Under the general direction of the Director of Engineering, the Senior Rail Engineer plays an integral role in the engineering aspects of rail-related services and the development and maintenance of the rail infrastructure necessary to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services. The types of projects that the Senior Rail Engineer typically leads and participates in include basic infrastructure and support facilities for light and heavy rail systems, including track additions and replacements, rail bridge renovations and replacements, drainage structures and systems, coastal bluff stabilization, environmental permitting, and habitat restoration.  
 

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is distinguished by its role in representing NCTD in the coordination of all phases of railroad projects, requiring a high level of interaction between multiple departments, outside agencies including SANDAG, and consultants.  S/he has a vital role in the configuration management processes for the District’s rail infrastructure. Qualifying applicants possess advanced knowledge of multiple facets of railroad engineering, including stations, earthwork, drainage, grades, clearances, signaling, surveying, operations, alignment, and special track work structure. The applicant must demonstrate a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, coordinating, and solving engineering and construction problems.   
 

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position works under the general direction of the Director of Engineering.   This position is responsible for project oversight, including supervision of contractors, consultants, and subordinate staff. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted. 
 

Working Conditions

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants’ facilities, and other locations as required.  

 

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews and/or monitors the progress of railroad development and restoration projects.  
• Directs and reviews the work of design consultants and construction contractors.  
• Ensures that projects are completed within budget and on schedule. 
• Develops and updates design standards, manages the configuration of railroad assets, verifies consultant work, performs constructability reviews, and responds to daily railroad engineering matters. 
• Directs development of rail projects in conjunction with SANDAG. 
• Troubleshoots issues with key personnel in various NCTD Divisions, as well as with consultants and other agency personnel on the local, state, and federal level.
• Coordinates, facilitates, and provides direct engineering assistance for activities related to design and construction of rail capital improvement and maintenance projects within NCTD. 
• Participates in planning rail engineering projects and assessing Department priorities in support of developing NCTD’s Capital Improvement Program.
• Acts as a primary point of contact representing NCTD on the development and execution of railroad projects by NCTD and third parties.   
• Coordinates NCTD staff and executive review of all SANDAG and other agency projects planned for or under construction along the San Diego Subdivision of the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Corridor. 
• Ensures that District and third-party rail projects conform to federal, state, and District design standards, inter-agency agreements and MOUs, and other governmental regulations.
• Provides engineering support to NCTD’s Maintenance of Way Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of civil engineering experience, including five (5) years in project management and rail design and construction.  
• Experience in civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, CEQA/NEPA and transportation engineering, with specific experience in railroad and/or light rail design and construction, is required. 

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be considered.
 

 Certificates/Licenses

• Registration, or the ability to attain registration within the next twelve (12) months, as a professional Civil Engineer in the State of California required.
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
• Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
• Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics policies. 

General Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of principles of civil and structural engineering, with demonstrated experience with railroad facilities and railroad operations.
• Familiarity with pertinent code and regulatory requirements of agencies such as the FRA and the CPUC. 
• Working knowledge of engineering standards such as AREMA, ACI, ASTM, Amtrak MW1000, and BNSF.
• Working knowledge of computer-aided design systems, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation, and scheduling software as it relates to project management.
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise reports.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources.
• Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties.  
• Ability to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite.    
• Ability to respond in person to system emergencies and system problems on any shift and under any weather or time-of-day circumstances.

Physical Requirements  

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a periodic basis.  The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information.   The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way.  The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals.  The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
 

 Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone. 
• Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.