Transit Systems 2025-06-02 2025-07-07

Signals Supervisor

Purple Line Transit Operators (PLTO)
Landover Hills, Maryland

Job ID: 165726
Job Status: Full-time

Salary Range: $98,000 - $108,000

Benefit Package: PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package (Medical, Dental, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay, etc.)

General Description:
Under the supervision of the Manager of Wayside & System Maintenance, the Signal Supervisor is responsible for the maintenance, testing, and repair of the Purple Line rail train control and signal system in accordance with state and federal regulations.

The primary focus for this position will be directing and organizing daily work crew activities to assure the safe and reliable operation of the rail system.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

  • Assigning and directing the work crew by managing the inspection, testing, maintenance, and repairing of rail crossings and signal systems including interfaces with traffic signals.
  • Provides guidance and clear expectations to work crew and holds all employees accountable for work product and adherence to all guidelines, policies, and regulations.
  • Performs efficiency testing of the work crew and provides guidance, feedback, coaching, and mentoring.
  • Prepares reports and written procedures for system inspections and preventative maintenance, including but not limited to, filing credible reports of crossing malfunctions, hours of service, PM compliance, and special projects.
  • Maintains timely and accurate records of inspections, repairs, calibration tests in Trapeze EAM module.
  • Oversees testing and repair of faulty equipment by applying knowledge to diagnose the cause of the malfunction. Reviews and analyzes maintenance activity reports for trends in repairs, equipment failures, and parts usage to determine if corrective action is needed.
  • Prepare, control, and analyze the operating budget for the Signals department.
  • Ensure the availability of supplies and tools necessary for technicians to perform work assignments.
  • Participate in recruitment efforts by attending job fairs, interviewing, and selecting candidates.
  • Conduct performance reviews for signal crew staff.
  • Schedules required safety inspections and tests of train control and signal equipment.
  • Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
  • Assists with workplace investigations by determining cause and implementing corrective actions
  • Reads, understands, and interprets schematics, service and safety manuals, electrical drawings, logs, and circuit operations.
  • Work alone or with Signal Maintainers to complete maintenance tasks as required for repairs or on-time inspections.
  • Adheres to all rules, regulations, standard operating procedures, and contractual obligations governing day-to-day operations.
  • Cooperatively and efficiently performs related tasks and duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Excellent interpersonal and technical support skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to instruct and cross-train staff on inspections, maintenances, testing, and repair assignments
  • Ability to prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work on non-scheduled emergency call-outs outside of assigned work hours and respond and assist with trouble calls in a timely manner
  • Ability to work any assigned shift, including nights, for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to work within tight deadlines and constraints.
  • Ability to prioritize and be flexible enough to adapt to plans.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Effective personnel and project management skills.

Emotional, Psychological and Physical Requirements:

Ability to:

  • Work long hours and endure high levels of stress
  • Handle emergency situations, calmly and effectively
  • Make quick and concise decisions
  • Concentrate on priority tasks with frequent interruptions
  • Communicate effectively through different mediums
  • Maintain high alert of dangers and obstacles in the transit system environment
  • Comply with all safety rules and instructions including the use of proper personal protective equipment

Physically:
  • Sit frequently for long periods of time
  • Walk and stand periodically while on duty in the field or throughout the facility
  • Bend, twist, and turn frequently and consistently during shift
  • Work in adverse weather conditions
  • Lifts light loads at times (<50 lbs.)
  • Bending or stooping while inspecting vehicles
  • Work in an office environment and remotely in a vehicle

Additional/Miscellaneous/Special Requirements:
  • Acceptable drug/alcohol screen and pre-employment physical (including vision and hearing requirements) results upon hire and as regularly required by PLTO’s policy for position.
  • Willingness to work during evening and weekend hours as needed
  • May be required to attend training and classes for continued professional development which may require local travel within the Washington Metropolitan area.
  • Acceptable driving record must be maintained throughout entirety of employment.
  • Must possess a valid state driver’s license

Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Transportation or Business Administration or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years experience in electrical, railroad signaling, and train control inspection or maintenance and repair.
  • Minimum of 2 years experience in a leadership position working in a maintenance and repair environment.
  • Proficient with computer operation, Asset Management software, and the MS Office platform.
  • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or higher may be considered.

When applying, mention you saw this listing on TransitTalent.com.

Transit Job Listing - Signals Supervisor