Chief Engineering and Project Delivery

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Chief Engineering and Project Delivery

Salary

$209,903.00 - $314,855.00 Annually

Location

San Carlos, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2025-00209

Division

Rail Executive

Department

Rail Development

Opening Date

05/09/2025

Closing Date

6/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

General

The Chief, Engineering & Project Delivery, reports to the Caltrain Executive Director and is responsible for the systemwide capital project delivery and engineering initiatives for Caltrain. This position is also responsible for ensuring that all long and short-term initiatives are developed and implemented in concert and coordination with Safety, Quality Assurance, Operations, Planning, Commercial Development, Caltrain Modernization Program, and Government and Community affairs. The Chief will ensure the development and implementation of industry best practice with respect to policy, process and procedures.

Essential Functions & Duties

  • Responsible for all engineering for the railroad including track, signal, communications, facilities, right-of-way (ROW), stations and traction power, on-board and back-office systems, and Positive Train Control (PTC).

  • Responsibility for Capital Program Management project control standards and procedures.

  • Responsible for the management and delivery of all railroad capital projects in all phases including design, construction, and transition to operation. 

  • Leads the coordination with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the application of industry best practices in alignment with federal, state, local and organizational policies, processes and procedures for the PCJPB (Caltrain).

  • Responsible for providing engineering support to the Operations and Maintenance contract operator and the JPB operations and maintenance team.

  • Responsible for seamless coordination with the railroad Safety, Quality Assurance (QA), transit asset management (TAM), and configuration management programs.

  • Represent Caltrain with federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholders on matters related to railroad engineering and project delivery.

  • Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.


Examples of Essential Duties: 

  • Oversee the development and management of engineering design and design review and approval process and procedures.

  • Oversee the development and management of capital program management including project controls, standards.

  • Oversee the development and management of the life cycle of capital project delivery. Develop and manage processes and procedures for capital project delivery including design, construction, and procurement.

  • Participate in the development of and implementation of QA, TAM, and configuration management policies and procedures.

  • Provide directions, guidance and lead the Engineering and Project Delivery team. 

  • Provide regular reports to Caltrain Executive Director, and the Board of Directors on the progress of capital programs and engineering projects.

  • Function as Executive Director in their absence as needed.

  • Foster strong cross functional collaboration across all organizational subdivisions to ensure the delivery of a safe and reliable Caltrain corridor.

  • Represent Caltrain at regulatory, intergovernmental, and private sector meetings. Work closely with community leaders and members, neighborhood councils, business, property owners, neighborhood groups and public/private organizations related to rail development initiatives, policies, and programs.

  • Represent the agency’s programs in internal Executive Team meetings with the ED.

  • Work with Human Resources to develop a succession plan for the Engineering and Project Delivery staff that includes human capital initiatives and workforce retention strategies.

  • Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other 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 in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:


  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

  • Minimally Nine (9) years of professional experience at an executive level in leading and managing civil or rail engineering, construction management, or public works project management functions in a large, complex, and highly integrated organization.

  • Four (4) years management experience managing senior level leaders


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with commuter rail or rail transit is desirable.

  • Registered Professional Engineer in the State of California. 

  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations as they relate to railroad structures and systems engineering and construction project management

  • Experience with delivering projects on the ROW of operating railroad is desirable.

  • Sound leadership, communications and problem-solving skills

  • Provide a valid California driver’s license with a safe driving record or the ability to obtain one within six months.


The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions.  Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.      

 

How to Apply

  • Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date.  A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

  • The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.  If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.   

  • We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment.  We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply. 

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees: 
 
Health and Welfare Benefits:

  • Healthcare Benefits –District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees. 

  • Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided – Employer Covers Premiums 

  • Free Employee Assistance Benefit – Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.  

  • Flexible Spending Accounts – Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.

Retirement Medical Benefits:  

  • Long Term Disability Insurance – After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District. 

  • Health and Wellness – Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option. 

Holidays and Paid Time Off: 

  • Paid Time Off – Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.  

  • Paid Holidays – The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year – New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day  

  • Floating Holidays – District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.  

Financial Planning Benefits:

  • Pension Benefits through CalPERS –You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension. 

  • CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic – All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%  

  • Deferred Compensation Options – Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options  

  • Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee – max $200,000 

  • Optional Life Insurance – Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members. 

Growth and Education Benefits: 

  • Professional Development – Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program – A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District. 

  • Computer Loan Program – Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000. 

Other Amazing Benefits: 

  • Credit Union – Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union. 

  • Employee Clean Commute (ECC) – Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.  

  • Commuter Benefits – Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees. 

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions. 

01
Do you have minimally nine years of fulltime professional work experience managing senior level staff (senior managers, director level or above)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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