Deputy Director, Rail Systems Engineering

Salary : $173,990.00 - $243,585.00 Annually
Location : Millbrae, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00025
Division: Rail
Department: Railroad Systems Engineering
Opening Date: 02/13/2026


General


The Deputy Director, Railroad Systems Engineering will report to the Director of Engineering, and will be responsible for railroad systems engineering and civil/systems integration for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Responsible for all railroad systems engineering and the integration of operational systems including but not limited to communications (date and voice), Rail network, Positive Train Control (PTC), signaling, grade crossings, overhead contact system (OCS), 25kv traction power, Train control, SCADA, Electric Multiple Units (EMU) vehicles, CCTV, Public Address (PA), and Visual Message Signs (VMS).
• Responsible for managing all aspects of the Caltrain PTC system including back office/wayside/onboard communications systems.
• Responsible for the continued development, operation, and maintenance of all Caltrain operational systems including SOGR/preventative maintenance including the oversite of contractors responsible for system maintenance.
• Responsible for providing systems support for the Caltrain modernization including signals, grade crossings, traction power, communications, and vehicle systems; and for integrating these systems with Caltrain.
• Responsible for managing Operational systems' product vendor services contracts and vendor performance.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards for all railroad systems elements.
• Liaison with Rail Operations and Maintenance on the development of railroad systems as appropriate to ensure Caltrain service/safety and customer experience goals.
• Responsible for all Operational systems maintenance engineering to ensure daily electrified service
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Assist the Director, Engineering by directing and coordinating the Railroad Systems Engineering work program.
• Manage and oversee the design of railroad systems including design document preparation.
• Coordinate with the civil and structural design efforts, architectural design efforts, IT initiatives, contracts, construction management, operations, and safety and security.
• Provide technical analyses and recommendations regarding design, construction, and operational issues.
• Manage systems service contracts and vendor performance
• Responsible for operational systems improvements, updates and upgrades.
• Manage oversight of work effort to ensure control of projects scope, schedule, and budget.
• Responsible for configuration management of all Operational systems
• Develop and manage Department budget (Operating and capital).
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of program service delivery methods and procedures; and recommend service and staffing levels.
• Report to Rail Division senior management on systems programs.
• Advise staff and management on quality concerns and solutions.
• Work with CalMod to ensure effective transition of the programs from implementation to operations and maintenance from Railroad Systems.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, or a closely related field.
• Six years full-time increasingly responsible management experience in the area of civil or rail engineering, construction management, and/or public works project management.
• Three years full-time direct supervision of engineering staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be familiar with railroad systems requirements including all rules and regulations.
• Must have experience with systems projects carried out on the right-of-way of an operating railroad.
• Registered Professional Engineer in the state of California highly desirable.
• Possession of a valid California drivers' license with a safe driving record preferred

Additional Information

• To obtain more information or to submit a resume and cover letter, please contact Gregg Moser, Principal at K&A, at View email address on click.appcast.io
• Complete an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Position to remain open until filled. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the application and supplemental questionnaire (If required). Incomplete application will not be considered.
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
• Caltrain celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.
How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:


Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County's professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.