Deputy Director, Rail Systems Engineering

Salary : $ - $ Annually
Location : Millbrae, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Division: Rail
Department: Railroad Systems Engineering
Opening Date: 02/13/2026

General

The Deputy Director, Railroad Systems Engineering will report to the Director of Engineering, and will be responsible for railroad systems engineering and civil/systems integration for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).
Essential Functions & Duties

• Responsible for all railroad systems engineering and the integration of operational systems including but not limited to communications (date 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), and Visual Message Signs (VMS).
• Responsible for managing all aspects of the Caltrain PTC system including back office/wayside/onboard communications systems.
• Responsible for the continued development, operation, and maintenance of all Caltrain operational systems including SOGR/preventative maintenance including the oversite of contractors responsible for system maintenance.
• Responsible for providing systems support for the Caltrain modernization including signals, grade crossings, traction power, communications, and vehicle systems; and for integrating these systems with Caltrain.
• Responsible for managing Operational systems' product vendor services contracts and vendor performance.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards for all railroad systems elements.
• Liaison with Rail Operations and Maintenance on the development of railroad systems as appropriate to ensure Caltrain service/safety and customer experience goals.
• Responsible for all Operational systems maintenance engineering to ensure daily electrified service
• 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

• Assist the Director, Engineering by directing and coordinating the Railroad Systems Engineering work program.
• Manage and oversee the design of railroad systems including design document preparation.
• Coordinate with the civil and structural design efforts, architectural design efforts, IT initiatives, contracts, construction management, operations, and safety and security.
• Provide technical analyses and recommendations regarding design, construction, and operational issues.
• Manage systems service contracts and vendor performance
• Responsible for operational systems improvements, updates and upgrades.
• Manage oversight of work effort to ensure control of projects scope, schedule, and budget.
• Responsible for configuration management of all Operational systems
• Develop and manage Department budget (Operating and capital).
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of program service delivery methods and procedures; and recommend service and staffing levels.
• Report to Rail Division senior management on systems programs.
• Advise staff and management on quality concerns and solutions.
• Work with Cal Mod to ensure effective transition of the programs from implementation to operations and maintenance from Railroad Systems.
• 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 one's self, 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 systems engineering, or a closely related field.
• Six years full-time increasingly responsible management experience in the area of civil or rail engineering, construction management, and/or public works project management.
• Three years full-time direct supervision of engineering staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be familiar with railroad systems requirements including all rules and regulations.
• Must have 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 drivers' license with a safe driving record preferred

Additional Information

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