Lead Structural Engineer

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

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.

This department oversees the design and construction of Metra capital projects and oversees the work of contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, electrical, and mechanical design.

Reporting to the Director, Civil and Structural Design, the Lead Structural Engineer functions as subject-matter-expert in the review and evaluation of work performed by consultants; manage complex structural engineering projects; perform contract administration functions; and assist in the development and implementation of various capital programs, procedures, and policies.

The primary duties include: Draft scope of work and independent cost estimates for complex structural engineering design work to be performed by consultants; review consultant design plans and specifications for compliance with federal, state, and municipal codes, and sound engineering standards; negotiate level of effort; and recommend and oversee changes as needed.

Manage consultants working on assigned projects including ensuring project schedules and milestones are met, evaluating proposed design changes for integrity and cost effectiveness, and ensuring payment requests are appropriate and reflect completed work.

Represent the department as the subject matter expert on structural engineering matters. Provide training and technical oversight of other staff and assist the Director of Civil and Structural Design in identifying and prioritizing projects.

Manage projects including evaluating proposed design changes for integrity and cost effectiveness; and coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and compliant with corporate quality standards and Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) guidelines.

Maintain detailed records on the status of engineering projects including schedules, costs, and design changes; draft memoranda detailing assessments of design reviews and changes needed; and prepare work reports.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow.

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

Requirements

1.Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field with Structural focus from an ABET accredited institution.

2.In addition to #1, must have eight years of Civil or Structural Engineering experience in the design of bridges, buildings, and related structures.

3.Comprehensive knowledge of:

• modern construction methods, materials, and equipment.
• infrastructure systems.

4.Comprehensive understanding of:

• structural engineering design and construction principles. Comprehensive understanding of bridge engineering design, construction, and maintenance principles and practices.
• project cost estimating.
• federal, state, and local building codes, provisions, laws, and regulations.
• EAM systems.

5.Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.

6.Advanced math skills performing engineering calculations.

7.Good verbal and written communication skills.

8.Project management skills.

9.Skill preparing structural engineering reports.

10. Proficient in:

• Microsoft Office 365.
• web-based project management systems.

11. Ability to:

• manage projects and consultants.
• interpret and apply federal, state, and local codes and regulations.
• handle multiple tasks, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
• perform site surveys and assessments.
• develop programs to address long-term maintenance needs.
• establish criteria for prioritizing projects based on asset condition data.
• develop, manage, and maintain data-driven programs that evolve over time.
• lift and move up to 20 pounds.

12. Must be:

• able to operate a vehicle and be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
• available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

13. If licensed in another state, candidate must obtain Illinois registration within 6 month of hire.

Preferred:

• Railroad experience.

• Certified Bridge Inspector.

• Certified in Project Management.

• Registered Illinois Structural Engineer preferred.

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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.

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.