Project Manager

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.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

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.

Mechanical coordinates and oversees the repair, inspection, cleaning, rebuilding, replacing and maintenance of 1,180 pieces of rolling stock used in commuter service. The department's goal is to provide safe, clean and reliable service while maintaining the fleet to the standards of the Federal Railroad Administration, Association of American Railroads, American Public Transit Association and the original equipment manufacturers.

Reporting to the Director, Mechanical Capital Projects, the Project Manager will plan in-house overhaul production within specification and budget parameters of assigned projects. Responsibilities include: requisitioning material, evaluating production methods, developing and implementing work details, tasks, and technical guidances, negotiating changes/revisions, coordinating project activities with other departments and external organizations, documenting all aspects of assigned projects and providing leadership to team members. The Project Manager confers with Shop Superintendents to discuss and resolve matters such as work procedures, time studies, complaints and production problems and works closely with upper management to ensure the scope and direction of each project is within budget and on schedule. The primary duties include plan assigned overhaul production within project specifications and budget. Requisition supplies and materials to complete overhaul projects. Develop work details and tasks for craft employees to successfully complete project scope of work within time constraints of the production schedule. Create task codes for Kronos timekeeping system and monitor work hours. Develop, implement, and support technical guidances and work instructions. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. 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 Engineering, Project Management, or related field OR Journeyman Certification, OR a combination of education and experience that equals four years of technical, engineering, or project management experience.
2. In addition to #1, must have five years of progressively responsible skill trades, technical inspection, engineering, or project manager experience preferably in the railroad or manufacturing industry. Grant application experience is a plus.
3. Must have three years of direct or indirect supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, and conflict management.
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
5. Good organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
6. Ability to work independently and in a team-orientated collaborative environment.
7. Ability to provide technical guidance.
8. Ability to adjust to shifting priorities, demands, and time-lines.
9. Ability to assume immediate responsibility for coordinating and maintaining the timely completion of coach overhaul project(s).
10. Demonstrated ability to generate production schedules and bill of materials.
11. Must be able to obtain FRA 216 and 238 Certification within 60 days of hiring (training provided by Metra)
12. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
13. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
14. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
15. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
16. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
17. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
18. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferences:

1. Knowledge of the operating and maintenance systems of passenger rail cars
2. Knowledge of Original Equipment (OEM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transportation Authority (FTA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) rules, regulation, and standards as they apply to railroad passenger cars
3. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis in Excel, Project, and Word. Experience with IBM Maximo, Asset Management System
4. Project Management Certification

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. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or 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 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.