Director, Rail Systems Engineering

This position reports to the Deputy Executive Director, Engineering, Capital and Modernization (ECM) and is responsible for railroad systems engineering and civil/systems integration for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

Responsibilities

• Oversee all railroad systems engineering and integration of operational systems, including but not limited to:
  • Communications (data 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)
  • Visual Message Signs (VMS)
• Manage all aspects of the Caltrain PTC system, including back office, wayside, and onboard communications systems.
• Oversee the continued development, operation, and maintenance of all Caltrain operational systems, including State of Good Repair (SOGR) and preventive maintenance, as well as contractor oversight for system maintenance.
• Provide systems support for Caltrain modernization, including signals, grade crossings, traction power, communications, and vehicle systems, and integrate these with existing Caltrain systems.
• Manage operational systems’ product vendor services contracts and vendor performance.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of engineering standards for all railroad systems elements.
• Serve as a liaison with Rail Operations and Maintenance to ensure alignment with Caltrain service, safety, and customer experience goals.
• Ensure daily electrified service through operational systems maintenance engineering.
• Supervise, hire, mentor, and evaluate staff, including taking corrective or disciplinary action as needed. Ensure compliance with EEO policies and procedures.
• Coordinate staff training and professional development, establish performance objectives, and monitor employee performance.
• Manage the Railroad Systems Engineering work program and oversee the design of railroad systems, including preparation of design documents.
• Interface regularly with all functional groups within the organization, both infrastructure and operations.
• Conduct technical analyses and provide recommendations regarding design, construction, and operational issues related to system engineering.
• Manage systems service contracts and vendor performance.
• Oversee operational systems improvements, updates, and upgrades.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget to ensure effective work effort oversight.
• Responsible for configuration management of all operational systems.
• Manage the department budget (operating and capital).
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of program service delivery methods and procedures; recommend service and staffing level adjustments as needed.
• Report to Rail Division senior management on systems programs and advise on quality concerns and solutions.
• Work with CalMod to ensure effective transition of programs from implementation to operations and maintenance.
• Evaluate staff job performance and identify on-the-job and professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with railroad systems requirements, including all rules and regulations.
• 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 driver’s license with a safe driving record, or ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.