Vehicle Technology Coordinator

The Rapid is looking for a Vehicle Technology Coordinator to join our team!

If you are ready for a career where every day you are making a positive impact on our community, then it is time you explored The Rapid! The Rapid is a transportation organization headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI. We serve the following communities: Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming. Discover why the U.S. News and World Report ranks Grand Rapids, MI among the top places to live in the United States. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Grand Rapids-a city that defines innovation, community, and cultural richness. From Grand Rapids' world-renowned art scene to year-round fun activities. Grand Rapids is a great place to raise a family. Grand Rapids is ranked at the top of the list of the best places to raise a family in the U.S. by Rocket Homes. Dream big, live grand-start your journey with The Rapid today!

The Vehicle Technology Coordinator is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and upgrading the various Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) components and interfaces across the entire vehicle fleet and bus stations integrated with technology equipment, including computers, mobile data terminals, two-way radios, validators, camera systems, display monitors, modem/routers, cellular communications, and wireless devices.

This position will work closely with maintenance and IT staff and shall provide diagnostic or maintenance instruction while serving as a liaison between Fleet Maintenance, Information Technology, Facilities, and vendors to cooperatively identify and resolve ITS issues.

The Vehicle Technology Coordinator will also establish system health reports and identify system improvement opportunities to ensure reliable and efficient operation. This position must possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills and should be able to work well with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, operations focused, team environment.

Here's what you can look forward to as a valued member of our team:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Health Insurance - We offer three medical plan options through Priority Health for you and your spouse, and/or children. A Health Savings Account with an employer contribution and match is available with our High Deductible Health Plan!
• Dental Insurance - The Rapid offers two dental options through BCBSM, including orthodontic coverage.
• Vision Insurance - Is offered through BCBSM, utilizing the VSP network.
• Retirement Contribution - We understand the importance of secure financial planning. You are eligible to participate in a 457 Retirement Saving plan on your first day. We offer an employer matching program!
• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability - Benefit from basic life and AD&D Insurance and short-term disability provided by The Rapid.
• Wellbeing and Fitness - We care about your overall wellbeing. We provide an employee assistance program. You can enjoy our onsite fitness center and gym membership reimbursement.
• Explore your community - Your employee badge is your ticket (and your eligible dependents) to riding The Rapid for FREE!
• Vacation - Your vacation time accrues at 8 hours per month and Sick time accrues at 6 hours per month.

What will you be doing in this role:

• Manage ITS infrastructure for bus fleet, including the Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) system, Digi® modem, Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), electronic fare (E-Fare) payment equipment, Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system, digital signage, surveillance systems, Transit Signal Priority (TSP), and cellular communications.
• Demonstrate and instruct proper usage of electronic equipment to other employees and assist Electronics Technicians in diagnosing, testing, and repairing issues as needed.
• Assist in monitoring and diagnosing issues related to bus station technology, including real-time arrival signs, ticket vending machines (TVMs), and E-Fare equipment.
• Investigate ITS hardware or software and system performance issues and coordinate with AVL vendors for software upgrades and configuration changes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve vehicle cellular and Wi-Fi communications issues.
• Maintain advanced up-to-date technical knowledge of electronic principles and emerging
• Attend technical training conferences and/or participate in training programs.
• Participate in development of vehicle and hardware specifications related to ITS equipment for future bus procurements.
• Assists the maintenance team in managing vendor warranty programs for ITS components.
• Prepare and participate in long-term planning for the ITS and AVL systems and processes.
• Occasionally work the night shift to better access the fleet for projects or implementations.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate effectively and professionally.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in field related to Electrical or Computer engineering, or closely related degree PLUS, 3 years' experience maintaining and troubleshooting electronic devices and technical equipment.
  • Experience or formal education in IT and project management preferred.
  • Experience with VoIP protocols, h ands-on experience configuring /maintaining Cellular systems preferred.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex ideas to non-technical staff.
  • Ability to self-start in performing job duties and lead projects; troubleshoot and resolve system issues autonomously with little or no supervision.

OR, any equivalent combination of education and experience as defined above.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The Rapid is an EEO Employer. Minorities, veterans, and women are encouraged to apply. The Rapid is committed to employing people with disabilities and making reasonable accommodations for them. Let our recruiter know if you need an to request an accommodation at any point during the application/interview process.