Deputy Director, Traction Power and Overhead Contact Systems

Salary : $155,024.00 - $232,536.00 Annually
Location : San Carlos, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00194
Division: Rail
Department: Rail Development
Opening Date: 03/31/2025
Closing Date: 4/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

General

The Deputy Director, Traction Power and OCS, reports to the Director, Engineering, and is responsible for the development and management of Engineering systems and lead projects and programs related to 25kV AC Traction Power, Overhead Contact System, Grounding and Bonding and EMC for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Serve as an agency subject matter expert for all 2X25kV AC railway Traction power and OCS related issues to provide expert recommendations and assistance to executive leadership on Traction Power, OCS, grounding and Bonding, EMC and safety standards for Caltrain railroad network.

• Responsible for establishing and implementing the engineering processes for all traction power-related systems, including developing and maintaining 2x25kV AC Electrification Standards.

• Provide management and oversight of Traction Power related activities related to Engineering.

• Lead the development of performance indicators for Caltrain and the actions needed to improve or correct performance and the capture and analysis of Traction Power and OCS data, to include Electrical Traction power concerns, accident/incident data, and trends.

• Drive innovations and improvements to increase the reliability, availability, effectiveness and efficiency of the Traction Power/OCS assets and maintenance programs.

• Assure compliance with the Agency's Transit Asset Management Program for traction power and OCS systems.

• Provide technical guidance for the work performed by the railroad contract operator to maintain traction power and OCS systems.

• Provide engineering leadership to the Contract Operator's Maintenance Department to resolve and repair failed traction power equipment.

• Responsible for the development of maintenance requirements for traction power and OCS assets.

• Lead all initiatives related to process improvements and change management. Ensures Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are communicated and followed.

• Serve as a liaison and a lead contact person with utilities and regulatory agencies to ensure regulatory compliance for all Traction Power related positions.

• Liaison with internal and external stakeholders on Caltrain commuter rail operations and maintenance, planning, and safety departments for any traction power related issues.

• Provide technical input to the Planning department to develop project scopes.

• Make recommendations to contractors, project managers and lead engineers in the areas of Traction Power performance in accordance with the contract.

• Develop, implement, and maintain budgeting of the projects and programs related to traction power Engineering and monitor their financial health.

• Develop and maintain budgetary requirements for engineering projects.

• 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:

• Identify Traction Power infrastructure quality concerns and propose solutions.

• Develop cost estimates for Traction Power and OCS projects

• Lead engineering design reviews for capital projects, ensuring compliance with Caltrain standards, codes and regulations, and industry guidelines.

• Represent Caltrain with the Federal Railroad Administration, California Public Utilities Commission, and other government regulatory agencies, as well as the public and transit/funding agencies.

• Plan and develop the implementation of operating rules and policies for the Traction Power and OCS System.

• Lead and assess all reports related to Traction Power equipment failures, underperformance, and safety violations.

• Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.

• Lead the audit process, certification inspections, and regulatory requirements following alterations or improvements to the Traction Power and OCS system.

• Establish predictive Traction Power and OCS maintenance programs for critical infrastructure assets to increase availability, resiliency, reduce repairs and service interruptions, and improve maintenance efficiency.

• Identify Traction Power infrastructure quality concerns and propose solutions.

• Develop cost estimates for Traction Power and OCS projects.

• Responsible for training on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and communicating policy changes and updates.

• 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 electrical engineering or a related field.

• Six (6) years of experience in Traction Power and OCS in 25kV AC electrified railroad.

• Three (3) years management level experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• California PE License (or the ability to obtain within 6 months)

• Possess a valid California drivers' license with a safe driving record.

• Possess effective written and oral communication skills.

• Strong prior experience with Microsoft Office suite, scheduling software (MS Project or Primavera)

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.