Associate Director, Engineering (Capital Projects)

San Mateo County Transit District • Millbrae, CA

5d

About The Position

The Associate Director, Engineering (Capital Projects) is responsible for engineering functions supporting infrastructure and capital projects for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans). The Bus Infrastructure and Capital Projects Department delivers major bus fleet and facilities infrastructure projects, including zero-emission infrastructure for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, paratransit vehicles, and non-revenue vehicles. Other projects include sea-level-rise and flood-mitigation structures, bus administration, transportation and maintenance buildings, and other structures at SamTrans’ North and South Base Facilities.

The position provides strategic oversight of infrastructure projects throughout their lifecycle, including scope, schedule, budget, safety, compliance, and product quality. It leads development of standard plans, specifications, quality-management practices, and project controls; manages engineering and architecture functions; and provides technical and administrative direction to project and construction management personnel. The role also directs staff and oversees consultants, contractors, procurement, contracts, stakeholder communications, and coordination with public agencies. It represents SamTrans before its Board, government agencies, and the public.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or a closely related field; relevant work experience demonstrating necessary skills may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
• Seven years of full-time, increasingly responsible project-management experience in civil, electrical, mechanical, or related engineering design, construction management, and/or public-works project management.
• Three years of full-time direct management-level supervision of engineering staff.
• Registered Professional Engineer license in California.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in design, construction management, and delivery of complex engineering design projects for public transit agencies.
• Experience leading engineering design teams and projects.
• Experience with federally, state, and locally funded projects.
• Experience with quality control and quality assurance throughout a project lifecycle.
• Experience managing storm-water-system design.
• Experience developing Capital Improvement Plans and budgets.
• Experience working in transportation operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of CEQA and NEPA requirements, especially those relevant to transit agencies.
• Ability to possess a valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead and administer development of standard plans, specifications, and the Design Quality Management Plan using district employees and consultants.
• Develop and institute project-control structures and templates for effective infrastructure project management.
• Provide subject-matter expertise and technical and administrative direction to project and construction management personnel.
• Manage engineering and architecture functions, including key decisions about design documents, technical specifications, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, and quality throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with safety standards and industry best practices.
• Make timely construction-related decisions to prevent delays and avoid costly change orders.
• Select, manage, and hold vendors, contractors, and professional-services providers accountable, including ensuring compliance with DBE, SBE, and labor policies.
• Provide project updates and recommendations to interested parties, community groups, executive leadership, and the Board of Directors.
• Direct, support, and supervise project-management staff; participate in hiring and staff selection; mentor employees; establish performance objectives; evaluate performance; and take appropriate corrective or disciplinary action.
• Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed and coordinate staff training and professional development.
• Exercise independent judgment in construction oversight, compliance, and corrective actions.
• Plan, direct, and evaluate the work of assigned staff, consultants, and contractors; resolve problems and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate on short- and long-term strategic planning and development of bus infrastructure on behalf of bus operations.
• Conduct quality-assurance checks on consultant deliverables and independent technical reviews of SamTrans projects.
• Investigate and resolve project issues by identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Lead stakeholder communications, present recommendations, facilitate input, and build consensus to resolve conflicts.
• Present documents, findings, and recommendations to executive management and the Board.
• Oversee development of contract solicitations, conduct evaluations, and make award recommendations.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on technical and regulatory matters affecting bus facilities and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure project compliance with applicable guidelines.
• Represent SamTrans before the Board of Directors, city councils, government agencies, and the public at meetings and hearings.
• Develop, negotiate, and monitor contracts and cooperative agreements with governmental agencies, consultants, and contractors.
• Perform duties safely, promote safety awareness, and follow procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director