Control Systems Programmer

General Summary:

Performs administration, programming, and technical support of existing Operations Communication & Control Systems for Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) MOW Maintenance Division. Addresses and resolves complex technical issues. Develops, implements, supports, and administers the Agency Operations Technology and Industrial Control systems and provides technical expertise to internal and external contacts in a 24/7/365 operation. Position reports to Manager Control Systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops, plans, and oversees the implementation of the operational industrial transport and communications network. Establishes hardware, firmware, and software migration plans. Designs and analyzes requirements and specifications. Develops production testing and change control procedures. Provides specifications for the acquisition of new network hardware and software. Programs, configures, and supports voice and data communications systems hardware, firmware, and software.
• Oversees the installation, configuration, and management of the operational industrial control systems, operations, and communications network.
• Oversees support for the operational industrial transport and communications systems, including configuration and administration of networks, switches, routers, firewalls, VPNs, gateways, VoIP, SCADA, MPLS-TP, Optical Transport, PCI compliance, monitoring and reporting applications, etc.
• Addresses and resolves complex technical issues with internal/external customers. Analyzes and records system issues and proposes solutions.
• Develops and maintains detailed network, software, and programming modifications documentation, version control, and reports and presentations for management review.
• Performs installation and administration of software upgrades, including testing, conversion, version control, data and system integrity.
• Adheres to operations and enterprise strategies and plans for operational industrial control systems administration and security. Prepares and maintains device configuration, including operational security policies, backups, long-term archives, and disaster recovery support. Collaborates in the development and deployment of the operational ICS systems Security and Disaster Recovery Plan.
• Participates in change management and incident review as needed. Documents changes and actions in change management systems.
• Administers, monitors, analyzes, and modifies control, operational, communications, and network systems performance and security. Ensures that systems performance supports ICS and related applications. Develops and implements operational control systems performance and security improvements.
• Provides on-location and remote support as necessary, including 24/7/365 on call support.
• Performs programming, assignment, evaluation, and configuration of communications systems with outside contractors per the direction of the Manager Control Systems.
• Performs routine system application, security, and data integrity testing and monitoring to ensure proper operations.
• Implements and oversees operational ICS security policies and procedures for all operational systems under Maintenance of Way responsibility.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, Telecommunications or related field.
• Four (4) years progressively technical experience in industrial systems programming and network administration to include data processing, systems analysis, and maintenance. Programming experience using Ladder Logic or C, C++. Visual Basic is preferred.
• Must have at a minimum, valid Texas Class C Drivers License, no Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction within the last sixty (60) consecutive months, not more than one (1) DWI/DUI on driving record, and not more than three (3) convictions of moving violations within the last thirty-six (36) consecutive months in order to operate DART vehicles.
• Pass a physical (medical) examination that includes a drug screen to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.
• Proficiency of PC software applications to include Microsoft Office or other related software applications.
• Proficiency in Operations Technology, ICS (Industrial Control Systems), ICS Security, CISA, NIST, APTA, and related security institutions, practices and principles.
• Proficiency configuring LANs, WANs, servers, routers, switches, IP, MPLS-TP, and other network peripherals.
• Must take an aptitude test to be considered for the position.
• Analytical ability to independently diagnose and recommend problem resolutions on complex industrial control systems and related networks.
• Working knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers, Allen Bradley RSLogix, MPLS-TP, and SONET transports in an Operations Technology industry.
• Working knowledge of database applications and relational databases
• Ability to work variable work hours.
• Ability to be available for required emergency response situations.
• Ability to be mobile and occasionally, 5% - 20% of the work time, lift objects weighing 5 - 10 pounds.
• Ability to comprehend complex materials, software programs, technical manuals, and concentrate on details.
• Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
• Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
• Ability to pick up on technical things quickly. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars.
• Ability to be able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Communicates with all levels of supervisory and non-supervisory employees, peers, vendors, contractors, and others both inside and outside of DART. Can get messages across that have the desired effect.
• Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers.
• Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers.

Working Conditions:

Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V

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