings, bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, plumbing/drainage etc. Assist to ensure all SGR Maintenance and Structural projects are on time, within budget, quality workmanship, and built safely in compliance with State, City, County Agencies, with minimal impact on Operations of Trains. Provide specific assistance to ensure that departmental standards, goals and objectives are optimized while remaining within the constraints of schedules and budgets.

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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
  • Assisting with the management of limited resources to maintain and ensure LIRR infrastructure is in a state of good repair, ensuring the safety of employees and customers. Assist in developing work plans and coordinating projects with force account personnel to progress high profile projects such as, State of Good Repair Bridge (SGR) program and Structural Renewal Projects (Large scale maintenance projects requiring project type documentation). Monitor, update and report on completion of same.
  • Assist with the management of the daily operations of structural maintenance and structural projects section including planning, scheduling of labor resources flow and equipment requirements/distribution.
  • Enhance customer satisfaction by investigating customer and political inquiries or complaints, claims, legal inquiries either written or verbal and prepare appropriate responses in accordance with company policies and procedures for the Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer- MW & Principal Engineer - Structures. Allocate work responsibilities and correspondence to Structures Dep't areas including scheduling and monitoring completion of same. Serve as engineering coordinator for Principal Engineer - Structures.
  • Assist in the planning and preparation of the Capital Program to ensure that major Structures Department projects such as bridge repair/construction, drainage, station rehabilitation, etc. are represented and adequately scheduled and funded. Assist in the development of resource loaded schedules for various structural project work, i.e., preventative maintenance and State of Good Repair programs.
  • Plan, organize and perform special assignments for the Principal Engineer - Structures or his designee (Weather, Safety). Attend meetings for Principal Engineer and Engineers - Structures as directed.
  • Develop and prepare various reports, presentations and schedules for the Principal Engineer - Structures to monitor and coordinate both reimbursable and maintenance groups.
  • Assist in improving productivity and efficiency of structural forces. Develop relationships with union representatives. Ensure/provide contract applications and interpretations.
  • Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
  • Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example. Perform other assignments as requested by Sr. Management.


REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Level I
  • Must possess a bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field. An additional four years of demonstrated directly related equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
  • Must possess recent, related civil construction or civil inspection experience (2 years).


Level II
  • Must possess ALL required qualifications listed above for Level I.
  • Must possess 4 years recent, related civil construction or civil inspection experience.


Level III
  • Must possess ALL required qualifications listed above for Level I and Level II.
  • Must possess 6 years recent, related civil construction or civil inspection experience.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Level I
  • Must possess a familiarity with project management.
  • Must possess knowledge of Engineering operations, and computer skills.
  • Must possess strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management, communicate ideas and motivate employees.
  • Must possess strong organizational, planning, analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills demonstrating sound judgment.
  • Must possess a professional demeanor and high degree of integrity.


Level II
  • Must possess knowledge and practical experience in a minimum of two areas of the Structures disciplines: Structural Projects, Structural Maintenance, Civil Design or Civil Inspection.
  • Must possess prior experience in the preparation of technical reports, such as the development and packaging of the Technical Requirements of Contract Documents.
  • Must possess strong background in Civil Engineering with in-depth knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
  • Must possess extensive knowledge of LIRR System and Operations.
  • Must possess an understanding of Rail Road Engineering principles, LIRR operations and scheduling.
  • Must possess understanding and experience using software packages (i.e., MS Office, VISIO, WEMS, AutoCAD, MAXIMO, AVLM, Dreamweaver, Adobe, etc.).
  • Must possess prior experience developing presentations and resenting to senior management.
  • Must possess prior experience drafting responses and/or correspondence to inquiries, claims, complaints, etc.
  • NY State Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification.


The Assistant Engineer II position also requires the following minimum requirements if elevated from Assistant Engineer I position:
  • Recommendation from the Section Head and approval of the Chief Engineer.
  • A 3.0 or better on two consecutive performance appraisals.
  • Completion of 50% of MECC classes.
  • Demonstration of increased supervisory capabilities.
  • Consistent compliance with safety regulations and ensure the safety of those around him/her.


Level III

A.
  • Must possess experience managing/supervising in a union environment with knowledge of applicable union agreements.
  • Must possess knowledge and practical experience in a minimum of three areas of the Structures disciplines: Structural Projects, Structural Maintenance, Civil Design or Civil Inspection.
  • Must possess experience assisting with design reviews and project management.
  • Must possess an understanding of Railroad Engineering Operations with an understanding of other Railroad disciplines.
  • Must possess in depth knowledge of Quality Management.
  • Must possess working knowledge of applicable labor agreements and Labor Relations knowledge of company and department policies and procedures.


The Assistant Engineer III position also requires the following minimum requirements if elevated from Assistant Engineer II position:
  • Recommendation from the Section Head and approval of the Chief Engineer.
  • A 3.0 or better on most recent performance appraisal.
  • Completion of MECC classes.
  • Demonstration of effective supervisory capabilities.
  • Consistent compliance with safety regulations and ensure the safety of those around him/her.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Level I
  • Previous experience in a leadership capacity, familiarity with union agreements.
  • Knowledge of Engineering and Maintenance of Way Department principles and practices.
  • Engineering Department work experience.
  • Knowledge of LIRR Systems and Operations.
  • Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
  • Experience managing/supervising in a union environment is highly desirable.


Level II
  • Actively Pursuing NYS Professional Engineer's License.
  • Experience working in a unionized environment.
  • Quality Assurance/Quality Control experience.
  • General knowledge of procurement and contract administration.


BENEFITS:
  • Commuting Assistance - based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
  • Low Premium - High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
  • Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
  • Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
  • Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
  • Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • Layout 1 (mta.info)


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").
  • Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion.
  • Employees driving company vehicles 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.
  • Current employees 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.
  • Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page
  • LIRR:
    • 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.


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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER:

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.

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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