ATCS Support & Test Specialist (ARRC Employees Only)

Full Job Description

This position is open to Alaska Railroad employees only.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Devises and executes quality assurance plans in order to test train control system functionality, in response to changing train operations, regulatory requirements, and train control technology. Confirms system compliance with established requirements and train operation scenarios. Documents test results and provides end user input in support of development efforts. Also provides Advanced Train Control System (ATCS) business user support in response to train operations or system incidents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Test Systems and documentation: Executes test scripts across all ATCS test systems and documents results. Documents test system configurations and software/firmware revision levels.

Advanced Train Control System Business User Support: Supports Train Operations (Dispatchers and Train Crews) to attain maximum utilization of the ATCS Systems (Primarily Computer Aided Dispatch and PTC). This includes developing user training, devising system incident management processes, triaging system issues, coordinating resolution of system problems using internal knowledge management systems or engaging system engineers for complex technical problems.

Quality Assurance & Control: Collaborates with ATCS staff and contract resources to define and ensure compliance with the department’s overarching quality assurance processes associated with the life cycle development of ATCS systems. May direct contract resources or System Engineers in executing manual or automated test scripts.

System Defect Management: Identifies and documents any system defects detected by testing. Pulls together necessary system configuration, logs and videos demonstrating the systems of the defects. Then tracks the progress of defect resolution.

ATCS – Business Plans: – In correspondence with Train Operations and ATCS staff identifies opportunities for system improvement to support business opportunities or to address future regulatory requirements.

Performs other duties as assigned.

FACTOR 1: Technical and Operational Knowledge

Must have five years of experience in train dispatch and/or train operations. Experience which includes PTC operations preferred. Knowledge of railroad operating rules and regulations is required.

Associate’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred. Operational knowledge of railroad MOW (Maintenance of Way) and RWIC rules preferred.

Must be able to operate in a computer environment using common word processing, spreadsheet, applications. (Word, Excel, etc.).

FACTOR 2: Analytical Skills & Impact

Must be familiar with railroad operations in testing different scenarios of train movement.

Attention to detail and strong analytical skills are used when working with the train dispatchers in defining operational procedures. Conducts assessment of training and safety needs.

Evaluates current procedures and practices for accomplishing department objectives. Analyzes new federal regulations for impact to operations. Develops and implements improved procedures and practices.

Administers the system configuration, security and trouble tickets of the Computer-aided Dispatch System and lab environment for PTC.

FACTOR 3: Supervision and Control

Manages work performed on assigned projects to include the oversight and direction of ARRC employees and contractors working on assigned projects. Exercises technical staff supervision over dispatch operating personnel.

FACTOR 4: Communication

Communicates with ARRC employees representing all levels of the organization and various departments for the purpose of coordinating all phases of the transportation system programs.

Contacts vendor representatives to ensure continuous and efficient operation of the system and in development of system potential.

Works with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.

FACTOR 5: Working Conditions

Work is performed in a corporate office environment. Remote work possible (but not guaranteed) with approval of remote work Agreement per ARRC company policy. On-call support of train movements in support of transportation required on a rotating basis.

Requirements

• Must have five years of experience in train dispatch and/or train operations.
• Experience which includes PTC operations preferred.
• Knowledge of railroad operating rules and regulations is required.
• Associate’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred.
• Operational knowledge of railroad MOW (Maintenance of Way) and RWIC rules preferred.
• Must be able to operate in a computer environment using common word processing, spreadsheet, applications. (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Must have strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

Please include any REQUIRED AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS in your APPLICANT PROFILE and/or RESUME. If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment and whether full- or part-time. Your application will be closely reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant will not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.

Additional Information

Alaska Railroad Human Resources Department
E-Mail: arjobinfo@akrr.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510-7500
Street Address: 327 West Ship Creek, Anchorage, AK
Fax Number: (907) 265-2542