Chief Technology Officer

About the Organization

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.

About the Role

Under the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) manages the Authority’s information technology services. In this capacity, the incumbent has the highest-level management responsibility for all Information Technology (IT) activities. The CTO oversees, monitors, and/or directs the planning, design, implementation, and integration of operational technologies required for the efficient and safe operation of the high-speed rail system. The CTO also serves as the Authority’s Chief Information Officer and is responsible for all IT systems, infrastructure, assets, projects, purchases, and contracts and has operational oversight of IT functions, IT personnel, and operations including rail technology, web application development; application and database management; geospatial and digital integration, security administration; telecommunications; project planning, consulting, and management; and help desk and customer service management. The incumbent has broad authority to make complex and critical technical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, implementation, and integration of operational technologies critical to high‑speed rail operations, including trackside, onboard, station, and geospatial systems.
• Oversee development and maintenance of enterprise IT and operational technology (OT) architectures that ensure interoperability, data integration, and system reliability.
• Drive innovation by developing strategic technology roadmaps that enhance efficiency, reduce costs and risks, and improve the overall passenger and user experience.
• Establish and govern standards for digital engineering, Common Data Environments, data sharing, and integrated technology platforms.
• Direct enterprise IT operations, including technology services, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide vision, leadership, and oversight of technology strategies, policies, and enterprise‑wide digital transformation initiatives.
• Manage the IT project portfolio, ensuring projects meet business objectives and are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Lead organizational planning for staffing, resource allocation, performance management, training, and professional development across technology teams.
• Represent the Authority with executive leadership, federal and state agencies, and external partners on technology matters, partnerships, and policy issues.
• Advise the CEO and executive team on technology strategy, risks, opportunities, and alignment with the Authority’s mission and long‑term goals.

Desirable Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of Business Technology Management, Client Services, Project Management, Software Engineering, System Engineering, Information Security, and Rail Technology.
• Experience leading a technology organization or multi-discipline technology teams
• Knowledge and experience in directing the execution and deployment of large IT projects, including resource, project, contract, and vendor management.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of IT strategic plans and policies, spanning multiple years.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships on behalf of the department with representatives at all levels of government, various organizations, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain staff with the requisite qualifications needed to deliver technology services.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate contract resource requirements and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to align new and existing technology with business requirements and needs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated focus on customer service; ability to identify solutions to complex issues.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, initiating, and implementing transition efforts for the continued optimization and automation of technology and tools that support enterprise goals.
• Experience with the state budget process and experience in representing a department before control agencies and legislative bodies in support of proposed projects and plan activities.
• Ability to prioritize and adjust plans and strategies to address evolving business needs.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.