Principal Engineer, Major Projects

PURPOSE OF POSITION The primary purpose of the position is to support the annual State of Good Repair (SGR) program at Metrolink, which includes the preliminary project planning phases, through design and construction of funded projects. This may also include the support of grants funded outside of the annual budget process or support new capital projects where a major component of the project incorporates SGR improvements. The SGR Program at Metrolink represents some of the highest priority and safety critical projects in the agency. TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This job description is not part of a job series. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives general oversight from director or executive level roles.Responsible for supervising and monitoring performance for a group of employees. The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Provide oversight for SCRRA's inspections, condition ratings, state of good repair, asset management system rehabilitation programming, under the direction of the Director, State of Good Repair.Serve as the project manager and subject matter expert for major State of Good Repair projects, and other major projects, as assigned.Act as Metrolink’s FRA 237 Bridge Engineer, which includes, but not limited to, provide oversight of the QC/QA program for structures in conjunction with the bridge, culvert, and tunnel inspection program; report findings to Bridge Management Program stakeholders; provide oversight and coordination for the auditing of bridge inspection reports, as required.Review and approve load rating reports provided by designated Railroad Bridge Engineers.Participate in the review and coordination of Railroad High - Wide Heavy Load movements.Manage SCRRA's Project Management (PM), Construction Management (CM) consultant contracts, job order contracts, construction contracts, or other necessary contracts for assigned projects.Oversee the delivery of SCRRA state of good repair projects. Coordinate SGR project design with the Principal Engineer of Design and Construction.Ensure internal and external projects are managed according to requirements and expectations for scope, schedule, budget, functional quality, and safety and meet stakeholder expectations.Proactively manage scope, budget, schedule, functional quality, internal and external impacts and assure projects are designed and constructed safely with no or minimal impacts to railroad operations.Perform and/or review engineering work, highly specialized design, research, and analysis.Provide support and guidance for the establishment of asset management tools and reports: the Trapeze EAM system, RAMS Database, the Metrolink Rehabilitation Plan, and other condition measuring tools or programs.Assist the Director, State of Good Repair, in the establishment of the annual capital budgets, including inputting project details, verifying field data, and preparing reports or presentations on the annual program. This includes, but not limited to, determining the scope of work, estimating engineering cost, estimating labor and materials, providing information to the project engineer to assist in determining whether project design or construction can be done in-house or contracted through public bidding. Manage consultant contracts, contract task orders, schedule, cost, and scope.Provide oversight for the work of consultants and contractors.Coordinate with internal departments, provide technical review of the design work, manage task orders, and monitor schedules for design, and compile and review project cost estimates.Evaluate progress of project(s) to determine if time schedules will be met and submit reports to the executives.Direct small or short deadline project designs related to the SGR program.Represent the Authority at public and joint department meetings; make presentations to groups including the Board of Directors.Provide coordination and support for SCRRA maintenance department and participate in prioritization meetings to effectively spend SGR funding in the proper locations.Plan, manage and direct the work of staff and consultants; effectively supervising, coaching, and training.Perform other related duties as assigned. Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a closely related field. A minimum of 8 years of total experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 6 years of experience with a Master’s degree, which includes the following:A minimum three (3) years' design or construction experience with a Commuter/Passenger or Class 1 Freight Railroad or as a consultant or contractor working on long term assignments involving Commuter/Passenger or Class 1 Freight Railroad Projects. A minimum six (6) years of relevant and progressively increasing experience in the area of construction, or engineering. Experience must include at least two (2) years of contract management of engineering or construction projects and two years of experience managing the work of staff or consultants.A minimum five (5) years of experience in managing railroad or transit construction projects including three years of experience managing railroad projects on dense traffic "active" railroad corridors.Years of experience can be counted concurrently. A combination of training, education and or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.California Professional Engineers License (Civil), or ability to obtain the license within 12 months is required. Must pass tests for Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) and Railroad General Code of Operating Rules (GCQR) within one year of employment.Valid Class “C” California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than two (2) moving violations and no DUI’s within the last 3 years. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: FRA’s Bridge Management Program requirements (preferred).Public sector and SCRRA.Principles and practices of civil engineering including design, construction, and maintenance requirements in an active railroad environment.Modern techniques, methods, procedures, and practices of project management & construction management.Methods and techniques of conducting engineering inspections and condition assessments for Railroad Infrastructure.Methods and techniques of engineering plan review and approval.Principles of supervision.Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Skilled in: Excellent, communication, interpersonal, decision making and problem-solving skills.Use of MS office. Ability to: Work independently, manage multiple concurrent engineering tasks or projects both in the office and in the field effectively and critically analyze information are essential to success.Foster a teamwork environment.Work nights and/or weekends, as necessary, for railroad construction projects.Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of professional engineering staff.Perform complex civil engineering duties including design work and the preparation of specifications and drawings.Read and interpret various engineering designs, plans, and specifications.Ensure project conformance with Metrolink Engineering Standards.Resolve construction disputes between consultants, contractors, and the public.Negotiate, prepare, and manage contracts.Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Supervise, plan, review and evaluate Metrolink projects, and prioritize projects for funding.Prepare written technical reports, estimates and construction and cost records.Read for comprehension and to present clear and concise reports, verbally and in writing.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, employees, consultants, contractors, and the public.Analyze complex and diverse issues and prioritize multiple tasks and competing demands to optimize use of available resources.Represent SCRRA and make presentations to the Board of Directors, executives and to the public. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations.Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery.Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs.Exchange ideas by means of communication.Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks. Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks.Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations. WORKING CONDITIONS Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.). Selection Process: Following a review of applications and resumes, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check(s), including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA