Rail Senior Engineer Positive Train Control Systems

Salary : $114,493.00 - $171,739.00 Annually
Location : San Carlos, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00193
Division: Rail
Department: Rail Development
Opening Date: 03/31/2025
Closing Date: 4/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

General
The Rail Senior Engineer, Positive Train Control Systems reports to the Manager Positive Train Control (PTC) and is responsible for providing engineering competencies to the Systems Engineering department with a focus on rail control systems, specifically the safety-critical Positive Train Control (PTC) system for the PCJPB Caltrain.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Support and lead technical support for rail operations and projects in the design and operation of the PTC system to ensure meeting the project requirement and quality expectations.
• Support and maintain the operational readiness of the PTC system, spanning onboard software-based control systems, back-office datacenter servers, field devices, fiber optic and wireless communication systems, and networking.
• Maintain the PTC Databases, performing updates directly, enforcing change control, and overseeing changes made by third party contractors and capital projects.
• Perform lab and field Verification & Validation (V&V) testing, and/or support and oversee contracted V&V staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in varying disciplines including software and applications development, networking, fiber optic systems, wireless communications, signaling, and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) counterparts

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Directly perform updates, generate new Subdivision file(s) critical to the operation of the PTC system. Review all technical design drawings, as-built drawings, configuration management, update track charts, timetables and related engineering documents to identify changes, including right of way changes resulting from new construction or maintenance activities.

• Provide technical support and coordinate the development of PTC software applications and hardware devices with other counterparts and subject matter experts.
• Identify and track system defects, troubleshoot system operational issues, isolate failures, identify trends, prepare requirements for defect resolution and enhancements.
• Perform front-line failure analysis, coordinate with other PTC engineers, identify root cause where applicable or identify contributing systems. Coordinate with subject matter experts in the appropriate disciplines requiring detailed root cause analysis and provide feedback to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Prepare Site Specific Work Plans (SSWP) for planned activities impacting the operational system.
• Plan and provide field support, prepare and execute lab and field test plans and procedures and oversee third party contractors performing these tasks to maintain consistency and continuity.

• Autonomous planning and execution including familiarity with Caltrain operating and safety rules, SSWP preparation, and hi-rail PTC equipment operation and troubleshooting.

• Assist in communication and coordination with stakeholders, tenant railroads, and federal and local regulators.
• Attend industry-wide PTC Interoperable Train Control (ITC) committee meetings.

• 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, full time 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, systems engineering, engineering technology, computer science, or related field, or equivalent work experience. In lieu of a degree eight years of experience in engineering or systems engineering experience.
• Four (4) years of full-time work experience in engineering, IT, systems engineering, computer science or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior knowledge and experience in PTC(Design/Integration/Testing), signaling, train control, AREMA and FRA regulations are a plus.
• Familiarity with a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines including electrical, software, hardware, and wireless communications.
• Creating and maintaining databases.
• Familiar with Systems Engineering processes, encompassing change control and configuration management practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical issues and implement effective solutions under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

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.