Director, Rail Systems Engineering

San Mateo County Transit District • Millbrae, CA

3d

About The Position

The Director, Railroad Systems Engineering will report to the Deputy Executive Director, Engineering, Capital and Modernization (ECM) and will be responsible for railroad systems engineering and civil/systems integration for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain). This role is responsible for managing all aspects of the Caltrain PTC system including back office/wayside/onboard communications systems. They will oversee the development and maintenance of engineering standards for all railroad systems elements and serve as a liaison with Rail Operations and Maintenance to ensure Caltrain service/safety and customer experience goals. The position also involves managing operational systems maintenance engineering to ensure daily electrified service and supervising staff, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management, while ensuring EEO policies are followed.

Requirements

• Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a closely related field.
• Seven years’ full-time and increasingly responsible management experience in the area system engineering, rail engineering, construction management, and or systems project management.
• Three years’ full-time supervisory experience

Nice To Haves

• Must be familiar with railroad systems requirements including all rules and regulations.
• Must have experience with systems projects carried out on the right-of-way of an operating railroad.
• Registered Professional Engineer in the state of California highly desirable.
• Possession of a valid California drivers’ license with a safe driving record preferred.
• The ability to obtain a California Drivers License within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all railroad systems engineering and the integration of operational systems including but not limited to communications (date and voice), Rail network, Positive Train Control (PTC), signaling, grade crossings, overhead contact system (OCS), 25kv traction power, Train control, SCADA, Electric Multiple Units (EMU) vehicles, CCTV, Public Address (PA), and Visual Message Signs (VMS).
• Responsible for managing all aspects of the Caltrain PTC system including back office/wayside/onboard communications systems.
• Responsible for the continued development, operation, and maintenance of all Caltrain operational systems including SOGR/preventative maintenance including the oversite of contractors responsible for system maintenance.
• Responsible for providing systems support for the Caltrain modernization including signals, grade crossings, traction power, communications, and vehicle systems; and for integrating these systems with Caltrain.
• Responsible for managing Operational systems’ product vendor services contracts and vendor performance.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of engineering standards for all railroad systems elements.
• Liaison with Rail Operations and Maintenance on the development of railroad systems as appropriate to ensure Caltrain service/safety and customer experience goals.
• Responsible for all Operational systems maintenance engineering to ensure daily electrified service
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.
• Responsible for Railroad Systems Engineering work program.
• Oversee the design of railroad systems including design document preparation.
• Requires regular interface efforts with all functional groups within the organization both infrastructure and operations.
• Responsible for technical analyses and recommendations regarding design, construction, and operational issues related to system engineering.
• Manage systems service contracts and vendor performance
• Responsible for operational systems improvements, updates and upgrades.
• Manage the oversight of work effort to ensure control of projects scope, schedule, and budget.
• Responsible for configuration management of all Operational systems
• Responsible for department budget (operating and capital).
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of program service delivery methods and procedures; and recommend service and staffing levels.
• Report to Rail Division senior management on systems programs.
• Advise staff and management on quality concerns and solutions.
• Work with CalMod to ensure effective transition of the programs from implementation to operations and maintenance from Railroad Systems.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm.
• Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Caltrain celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

What This Job Offers

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