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 commuter service.

Information Technology is divided into four sections: Enterprise Applications, Railroad Applications, Network Services & Systems Development. The Systems Engineer position is located within the Network Services & Systems Development section. 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 to the Manager, Network Services, Systems Engineers install, maintain, and monitor servers and storage infrastructure equipment and software; analyze service options, server and storage infrastructure configurations, and ongoing support requirements to improve system reliability and maintain operations metrics; and maintain infrastructure equipment with current vendor support agreements.

The primary duties include provide level 1 and level 2 support for multiple technologies, primarily Microsoft windows servers including domain controllers, and Exchange servers; and function as administrator for the Active Directory, Azure, VMWare vSphere environment, and storage area networks (SAN).

Install, configure, and maintain server hardware, storage area networks (SAN), and system software for all Information Technology (IT) applications and devices.

Support Level 1 and Level 2 technical support staff in resolving complex issues. Collaborate with team members to automate management tasks and streamline processes.

Perform Windows Server virtualization implementation, support, and upgrades. Assist in resolving network server or infrastructure problems and manage performance and capacity issues.

Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in computer related discipline, engineering, or in lieu of degree, any combination of education and work experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in Information Technology infrastructure and networking services.

2. In addition to #1, must have six (6) years progressive responsible IT experience that includes: Microsoft network engineering (hardware and software); deploying current releases of Microsoft servers including: database and email servers; configuring and deploying VMware virtualization technology; developing, managing, and maintaining backup and recovery systems; and, at least three (3) years planning, implementing, and managing large scale Storage Area Networks (SANS).

3. Considerable knowledge of of VMware virtualization and associated software.

4. Good knowledge of:

• Microsoft technologies and protocols.
• monitoring tools used for both internal and external-facing systems.

5. Knowledge of backup and recovery systems including setting up disaster recovery for server and storage infrastructures for an enterprise environment.

6. Proficient in configuring:

• current releases of Microsoft servers, Active Directory, Azure, DNS and DHCP.
• managing, and troubleshooting Exchange servers.

7. Strong:

• analytical and organization skills with attention to detail.
• communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with users, management, and consultants.

8. Ability to:

• multi-task, prioritize multiple objectives, and bring projects to completion.
• work independently.
• lift and move up to 50 pounds.

9. Must be:

• able to operate a motor vehicle and be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.
• available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferences

• MCSE or VMware certification preferred.
• CCNP helpful.

On May 11, 2023, both the state of IL and the federal government will put an end to the COVID-19 emergency measures. Effective May 11, 2023 Metra's COVID vaccine requirements will be suspended until further notice.

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 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.