What are the responsibilities and job description for the INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III position at CA High Speed Rail Authority?
Under administrative direction of the Chief of Digital Delivery and Innovation, the Information Technology (IT) Specialist III (Senior Solutions Engineer) provides expert-level guidance and support for the Authority’s application systems that leverage various technologies, including commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Amazon Web Services (AWS), cloud-based development tools, and generative AI (GenAI) platforms. The incumbent works independently to evaluate and design technical solutions, enhance existing systems, and ensure the integration and optimization of applications necessary to support the organization's evolving needs. The Senior Solutions Engineer is innovative and possesses deep technical knowledge of emerging technologies, including GenAI, providing the strategic and tactical direction necessary to support the Authority’s mission.
This advertisement is posted as Open Until Filled and the advertisement will remain open until the vacancy is filled. Cut-offs for applications will be every other Monday, starting April 20, 2026, and applications will be reviewed per those cut-off dates. Hires can be made at any time based on the applications received by the cut-off dates.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.
While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. The incumbent must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. The incumbent must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Job Code #:
JC-504301
Position #(s):
311-480-1415-002
Working Title:
Senior Solutions Engineer
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III
$9,507.00 - $12,740.00
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. The SOQ must be no more than four (4) pages, single-spaced, with one-inch margins, in 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. The SOQ must discuss the applicant’s applicable experience as it pertains to each item below. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process. A resume is required but does not take the place of the SOQ. Letters and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.
You must respond to all the following items:
Describe your experience and provide examples of enterprise-level solutions using cloud-based, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), or software-as-a-service (SaaS) technologies that you designed and implemented. In your response, describe the solution and its purpose, and include how you collaborated with architects, technical teams, and business stakeholders to align with architectural standards and meet business goals.
Provide an example of how you identified and introduced an emerging technology (e.g., GenAI, cloud-native tools, DevOps practices) to improve solution delivery. Describe the process, the technology, outcomes, and how you supported adoption across teams.
Describe and provide examples of your experience integrating complex systems across diverse platforms or environments. In your response, highlight your key contributions, including any hands-on programming work. Explain how you ensured data consistency, optimized system performance, and maintained reliability throughout the integration process.
Provide examples where you led cross-functional technical initiatives. Describe how you collaborated with stakeholders and communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Provide an example of how you translated business needs into actionable technical solutions and delivered results.
NOTE: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Hands-on experience with AWS platforms, SaaS integration, and enterprise application architecture.
Hands-on experience with Programming languages such as .Net, Python, etc.
Hands-on experience with SaaS applications such as ServiceNow, Salesforce, etc.
Experience with complex integrations, Application Programming Interfaces (API).
Experience with generative AI tools and frameworks (e.g., OpenAI, Copilot Studio, Azure AI, etc.).
Demonstrate a working knowledge of project management practices, the system development lifecycle, etc.
Demonstrate a service-oriented and customer relations-sensitive attitude.
Ability to meet business needs through innovative solutions and demonstrate a service-oriented, customer relations-sensitive attitude.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all levels of staff and management; communicate effectively with peers, other technical teams, executives, external partners, vendors, and others.
Ability to manage multiple high priority initiatives in a fast-paced, achievement-oriented environment and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive tasks, assignments, and information.
Ability to prepare and produce clear and concise documentation (e.g., processes and procedures, plans, technical diagrams, information security policies, etc.).
Willingness to work excess hours to achieve business results.
Display enthusiasm for continuous learning.
Salary : $114,084 - $152,880
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