AVP Systems Engineering

Supervisory Organization: VP Capital Programs | Country: United States of America | Address: 1401 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75202 | FLSA: Exempt

About the Role

Under the general direction of the Vice President, Capital Programs of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), this role directs and oversees the activities of personnel engaged in systems engineering project development, design and construction functions, and engineering analysis. Responsibilities include vehicles, signals, communications, traction power, and fare collection activities associated with implementation, operation, and maintenance of DART’s rail and streetcar system.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and secures approval of goals and policies for systems engineering and streetcar projects with broad latitude for decision-making. Submits recommendations to the VP, Capital Programs, for approval and/or Board of Director action.
• Assumes a leadership role in development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and standards that affect most, if not all, organizational components within the division.
• Provides input to a variety of departmental policies and procedures.
• Manages assigned projects, including oversight and instruction of consultants and contractors to ensure compliance with DART Standards.
• Monitors project cost, schedule, and scope status; identifies project risks and recommends changes to ensure compliance with established project objectives and to mitigate risk impacts.
• Oversees the State of Good Repair Program and Asset Management Division, including the Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan.
• Coordinates with Operations and Maintenance Departments to ensure collaboration on the repair, replacement, and modernization of agency assets.
• Administers, reviews, evaluates, and coordinates activities of consultants related to assigned project(s).
• Manages the Dallas Streetcar contract with the City of Dallas, including the development of annual operating budget, capital budget, and performance metrics.
• Directs department staffing requirements, succession planning, and staff performance management program; mentors junior staff within and outside the department.
• Interviews, selects, supervises, develops, evaluates, counsels, and, if necessary, recommends termination of subordinate personnel according to established policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Develops, submits for approval, and monitors the section operating budget; participates in budget preparation and periodic reviews.
• Prepares reports for executive and senior management review, such as project status, resource allocation, budget, division activities, and status reports.
• Serves as the primary interface between construction contractors and the system engineering team within the DART Development Department.
• Directs and participates in the negotiation of contract changes and supplemental agreements.
• Performs technical reviews of projects and prepares technical reports and correspondence.
• Collaborates with other DART departments (Operations, Maintenance, Finance, Capital Planning, Marketing & Communications) to implement capital projects and routine maintenance initiatives.
• Manages the department’s activities in support of executive management requirements for written and oral communication with the DART Board of Directors, municipal officials, and representatives from regional governments on systems engineering and streetcar efforts.
• Remains current on new industry trends, methods, and technology.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in managing engineering and/or construction projects and contracts. Transit experience is preferred.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred for this position to apply prudent engineering principles and standards within the management portfolio.
• Pass a physical (medical) examination that includes a drug screen to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.

Skills

• Knowledge of budget development/analysis and operational cost factors.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in PC and software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) or other job-related software.
• Analytical and creative skills to find solutions to complex interpersonal, technical, and administrative problems.
• Ability to accurately scope out length and difficulty of tasks and projects, set objectives and goals, and develop schedules and task/people assignments.
• Ability to anticipate and adjust for problems and roadblocks, measure performance against goals, and evaluate results.
• Strong situational awareness, focused listening, and negotiation skills to settle disputes equitably and find common ground.

Working Conditions

Works in an environment with minimal exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions (dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals) while visiting DART’s operating facilities, assuming all safety precautions and policies are followed.

Pay

Pay Range: $122,308.00 - $201,808.00