Definition
Under general direction, the Rail Vehicle Engineering Manager, directs, organizes, manages, and coordinates all rail vehicle and way, power, and signals engineering activities.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This single-position classification is responsible for the management and oversight of professional engineers, consultants, and other subordinates engaged in the development of design specifications for, and procurement of, rail vehicles; development of modifications to existing vehicles; way, power, and signals infrastructure and systems engineering; and development of design specifications for vehicles and rail systems equipment.
The Rail Vehicle Engineering Manager is distinguished from the lower classification of Senior System Engineer in that the latter is focused on supervising staff and consultants performing electrified rail engineering work, whereas the former has full managerial responsibility over all assigned rail vehicles and related systems engineering functions and activities.
Ideal Candidate  
As Rail Vehicle Engineering Manager, you will be joining VTA at an exciting time to shape the future fleet of VTA rail vehicles, develop and rebuild rail rights-of-way, and engineer new system solutions for VTA rail systems. The ideal candidate must have strong project management skills, experience in a range of engineering disciplines, demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with electrified rail systems, and worked as an engineer in the rail industry. A strong leadership background is a critical requirement as it reflects the candidate's capacity to oversee and guide a team in the dynamic field of rail vehicle engineering.
About Light Rail Vehicle Maintenance

Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Maintenance is located at the Guadalupe Light Rail Division. LRV Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair, and servicing of light rail vehicles and service equipment.

After a light rail vehicle returns from revenue service at the end of each day, Maintenance performs an interior inspection/walk-through of the vehicle, analyzes the Operator Defect Card, performs a visual inspection of the vehicle undercarriage, performs exterior and interior cleaning, cleans and repairs windows and seating, and removes and repairs graffiti and vandalism.

Regular preventive maintenance is performed at prescheduled cycles every 10,000, 30,000, 60,000, and 120,000 miles to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, safety, and reliability. Running Repair/Corrective Maintenance repairs items identified by Operators during the daily operation of an LRV. The normal service life of VTA's light rail vehicle fleet is about 30 years and the major vehicle components are overhauled in a 3-phase program to achieve this lifespan. After 120,000 miles, contacts and the air system, including brake boxes and subcomponents, are overhauled. After 240,000 miles, major components including the motor alternator, gearbox, traction motor, pantographs, coupler assembly, trucks, sub-assemblies, and axle bearing assemblies are overhauled. The air conditioning system, car body paint and furnishings, major electronic components, roof resistors, and PC boards are overhauled every 7 to 10 years as needed.

Typical Tasks

• Selects, supervises, trains, motivates, assigns, evaluates, counsels, and disciplines subordinate staff;
• Plans, organizes, and manages the work of professional and technical engineering staff and consultants;
• Provides direction, planning, and managerial oversight of the activities of all assigned workgroups;
• Develops, monitors, and manages assigned budget;
• Interprets and applies provisions of collective bargaining agreements in accordance with VTA guidelines;
• Provides technical review of plans, specifications, reports, and other documents prepared by subordinates or outside parties;
• Provides engineering expertise in the procurement of rail vehicles, systems integration of electrified rail vehicle equipment, and the coordination of construction projects affecting VTA’s light rail system;
• Develops and reviews specifications and technical reports; prepares budget estimates for rail vehicles, systems, and components;
• Administers contracts, monitors contractor performance, and prepares reports and agreements for agency records and for reporting to VTA executive management;
• Evaluates systems, vehicles, equipment, and operations for safety, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability;
• Develops and/or reviews design changes to upgrade systems and equipment;
• Reviews bid specifications, evaluates submittals, and makes recommendations regarding contractor/vendor selection;
• Negotiates, approves, and monitors contractual agreements with consultants and contractors;
• Participates in accident investigations to determine cause and damage to systems and recommend corrective action;
• Prepares and presents oral and written reports;
• Ensures compliance with VTA policies and procedures regarding equal employment opportunity, discrimination, and harassment prevention;
• May serve as a member of the management team in meetings with collective bargaining groups;
• Performs related duties as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient training, education, and increasingly responsible experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree including major coursework in electrical, mechanical, or related engineering studies, and extensive, increasingly responsible electrified rail vehicle engineering experience in a large transit organization. Supervisory experience over professional-level staff is required.
Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California (electrical or mechanical) is preferred. Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of organization, administration, supervision, budgeting, and personnel management;
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the design and operation of rail vehicles, facilities, and equipment;
• Engineering activities associated with electrified rail vehicles and related systems;
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to warranty compliance;
• Typical provisions found in public transit labor agreements;
• Principles and practices of quality assurance and quality control;
• Principles of specification preparation, writing, and cost estimating;
• Rail systems and component testing;
• Methods, materials, and equipment used in the design, maintenance, operation, and construction of rail transit equipment and systems;
• Activities and operations of public transportation systems.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, coordinate, direct, control, and manage assigned areas of responsibility;
• Oversee subordinates and effectively delegate and/or monitor responsibilities to ensure smooth operations;
• Select, supervise, train, evaluate, motivate, counsel, and discipline staff;
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and labor contract provisions;
• Analyze complex engineering problems and develop and implement effective solutions;
• Prepare and review design drawings and specifications;
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Prepare clear, concise, and effective correspondence, technical reports, presentations, and other documents required to perform the duties of this position;
• Participate as a member of management in meetings with collective bargaining groups;
• Ensure compliance with VTA policies and procedures regarding equal employment opportunity, discrimination, and harassment prevention;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.
 
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality.
VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express
To learn more, go to: vta.org
 
As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.
For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward 

Our Community
Santa Clara County sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect
weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.
 
The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.

What’s in it for You? 
Work/Life Balance: 40-hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule. 

Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.

Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees

Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Mental Health Days: 3 days: May 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Leave: Non-Rep: (1 floater every fiscal year except for 1st year) | Holidays 12 days | Mental 3 days | Sick 80 hours (Mgt & Exec 64 hours, prorated based on the date of hire or separation | Vacation 17 days (Management & Executive 31 days pro-rated based on the date of hire or separation)
Retirement:
Participation in CalPERS

• Classic Members: 2%@55
• PEPRA Members: 2%@62

457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)

•  457 pre-tax
• 457 Roth
• Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees

Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree’s medical premium

Additional perks: 

• All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Fund
• Wellness Programs

General Instructions
Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position.
 
To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
 
Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Application Processing Information
All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.
 
All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.
 
Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.
 
If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

All applications and testing notifications will be sent by e-Mail. 
Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid, and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their online account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their online account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.
 
Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
 
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, please click here (Download PDF reader).

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.