Manager of Track Engineering

BART•BART Headquarters, CA

About The Position

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking a collaborative and results-driven Manager of Track Engineering to lead the engineering efforts that keep one of the nation's largest rail transit systems safe, reliable, and moving. This position provides leadership for track engineering, capital improvement projects, infrastructure renewal, and engineering support for daily operations while partnering closely with Maintenance, Operations, Capital Delivery, and Safety to deliver practical, innovative solutions that enhance system performance. The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering leader who thrives in a fast-paced transit environment and is passionate about improving rail infrastructure. They inspire teams, build collaborative partnerships, and provide innovative engineering solutions that support safe, reliable service while advancing BART's long-term infrastructure goals. The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process: Leadership of railway track engineering, maintenance, and capital improvement programs. Managing complex engineering projects, consultant contracts, budgets, and competing priorities. Knowledge of track design, inspection, maintenance, and applicable FRA, CPUC, and industry standards. Building collaborative relationships across engineering, operations, maintenance, contractors, and regulatory agencies. Leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing engineering teams. Analyzing complex technical issues, making sound decisions, and implementing practical solutions. Driving continuous improvement, innovation, and asset management strategies that enhance safety, reliability, and system performance.

Requirements

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in Track Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
The equivalent of five (5) years of full-time professional-level engineering experience related to the construction, maintenance, and design of railway track and structures, which must have included at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California preferred.
Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Must be willing to work on weekends and at night, occasionally or as needed, to oversee and serve as track engineering subject matter expert to support track safety, inspection, construction, and maintenance needs.
Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive track engineering program
Principles and practices of track engineering in rail transportation
Principles and practices of track inspection, track defect root cause analysis
Principles and practices of project scheduling and management
Principles and practices of program development and administration
Construction materials, methods, and equipment used in track engineering projects
Railroad track design and construction, bridge, and structure design and construction
Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
Pertinent government codes, regulations, and provisions
Related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including FRA and CPUC
Overseeing and participating in the management of a comprehensive track engineering program
Overseeing new track construction, track renewal and upgrades, major track repairs related to track incidents
Overseeing, directing, managing, and coordinating the work of lower-level staff
Selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff
Participating in the development and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures
Planning, organizing, directing, reviewing, and evaluating the activities of professional staff and contract consultants on assigned projects
Conducting track inspections and establishing a track inspection program including the use of rail inspection vehicle, ultrasonic test car, and visual track inspections.
Preparing and administering large program budgets and contracts; project feasibility studies and cost estimates
Preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports
Managing the services of outside consultants
Preparing clear, concise, and complete reports on civil and structural design project activities
Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals related to track issues
Interpreting and applying Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Nice To Haves

Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff or contractors; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff, maintenance team, stakeholders and/or contract service providers to identify and resolve problems.
Prepares, oversees, administers, and monitors engineering consultant contracts for assigned track projects including new design and construction, and maintenance and operational support; reviews and approves final project plans, specifications, and cost estimates prepared by in-house and consulting engineers.
Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned engineering personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
Directs the preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, requests for proposals and bid documents for District's track engineering projects, or construction and maintenance work.
Oversees the development of the District Track Programs to ensure compliance with District's track standards or California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) standards.
Manages the development, proposal, and design of solutions for service improvements; interfaces with host railroads and other agencies to implement proposed improvements.
Manages and participates in the development and implementation of track engineering goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
Monitors developments and legislations related to assigned area of responsibility; evaluates impact upon district or operations; recommends and oversees implementation of equipment, practices, and procedural improvements.
Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
Serves as the liaison for the Track Engineering Division with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; provides technical assistance to the Legal Department and serves as an expert witness; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Inspects on-going track construction projects to ensure improvement; may be required to drive District vehicles to track construction sites.
Provides responsible staff assistance to the Track Engineering Group Manager.
Responds to emergency situations related to safe operation of the District's track and related structures, for instance, situations such as derailments, track buckle, track defects causing trains to slow down.
Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents periodic and special reports regarding track engineering and construction activities to management staff or other departments and other necessary correspondence.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of track design, maintenance, inspection and repair.