Principal Engineer Electric Traction
Job ID: 16242
Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road
Location: Jamaica, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Engineer - Third Rail
Date Posted: Jun 23, 2026
Description
Job Title: Principal Engineer Electric Traction
Department: Engineering
MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road
Primary Location(s): Bethpage
Salary: $189,931.57
Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation: N/A
Closing Date (if applicable): Open until filled
Shift (if applicable): Day
Telework Eligible: No
Drivers License Required: Yes
Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.
Only current LIRR Employees will be considered for this position
Please note that this position has been designated as a "Policy Maker" pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the oversight of all inspection, maintenance and construction activities of all Electric Traction, Power Distribution and lighting system throughout the LIRR Operating territory. This position is responsible to develop/manage policies, budgets, headcounts, labor and assets of the Electric Traction Department.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide direction and coordinate the activities of the various sub-departments under the Principal Engineer Electric Traction. Prepare and administer budget for entire Electric Traction Department inclusive of High Tension, Electric Light and 3rd Rail.
Provide control, guidance and assistance to Engineers on estimates and budget analysis. Provide guidance in the preparation of backup information needed to obtain funding for programs. Control departmental expenditures (i.e. final approval of expense accounts, material requisitions and joint venture billing).
Direct and manage the establishment of standards for construction and maintenance programs of all wayside electrical facilities. Investigate and progress improvements in materials. Direct the establishment of procedures to be used on equipment pertaining to the Power Department.
Coordinate with other areas within the department to ensure the management of program work, direct the preparation of baseline and revised scopes, schedules and estimates as they pertain to the utilization of Engineering Power department resources on reimbursable project work. Coordinate work with outside utilities.
Select, develop & motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt & effective coaching & counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports & approve performance appraisals prepared by managers. Promote safe work practices & provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences & enables all employees to develop & contribute to their full potential.
Direct and coordinate for the ACE Power, labor relations activities within Electric Traction ensuring that they are consistent with the department and corporate policy and labor agreements.
Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
Respond to all operational and weather emergencies on a 24/7 basis. Provide oversight, support, and prepare updates for senior management through such events.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Business or Technology related field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education maybe considered in lieu of the degree.
Minimum 10 years progressively responsible related management/supervisory experience within the Power/Electrical field in areas such as electrical design, construction related projects, budget control, or related areas.
Minimum 10 years extensive experience with current operating and safety policies and procedures governing the operation of the LIRR Power Department.
Minimum 10 years extensive knowledge of the LIRR Electrical Power Systems including but not limited to Third Rail, High Tension, Electric Light and Power. Must be proficient in the installation, maintenance, testing, and commissioning, of these systems and their ancillary controls.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and presentation skills and ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
Must be proficient in all collective bargaining agreements governing the representative personnel employed in the ET Department (IBEW, IRSA, SMART-645B, BRS241).
Must be self-motivated with the ability to motivate others and influence decisions.
Solid understanding of engineering principles as they apply to signal, power, track, communications and structural work.
The ability to effectively manage and handle stressful situations and effectively interacting with external public and political entities.
Effective time management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
Ability to develop subordinates and willingness to assume responsibility for actions of subordinates.
Ability to evaluate new technologies and provide associated cost benefit analysis.
Ability to review and approve material requisitions.
Proficient in the use of computers and/or business software packages
Must be available and on-call 24/7. Must be available to provide updates to senior staff on weekends and holidays
Must have a valid drivers license.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
LIRR: In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / ADA DISCLAIMER:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
