Assistant Manager of Signals and SCADA Communications

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Assistant Manager of Signals and SCADA Communications oversees Metro Transit's Light Rail Transit (LRT) signal and communications systems, including fiber optics, fire and security systems, CCTV, emergency telephones, public address systems, grade crossings, and signal control equipment. This position leads supervisors and technicians across all shifts to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant installation, maintenance, and operations in alignment with agency policies and FTA safety standards.

This posting will be used to create an eligible list for eight (8) months.

• Supervise and direct Signals and SCADA Communications supervisors and maintenance personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and policy-compliant execution of work activities. Provide guidance through coaching, counseling, training, and performance goal setting.
• Implement and enforce departmental policies, work rules, and safety procedures. Monitor work standards and ensure corrective action is taken based on inspection and maintenance reports.
• Plan and assign daily and weekly maintenance and project schedules in coordination with system operational requirements and other departments.
• Evaluate system performance data and inspection results to identify deficiencies and recommend or implement upgrades and equipment modifications to enhance reliability and functionality.
• Support and collaborate with supervisors in handling employee performance issues, including coaching, documentation, progressive discipline, and investigations in partnership with labor relations.
• Guide the development and refinement of maintenance procedures and strategies, including predictive and preventive maintenance plans. Analyze system failures and oversee programs designed to enhance quality standards, system safety, and long-term performance.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and contractors on maintenance, testing, and startup activities to ensure alignment with service schedules and operational needs.
• Manage procurement planning for tools, parts, and supplies needed to support ongoing maintenance and repair work. Identify and submit capital project needs requiring larger budget allocations.
• Participate in departmental and interdepartmental meetings related to capital improvement projects, service operations, and special initiatives. Represent the Signals and SCADA Communications division in discussions with internal teams and external partners to ensure coordination and consistency across the rail system.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the operational efficiency and long-term resilience of the LRT signal and communications infrastructure.

Education and Experience:
Any of the following combinations of education in the field of Electronic Engineering Technology or a related field, along with experience in railway signal and train control systems, aircraft maintenance, or power generation/distribution. Experience must include at least two (2) years in a supervisory, lead, or managerial role.

• High school diploma and nine (9) years of experience in railway signal and train control systems, aircraft maintenance, or power generation/distribution, including two (2) years in a supervisory, lead, or managerial role.
• Associate's degree and seven (7) years of experience in railway signal and train control systems, aircraft maintenance, or power generation/distribution, including two (2) years in a supervisory, lead, or managerial role.
• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience in railway signal and train control systems, aircraft maintenance, or power generation/distribution, including two (2) years in a supervisory, lead, or managerial role

• Leading Self-Personal Effectiveness Certificate
• Leading Self-Communication Certificate
• Leading Self-Business Skills Certificate
• Leading Others-Preparing for Supervisor Certificate

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• The ability to get a Class A CDL Driver's License within six (6) months of hire.

• Knowledge of maintenance, repair, installation, troubleshooting, and testing of Light Rail Transit (LRT) signal and communication systems.
• Knowledge of the theory, construction, and principles of electronic and electrical equipment and circuits.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations related to electrical and electronic installation, maintenance safety, and accident prevention.
• Knowledge of advanced methods, materials, tools, and safety procedures used in the maintenance of train control systems and their components.
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for accessing and working on mainline and wayside signal and communication equipment.
• Knowledge of general industrial safety rules and regulatory compliance standards.
• Knowledge of networking principles and the application of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Skill in troubleshooting complex signal and communication system issues and applying railroad signaling principles and practices.
• Skill in managing large-scale communication and control systems.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint, at an intermediate level.
• Skill in project management, including effective time management, task prioritization, and professional communication.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, with the ability to influence and collaborate with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Skill in leadership techniques, including conflict resolution, delegation, motivation, and compromise.
• Ability to develop, implement, and lead maintenance plans and technical training programs.
• Ability to understand and apply supervisory principles in a transit maintenance environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply provisions of collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to perform job duties independently in a safe and efficient manner while adhering to applicable regulations and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, engineering drawings, electronic schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to supervise, train, evaluate, reward, and discipline employees in alignment with agency policies and labor agreements.
• Ability to develop and implement procedures, cost estimates, budgets, maintenance records, and operational reports.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultural and diversity among all employees.
  

Union/Grade: TMSA/Grade I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random Non-DOT drug tests.

What your work environment would be:

Work is regularly performed in a normal office environment but may require occasional outdoor work with exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work requires occasional local in-state travel by car to visit different facilities and may occasionally travel by air out of state for training and conferences. This position has exposure to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, vibration and occasional loud noise.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We request and review Work Record Evaluations (WRE) on ATU internals only.
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview.
5. We conduct a selection interview.