Senior Utilities Engineer, Specialist (JC-531969)

About the role

The Rail Safety Division (RSD) strives to inspire safe and reliable rail transportation in California by promoting and enforcing railroad, rail crossing and rail transit safety, and by improving or establishing a positive rail safety culture through inspection, enforcement, and proactive oversight of state and federal laws, regulations, orders, and directives relating to the transportation of persons or commodities by rail. The division comprises the Railroad Operations Safety Branch (ROSB), Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch (RCEB), and Rail Transit Safety Branch (RTSB).

Position located in Sacramento County with hybrid telework options. This is a permanent, full‑time role (1 position available).

Department website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/

Responsibilities

• Under general direction of a Program and Project Supervisor, carries out the Commission’s safety oversight responsibilities for the design, construction, and operation of rail transit agencies (systems).
• Performs the more difficult and complex engineering tasks of the Branch requiring a higher level of analytical and technical analysis.
• Conducts specialized investigations, such as rail transit safety and security studies, accident investigations, rule‑makings, general order and procedures revisions, focused technical investigations, evaluations of new or non‑standard equipment or methodologies, and general order variance requests.
• May be assigned a lead role in routine Branch activities including the review of public transportation safety plans, system security plans, accident investigation plans, operating rules and other safety/security related documents; inspect transit system performance to ensure safety and security plans are being followed.
• Inspect in‑process and completed rail transit system construction work to verify conformance with safety‑related design requirements.
• Perform independent engineering studies and/or evaluate engineering research of others relating to rail transit safety.
• Provide technical advice in Commission proceedings, including testimony as an expert witness.
• Represent the Commission at technical conferences, public meetings, meetings with government agencies (including the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and the California Legislature), and with other industry groups.
• Other job‑related duties as required.

Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License (CDL); applicants must provide CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• Possession of a Professional License; a copy must be submitted prior to hire.
• Submission of a narrative Statement