Principal Engineer, Standards and Design

PURPOSE OF POSITION The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, the operator of the METROLINK Commuter Rail System, is seeking a Principal Engineer, Design and Standards, who will support the design and ensure compliance with SCRRA design criteria, standards, and specifications of all tracks, civil, and new stations or modified stations. Stations are typically designed, constructed, modified, and maintained by other entities besides SCRRA. WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT : Applications will be reviewed, and those most qualified will be forwarded to the hiring authority for consideration. The first review of applications begins November 20, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This classification is not part of a job series SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives general oversight from the director or executive-level roles May have responsibility 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. Manage Consultant Design Support Services Contract. Review and assure compliance with Railroad design requirements for all projects in the design phase and provide design support for Projects in the construction phase. Review all Request for Special Design Consideration and provide feedback to Project Managers and designers before the request is moved forward for further agency review. Perform and / or review engineering work, highly specialized design, research, and analysis. Manage key railroad documents, including track charts, composite maps, and as-built drawings. Develop and maintain Standard Plans and Standard Specifications and related manuals. Manage key railroad records files, including CPUC / FRA database and Grade Crossing assets Act as Project Manager for structure and culvert rehabilitation projects and manage consultants performing structure and culvert design and condition ratings. Assure compliance with FRA's Bridge Management Program and that SCRRA's structures and culverts assets are kept in a state of good repair. Oversee, coordinate, and approve Railroad High –Wide Heavy Load movements. Act as Railroad engineering subject matter expert with internal and external clients and sign off on related documentation. Develop railroad engineering standards, specifications, and processes : review internal and external design plans and specifications for compliance with Railroad requirements; inspect and review ongoing construction and maintenance work for compliance with Railroad requirements. Serve as task or project manager on various complex engineering and construction projects. Proactively manage scope, budget, schedule, functional quality, internal and external impacts, and ensure projects are designed and constructed safely with no or minimal impacts to railroad operations. Manage consultant contracts, contract task orders, schedule, cost, and scope. Coordinate the work of consultants for the Capital Program, including Capital Maintenance and new Capital Construction improvements. Coordinate with internal departments, provide technical reviews of the design work, manage task orders, monitor schedules for design, and compile and review project cost estimates. Coordinate preliminary planning for civil and railroad engineering projects, site visits, determining the scope of work, estimating engineering cost, estimating labor and materials, and providing information to the project engineer to assist in determining whether project design or construction can be done in-house or contracted outside. Manage the development of railroad engineering processes, standards and specifications, maintain these documents to keep current and relevant with industry best practices; review internal and external design plans and specifications for compliance with Railroad requirements. Direct small or short deadline project designs. Develop strong, supportive, communicative, and cooperative relationships with Project Owners and design teams to ensure the successful delivery of Third-Party projects while upholding Metrolink requirements and obligations. Develop Design Service Agreements and other funding agreements with project stakeholders. Work with outside agencies to ensure real estate leases, licenses, easements, and construction agreements after reviewing and giving project approval. Represent the Authority at public and joint department meetings and make presentations to groups, including the Board of Directors. Provide engineering support for SCRRA maintenance and rehabilitation projects and activities. Develop a team environment among division personnel, other SCRRA departments, and contractors. Plan, manage, and direct the work of staff and consultants; effectively supervising, coaching, and training The responsibilities outlined above are representative of the role but not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and reasonable accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. 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 of (3) three years of 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 of 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 of five (5) years of experience as a designer / engineer of civil, transportation, and preferably railroad or transit facilities. A combination of training, education, and 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 the required experience. Pass Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) and Railroad General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) within one year of employment California Professional Engineers License (Civil), or the ability to obtain the license within 12 months, is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : FRA’s Bridge Management Program requirements Public sector and SCRRA Principles and practices of civil engineering including design, construction, and maintenance require-ments in an active railroad environment. Modern techniques, methods, procedures, and practices of project management & design, and construction management. Methods and techniques of conducting engineering analysis and 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 making and problem-solving skills. Microsoft Office Ability to : Working independently, effectively managing multiple concurrent engineering tasks or projects both in the office and in the field, and critically analyzing information are essential to success. Work independently, manage multiple concurrent engineering tasks or project both in the office and in the field effectively and critically analyze information are essential to success Foster a teamwork environment. Support and guide others, offer the benefit of experience and lessons learnt. Flexibility and willingness to assist other teams in the Department as needs arise. 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 design disputes between stakeholders, 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 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 the use of available resources. Represent SCRRA and make presentations to the Board of Directors, executives an,d to 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 The 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 hostile or irate individuals, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.).Selection Process : Following a review of resumes and / or applications, 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, 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 SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO / ADA