Senior Network Engineer

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!

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

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.

Information Technology is divided into four sections: Enterprise Applications, Railroad Applications, Network Services and Systems Development. The Enterprise Applications team is charged with implementing and supporting applications used enterprise-wide at Metra, such as the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and HR, Payroll and Timekeeping systems. The Railroad Applications team is charged with implementing and supporting applications used to support Metra's Transportation, Mechanical, and Engineering functions. The Network Services section has two distinct groups: IT Support and Network Operations. IT Support maintains and supports the agency's personal computers as well as computer aided design (CAD) systems for the Engineering Department and point-of-sale terminals. Network Operations builds and maintains the servers and storage that are replacing the agency's mainframe, the data network, e-mail system and disaster recovery capabilities. Systems Development develops, maintains, and supports all application systems built in-house, across all business functions.

Reporting directly to the Director, Network Service, the Senior Network Engineer provides input into and executes against Metra's strategic infrastructure road-map ensuring alignment with Metra's overall cybersecurity plan; designs, implements, maintains, and monitors infrastructure; and provides technical direction to Network Engineers.

The primary duties include: Provide level 2 and 3 support for multiple technologies including: routers, switches and firewalls; zScaler deployment and maintenance; administration of monitoring tools including SolarWinds, PRTG, and DNA Center; networking, troubleshooting, and investigative tools including Graylog and Wireshark; administration of Cisco interfaces utilized throughout environment; deployment/administration of SD-WAN technologies; design, implementation, and maintenance of Meraki wireless infrastructure; and administration of F5 and the different components including ASM, LTM, APM, and AFM. Work closely with Infrastructure Architect to provide key input into all infrastructure strategies and plans. Perform project management tasks, specifically driving key infrastructure projects to completion, utilizing Metra resources, and delivering projects within specified time frames. Configure, deploy, and maintain a High Availability environment to ensure an uptime of 99.9%. Oversee the installation, configuration, maintenance, and monitoring of infrastructure related software used throughout the infrastructure to maintain security compliance and monitor device status for both internal and external-facing systems. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. 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 a computer related discipline OR in lieu of degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in supporting and installing network infrastructure equipment.
2. In addition to #1, must have eight years of experience that includes planning, designing, implementing, and managing large scale technical projects involving network cores, Internet firewalls, switches, routers, SD-WAN and wireless infrastructures.
3. Must have hands-on experience with the following network hardware and software devices and tools: routers, switches and firewalls; zScaler; monitoring tools including SolarWinds, PRTG, DNA Center, etc.; networking troubleshooting/investigative tools including Graylog, Wireshark; Cisco interfaces; SD-WAN technologies; and Meraki wireless infrastructure.
4. Considerable knowledge of routing protocols including RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, and BGP.
5. Considerable knowledge on WAN connectivity, MPLS circuits, leased Lines, Metro Ethernet, Site to Site IPsec tunnels, ISP circuits, Customer Edge configurations.
6. Good knowledgeable of SD-WAN solutions to include VeloCloud.
7. Good Knowledge in deployment and security of wireless technology.
8. Good organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
9. Advanced skill in configuring Cisco network infrastructure, F5, Meraki, VeloCloud, SD-WAN, zScaler, SolarWinds, PRTG and DNA Center tools.
10. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
11. Strong interpersonal skills when interacting with users, management, and consultants.
12. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
13. Skill assessing highly complex infrastructure problems and developing, and implementing solutions.
14. Ability to manage multiple projects.
15. Ability to provide direction to colleagues.
16. Ability to communicate technical details to a non-technical audience.
17. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
18. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
19. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
20. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
21. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
22. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. CCNA Certification.
2. CCNP 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.