DESCRIPTION

This position is responsible for all phases Signal Engineering, Signal project development and Signal Wayside PTC Systems. This position coordinates all Signal Department efforts for safe and efficient train operation and ensures compliance of all signal systems with rules and regulations mandated by On Track Safety, GCOR, FRA, and the KCS Signal department Rules Standards and Instructions.

Works on a variety of issues where analysis requires evaluation of multiple factors, including business objectives and trends. Adapts plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges within a functional area; defines department’s operating standards. Translates the business unit’s vision into plans and guides execution. Plans and prioritizes work to meet department commitments aligned with company goals and financial responsibilities. Leads the progress toward stated goals and execution of corporate policy. Handles professional teams comprised of individual contributors and/or supervisors. Participates in the interview and selection process, provides training and mentorship, offers career development guidance, and is engaged in performance management. Provides timely and constructive coaching and feedback; develops staff and provides meaningful opportunities. Reports to a people leader at a higher career level.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Creates and oversee implementation of Wayside PTC Plan, methodology, engineering, material, installation, cut over and tracking;
• Collaborates with other departments, outside engineering companies and other railroads on Joint Projects;
• Creates and review and approve cost estimates, scope of work documents, signal & software design and material list;
• Creates and develop standards and processes for signal & software design, installation, cut over, testing, and maintenance of all signal systems;
• Evaluates capabilities and resources, and acquire new signal engineering companies, construction companies and software design companies as required to meet deadlines;
• Participates in contract acquisition and renewal;
• Provides guidance and resolve issues with engineering and software companies working on KCS projects;
• Participates in pre-construction meetings for KCS signal projects;
• Reviews and approve engineering documents; calculated average grades, breaking distances, code and aspect charts, AS times, lock release times and interlocker approach time outs;
• Ensures engineering design is checked prior to sending construction plans to the field for installation;
• Creates and supervise the management of the FRA mandated Software Configuration Management Plan;
• Approves field software implementation and testing both safety related and product improvement upgrades;
• Evaluates software equations and test software in a lab environment to identify and correct all issues prior to field implementation;
• Investigates reports of false clears, activation failures, trains getting by red signals, run thru switches etc. and provide analysis;
• Oversees the coordination with Communications Department related to FCC license and studies;
• Approves new General Orders and Track Bulletins for KCS Signal Projects;
• Develops and implement emergency disaster recovery plan, i.e. hurricanes, ice storms etc;
• Provides Safety Leadership;
• Mentors new Signal Managers, preparing them to move into leadership roles;
• Assists in hiring new employees;
• Acts as Member of the KCS Signal Department Software Configuration Management Board and Member of PTC Change Management Board;
• Exemplifies KCS Vision, Values, and Culture in each and every interaction with team, clients, and stakeholders.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in a job related major field of study
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, including leading and managing projects or programs with outcome-focused deliverables, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum one (1) year of experience directly or indirectly leading a team

PREFERRED

• Five (5) years of experience in maintaining and installing highway grade crossing and wayside signal systems.
• Certification in Project management or equivalent experience a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Shift work is an essential function of this job. Employees must have the ability and willingness to support critically important railroad operations 24 hours per day/7 days per week, working various shifts as assigned. Schedule assignments may include after-hours, weekends and holidays.

WE OFFER:

• Complete health and welfare benefits package
• Competitive salary
• Incentive plan
• Railroad Retirement benefits
• 401k savings
• Leave/vacation plan

EEO STATEMENT

We value a culturally diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer while providing reasonable accommodations for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

In 1887, Arthur Stilwell constructed a north-south railroad while others were heading east and west, setting the tone for a century-old legacy of outstanding vision; entrepreneurial spirit; resilience in the face of adversity; and, willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Building on that legacy, our culture is further defined by a new vision for the future and a core set of values - Safety, Customer Focus, Communication, Teamwork, Initiative & Innovation, and Diversity & Civility. We believe that the way we do business is as important as the business we do.

In addition to a culture that allows employees to thrive, we encourage resourcefulness with an award, recognizing employees who see a problem (or opportunity), find a solution, and use whatever authority and resources are available to get a job done well - accomplishing what was previously thought could not be done.

If you want to do work that is creative and strategic, be heard, grow professionally, be valued by your employer, and know that you are making an important contribution to an essential industry, a global supply chain, and the larger economy, Kansas City Southern may be the place for you.

Required Skills Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or discipline related to functional work or role with 5-7 years of relevant work experience OR demonstrated ability to meet the job requirements through a comparable number of years of applicable work experience.
• CPA is preferred.
• Excellent technical knowledge of budgeting, cash management, and financial analysis processes, including forecasting and financial modeling. Must be able to work with senior-level management throughout the company to analyzing financial situations and make recommendations.
• Able to apply broad work experience and knowledge when analyzing complex problems. Must be able to consistently identify critical elements, variables, and alternatives to develop solutions.  Must be able to organize/prioritize existing resources and incorporate new information, as needed, to implement the most effective solutions. Able to communicate clearly and courteously with those who need to know of decisions/actions/problems.  Able to apply excellent business acumen and collaborative skills when resolving problems.
• Able to apply excellent functional computer knowledge in utilizing Microsoft Windows, MAC, or other technical tools in completing assignments. Able to apply expertise in all the tools or applications used to complete work assignments.  Able to mentor junior level team members in the use of tools and/or systems in the position.
• Requires excellent communication skills with the ability to state messages in a clear manner by using language that is easy for others to understand. Able to explain programs policies and procedures in language that is understood by others. 
• Must be able to modify communication style both formal and informal to match the appropriate level of the audience targeted. Requires a strong understanding of the impact of a message on the organization or customer. Able to write with the clarity and precision necessary for the work being performed.

RRD IS AN EEO/AA INCLUDING VETS AND DISABLED EMPLOYER