Sr PTC Applications Engineer / Linux Systems Administrator

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Director, PTC Engineering, the Senior PTC Applications Engineer will

1. Setup, deploy, and maintain applications, workstations, and servers
2. Are responsible for the reliability, maintainability, and deployment of applications including Ticket Management, Network Management System (NMS), Windows System Administration, Linux System Administration, Messaging (ITCM), Key Exchange Servers (KES), Software Defined Radios (220 MHz), Wayside Status Relay Service (WSRS), and Systems Management (ITCSM)
3. Monitor PTC system performance and troubleshoot issues
4. Lead the development of tools and procedures to monitor and alert users to system outages
5. Document system anomalies according to established policies
6. Participate in problem analysis meetings to prevent future outages
7. Design, update, and deploy software and configurations to PTC systems and components
8. Analyze systems and recommend/develop refinements
9. Participate in design review meetings and manage entire life cycle of software deployments from concept to production
10. Handle day-to-day maintenance of systems, including Linux (Red Hat Enterprise) and Windows system administration
11. Develop scripts and automation tools to make software and configuration updates faster and less error prone
12. Participate in lab testing of PTC system and interoperable applications and networks
13. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical or Software Engineering or in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in computer systems engineering/administration, software development, Dev-ops, or reliability engineering.
2. In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of combined experience in: Linux system administration, software development, Windows system administration, IT automation, software maintenance/packaging and/or IT infrastructure, and VMware or similar virtualization platforms.
3. Considerable knowledge of Linux system administration including Bash scripting.
4. Good Knowledge of high availability (HA) systems and infrastructure.
5. Working knowledge of large scale network infrastructure.
6. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills.
7. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
8. Proficient in at least one (1) programming language such as Python, Ruby, C++, or other mainstream language.
9. Proficient in Linux shell scripting.
10. Ability to work independently, focus on tasks with a high attention to detail, and complete assigned tasks on time with little-to-no rework required.
11. Ability to follow configuration management process and controlled release procedures.
12. Ability to analyze and debug complex software and infrastructure issues, and develop tools/systems for task automation.
13. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
14. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
15. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
16. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
17. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferences:

1. Experience in Docker/Kubernetes is a plus.
2. Experience in IT automation tools such as Ansible is a plus.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.