Senior Systems Engineer-Communication & Control Systems

Salary range is $91,000 to $197,000 with a midpoint of $144,000. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity, and market.

Benefits

• Health Benefits: Two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans:
  • 401a – 10% employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit.
  • 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee-only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: 25 days annually with increases at four, eight, and twelve years of service. Additional days for director-level employees and above. 12 paid holidays plus up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks for new parents.
• Pet Insurance discount.
• ORCA Card: Free for all full-time employees.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.

About the Role

Under general direction, provides senior engineering support for the Capital Delivery Department’s Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) South, OMF North, and North Maintenance of Way development. Provides senior-level design engineering support on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), industrial control systems, telephone communications, access control, public addressing and messaging, building management systems, Traction Power Substation (TPSS) SCADA, OT Network, and other transit-related technology platforms required for the new maintenance facilities. Acts as the project’s primary point of contact for the Agency’s subject matter expert on Operations Technology (OT) systems and OT cybersecurity. Coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; troubleshoots and resolves system errors and issues as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering and technical support for communication, control systems, signaling systems, Radio Communications Systems, and associated subsystems in the Operations & Maintenance facility capital projects.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and coaching to team members, contractors, and vendors for operations technology systems.
• Conduct technical analysis, hazard and risk analysis, develop business cases, and participate as technical lead on major and Capital Delivery technology projects.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering staff to translate agency needs into long-term architecture solutions.
• Lead efforts to resolve complex technical issues in accordance with established design criteria, collaborating with all necessary subject matter experts.
• Provide input to design requirements based on asset performance, operating needs, and technological advancements of operations technology systems.
• Develop and implement system enhancements to ensure system reliability and performance of maintenance facilities and infrastructure systems when they enter service.
• Support the design, installation, and commissioning of new assets as part of the development of the maintenance facility program.
• Act as the project’s point of contact with Agency activation teams and provide timely updates on system integration and contractor commissioning work.
• Partner closely with other Agency groups to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure and encourage innovation through the implementation of new technologies.
• Provide expert knowledge of industry principles and practices for the area of responsibility.
• Champion and model Sound Transit's core values and demonstrate values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• Follow Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Five years of experience in systems engineering work in multiple operations and maintenance technology systems.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Design, maintenance, and life cycle management of operations and maintenance systems as defined in the role description.
• Familiarity with systems engineering and design for light rail infrastructure, including experience with commissioning and activation.
• Operational characteristics of computer and network systems, applications, hardware, industrial controls, and Internet of Things (IoT) software and peripheral equipment.
• Methods and techniques involved in designing, installing, and maintaining industrial control systems and connectivity.
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to grow the team's skills, efficiency, and knowledge.
• Advanced troubleshooting of programmable controllers, software, and peripheral equipment, and maintenance of industrial controls.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with co-workers, customers, and vendors, including letter writing and complex report preparation.
• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, handle multitasking, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Utilizing computer software programs for compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Developing and defining detailed technical requirements and scoping documents.
• Applying appropriate oral and written communication skills to various individuals, including Agency employees, engineering consultants, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience with rail or transit operation operations technology.
• GE, Emerson, Siemens platform experience.
• OT cybersecurity and network experience.

Schedule

Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in the office a minimum of 3 days per week. This position may require on-call availability for emergent issues.

Physical Demands

• Visiting OMFs, trackways, and construction sites; may involve bending, eye/hand coordination, grasping, hearing, pushing, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking.
• Lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Field positions may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.