Candidate Engineer

at  Metra

Job Description
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 service. Metra is currently accepting applications for its Candidate Engineer Program. This program takes approximately 20-40 weeks to complete depending on experience. The program includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training which leads to a Locomotive Engineer’s Certification.
The Transportation Department is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trains by adhering to safety and operating rules. The Transportation Department operates 709 trains and carries over 300,000 passengers on a daily basis. Customers interact with transportation employees while onboard a train, purchasing a ticket at a station or requesting information; thus transportation employees they are considered the “Face of Metra”.
The Locomotive Engineer position involves operation of locomotives, trains, performing pre-trip inspections and tests, monitoring track conditions, controlling train speed, handling emergency situations involving the repair of the equipment, and ensuring the safety of the passengers.
Candidate Engineers are usually assigned to work the “extra board” before being able to hold a regular assignment. Assignments are chosen by employees based on seniority; therefore, choice day jobs and locations are often chosen by senior employees. New employees must work assignments with odd hours, or work the “extra board” with assignments and locations changing daily.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants may be considered for an interview in the following order of preference:

• Train Service - Must be a Metra Certified Conductor for a minimum of two (2) years. Applicants must have an excellent work record, decertification free for the last three (3) years.
• Engineers from other railroads – External Engineers must currently be certified and have a current Locomotive Engineer’s license with a minimum of one (1) year of full-time main line experience. Applicants must have an excellent work record, decertification free for the last three (3) years. Passenger locomotive experience preferred.
• Rules-qualified non-train service employees – Non-train service employees must have at least three (3) years of service with Metra of which two (2) must be working currently in a full-time rules qualified position (for example; Train Dispatcher, Control Operator, Track Inspector, certified Hostler).

Applicants who are successful in the in-person interview will be selected for the training program by the following criteria:

• Applicants that qualify under #1 (Train Service) will be assigned to a training course of approximately 40 weeks.
• Applicants that qualify under #2(Engineers from other railroads) will be assigned to a 20 week training course.
• Applicants that qualify under #3 (Rules qualified non-train service employees) will be required to successfully complete a two-week basic knowledge module before continuing in the Candidate Engineer Training Program. The basic knowledge program will consist of classroom training and daily quizzes. At the end of the two-week program, participants will be tested to determine their ability to continue in the program. After successful completion of the two-week program, participants will proceed to the 40-week training for a total of 42-week training. Those candidates who continue in the program may be required to relinquish their previous craft seniority per their applicable labor agreement. Successful completion of the training course is mandatory in order to work as a Locomotive Engineer.

Applicants who are not selected as a result of the personal interview may be afforded an opportunity for another personal interview after a minimum of six (6) months. The posting date will be used for this calculation. Applicants who are unsuccessful in a second personal interview will not be reconsidered for a period of one (1) year.
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.

Please refer the Job description for details