Communications Design Engineer

Company: Disability Solutions
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 15, 2024

Job Description:

DescriptionSALARY$80,000 - $90,000POSITION SUMMARYUnder general supervision, performs intermediate engineering work of moderate complexity involving the selection and application of engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of Authority communication systems.QualificationsPRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acts as project engineer overseeing, coordinating, and reviewing work performed by outside consultants and contractors to ensure compliance with Authority technical standards and operational protocols.
• Serves as technical and engineering support on construction projects that require outside cable plant design, optical power analysis, circuit allocation, and design of communication systems to support the telephone, public address, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Closed Circuit TV (CCTV), fare collection, Internet Protocol (IP) network architecture, and other communication systems.
• Develops testing and acceptance procedures for communication construction projects.
• Provides status reports to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to Authority standards and needs.
• Liaises with various departments in preparing detailed drawings, scope, cost estimates, and specifications in the planning and design of communications projects.
• Coordinates and integrates criteria from other departments including Communications Maintenance, Transit Operations, Planning, and the Control Center.
• Prepares detailed specifications and cost estimates for the design of communication systems. Researches communication product data to support design needs.
• Develops and prepares contract bid documents for advertisement of bid packages, coordinates with Purchasing and Capital Departments to move the project through bid phase, and assists with award of projects.
• Provides IP network architecture design and management for system-wide fiber optic communications backbone IP supported applications.
• Identifies a set of objectives to identify any gaps inherent in the design. Adheres to key principles and industry best practices that contribute to a successful network design.
• Coordinates construction work to ensure conformance with engineering specifications and on-time delivery of projects.
• Provides technical support to internal CTA customers for telephone, data, and video subsystem designs, expansions, or replacements.
• Populates the Authority's Infrastructure Management System GIS database.
• Identifies, researches, evaluates, recommends and develops new technology. Evaluates emerging network technologies and make recommendations on their viability.
• Performs related duties as assigned.MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIESReporting to this position are the following jobs:Job TitleNoneCHALLENGES
  • Maintaining communication related standards, proficiency, and guiding communication related standards to the rest of the department.
  • Designing and managing complex IP based networks.
  • Keeping abreast of changes in scientific knowledge and engineering technology and utilizing changes in solving theoretical or practical communications engineering problems.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
    • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, or a related field, plus two (2) years of engineering experience in the design and maintenance of communications systems, or an equivalent combination of training and experience, provided the degree requirement is met.
    • BICSI certified Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) preferred.
    • Licensed Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois preferred.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
      • Physical ability to walk and limited climbing along rail system tracks or electrified rail in dimly lit subways, elevated structures, and expressway median to ensure personal safety.
      • Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
      • Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
        • Working knowledge of communications engineering principles, methods, and techniques.
        • Working knowledge of materials, techniques, and municipal codes and ordinances as applied to design, construction, and maintenance of communications projects.
        • Working knowledge of the use and application of CAD and GIS applications (i.e. AutoCAD, Microstation, ArcView).
        • Intermediate skill with basic office computer applications (i.e. MS Word, MS Excel, MS Visio, MS Outlook, etc.).
        • Good research, attention to detail, and problem solving skills.
        • Good critical thinking skills to assess how one change can affect the entire project.
        • Good project management skills.
        • Good math skills including Algebra, Calculus, and geometry.
        • Good verbal and written communication skills.
        • Good surveying skills.
        • Ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.
        • Ability to apply engineering knowledge to complex engineering problems with versatility, judgment, and perception.
        • Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate routine engineering problems and provide practical and cost effective solutions.
        • Ability to adapt well to change.
        • Ability to work well with others.
        • Ability to manage engineering projects of moderate complexity and magnitude. WORKING CONDITIONS
          • General office environment.
          • Travels within the Chicago Metropolitan area and works various days and hours as assigned.
          • Works along elevated, ballasted, and subway tracks adjacent to moving rail vehicles, and energized power rails, as well as CTA bus garages and other CTA facilities.
          • Subject to prevailing weather conditions when conducting field inspections. EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
            • Standard office equipment
            • Computer, engineering software, calculator, technical manuals and survey equipment. Additional DetailsPlease note, employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts. Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERNo employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.During the hiring process, CTA?s Human Resources department will contact candidates with next steps . Failure to respond to these correspondences in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.

Keywords: Disability Solutions, Arlington Heights , Communications Design Engineer, Engineering , Chicago, Illinois