Senior Railroad Track Engineer

Salary : $114,493.00 - $171,739.00 Annually
Location : San Carlos, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-00181
Division: Rail
Department: Engineering & Construction
Opening Date: 03/03/2025

General
Senior Railroad Track Engineer reports to the Manager, Track & Structures, and is responsible for railroad track engineering support for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Support the track and structures engineering tasks for design/construction of Caltrain Capital and SOGR projects and planning of moderate to large Grade Separation projects.
• Assist with the development of the annual, short-term, and long-term Caltrain track engineering and maintenance plans.
• Ensure third-party designs that impact the Right of Way (ROW) are in compliance with Caltrain Engineering Design Criteria and Standards.
• Ensures railroad track complies with FRA, Caltrain Engineering Standards, including Positive Train Control (PTC), and are in a state of good repair, and all construction activities follow return-to-service requirements.
• Independently performs all the tasks necessary to complete primary design elements for track engineering works.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Prepare calculations, plans, and specifications to support track design and analysis using relevant design criteria, codes, and standards for new and rehabilitation type projects.
• Assist with reviewing drawings, construction cost estimates, specifications, technical reports, and other contract documents.
• Provide technical guidance to Project Manager(s) and other projects as required by responding to RFI, construction submittal and site-specific work plan.
• Perform site inspections during construction and maintenance projects to determine if they are within tolerance levels established by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and other applicable regulations.
• Develop solutions and provide technical input for design optimization for cost effectiveness, risk management challenges, and constructability improvements for capital and maintenance projects.
• Review with design of track alignment geometrics and special trackwork.
• Update railroad track-related engineering standards.
• Conduct project meetings and field meetings with internal and third-party personnel.
• Provide 24/7 on-call construction and maintenance support.
• 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:

• Professional Engineer's license.
• Bachelor's degree in civil or related field.
• Five years of full-time progressively responsible professional experience in a railroad, engineering firm, or public works agency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer license in California
• Working knowledge and experience of Federal and State transportation regulations and programs, including FRA, CPUC and AREMA is required.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Must be able to respond 24/7 to service and operational needs in a variety of weather and road conditions.
• Must possess effective oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Must possess a valid California driver license with safe driving record.

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.