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The Railroad Systems and Communication Technician performs complex and varied duties in the installation, maintenance, and repair of various signaling, operational, rail safety systems, hardware and network devices, and other electrical equipment; and performs related work as assigned to support the high-quality delivery of commuter, freight, and hybrid rail services along NCTD’s San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. Troubleshooting, analyzing, and isolating malfunctions, conducting inspections, testing, modifying, maintaining, and repairing communications systems equipment. The Railroad Systems and Communication Technician ensures the railroad signal communication facilities and systems function to support safe and efficient rail operations and comply with the specifications and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other regulatory and governing agencies. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This position will be responsible for installation, repair, maintenance, testing, and inspection of railroad systems and communication devices to include but limited to radios, antennas, dispatch equipment and workstations, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Positive Train Control. This position will perform maintenance on railway signal and communications equipment. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Essential Functions
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect rail system and signal communications systems including but not limited to radios, cameras, display systems, antennas, Dispatch Equipment and Workstations, SCADA, and Positive Train Control.

• Inspect Signal communications circuitry, equipment, and systems for problems and defects.

• Test Signal communications circuitry, equipment, and systems in compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), NCTD, and other reporting/regulatory requirements.

• Troubleshoot malfunctions through download review and schematic interpretation.

• Advanced Troubleshooting for all Signal/PTC communications systems.

• Maintain, repair, and replace rail systems and communication systems circuitry, systems, equipment, and components.

• Maintain, repair, and replace all PTC Wayside equipment.

• Assemble railroad systems and signal communications equipment to include wiring, if necessary.

• Install new or repair various network CAT 5/6, voice, and coaxial cabling.

• Install new or repair various network cabling and coaxial cable connectors.

• Install, repair, and test new Signal communications projects and related tasks.

• Work with machines, tools, vehicles, and equipment.

• Operate company vehicles and drive throughout geographic territory.

• Plan, organize, and track information and activities.

• Inspects, tests, modifies, maintains, and repairs all signal and communication related equipment including electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment including grade crossings mechanisms, switch machines, power supplies, battery systems, CCTV, surveillance cameras, display systems, and other complex machinery and equipment.

• Conducts fault diagnosis.

• Troubleshoot malfunctions through download review and schematic interpretation.

• Build and dismantle signal crossing warning device equipment.

• Maintain, repair, and replace signal communication circuitry, systems, and components.

• Locates and repairs cables.

• Records and documents maintenance and diagnostic data.

• Responds to emergency calls as necessary and per operating guidelines.

• Determines work priorities for emergency maintenance activities in the absence of on- site supervision.

• Flag trackway to provide safe rail work zones and set up work zone traffic control areas.

• Works in assigned areas such as utility support structures and poles under a variety of weather conditions.

• Works closely with NCTD Operations Control Center and follows instructions while working on or near the right-of-way.

• Assists other workers and divisions in routine and emergency situations affecting the safe movement of trains.

• Assists Maintenance of Way, Signal, and other NCTD personnel as needed, including other modes of service.

• Enters data into NCTD’s Maintenance Management Information System.

• Knows and adheres to NCTD, FRA and CPUC standards and regulations.

• References parts catalogues and other sources to determine correct parts for specific applications.

• References manufacturer schematics (manual and online) to resolve maintenance issues.

• Maintains work area in a clean and orderly fashion.

• Safely operates equipment.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

• High School diploma or GED required.

• An Associate’s degree in Electronics/Electrical field from an accredited Technical or Community College is preferred.

• 1 year Railroad Systems and Communications work experience.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Signal Training Certificate.

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36-month period, and no DUI’s in the prior seven (7) years.

• Must be able to become and maintain GCOR Qualified on NCTD-owned railroad properties.

• Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics policies.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

• Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.

General Requirements

• Knowledge of railroad signaling and communications.

• Knowledge of 49 CFR 236 regulations – Rules, standards and instructions governing the installation inspection, maintenance and repair of signals and train control systems, devices, and appliances.

• Knowledge of 49 CFR 234 Regulations – Grade Crossing Safety.

• Knowledge of electrical, electronic and microprocessor-based control systems as well as analog and digital communication systems.

• Analyzing and evaluating malfunctions in transit equipment and determining repair requirements and timelines.

• Successful completion of NCTD Training program and post-training qualification period.

• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)

• Ability to complete written forms and reports.

• Ability to effectively and accurately understand, interpret, reference, evaluate, organize, and record non-technical and technical information.

• Knowledge of principles of railroad signal and communications engineering, with demonstrated experience with railroad systems and railroad operations.

• Become qualified on territory and pass physical characteristics examinations.

• Must be able to successfully complete training for current and new systems.

• Must be capable of performing physically strenuous work on a continuous basis.

• Must be able to read and comprehend regulations and instructions as well as possess good verbal communication skills.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and/or customers and effectively handle conflict situations.

• Ability to maintain alertness, awareness, and vigilance.

• Good oral and written communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).

• Successfully complete, maintain and pass any required safety certification and testing on an annual basis.

How to Apply
Apply online at www.gonctd.com/careers

NCTD is an EEO Employer.