Systems Engineer II

Salary : $79,771.19 - $124,125.30 Annually
Location : 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY2027-00029
Department: Rail Right of Way & IT Division
Division: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Closing Date: 11/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description

DEFINITION
Under limited direction, the Systems Engineer II plans, engineers, implements, and sustains mission-critical technology systems supporting District operations. The classification provides senior-level technical leadership, handles complex escalations, leads projects, coordinates vendors, and mentors Systems Engineer I staff. This single classification accommodates two primary specialty tracks while preserving one title/grade:

• Track A - Network/Infrastructure (traditional IT): Enterprise platforms (servers, Hyper-V virtualization, storage, networking, identity, M365), endpoint management, cybersecurity and DR/BCP, end-user compute strategy, and AI-enabled automation.
• Track B - Transit Systems / Train Control (operational systems): Wayside/central/vehicle systems integration (e.g., PTC, signal & train control interfaces, SCADA/telemetry, CAD/AVL, real-time information, fare systems, station devices), operational networks, and safety/availability engineering.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This advanced position is distinguished by its technical leadership role, independent decision-making authority, and responsibility for complex system implementations. The role requires extensive experience with enterprise-level technologies and the ability to design solutions that meet organizational objectives.

The Systems Engineer II serves as a subject matter expert and mentor, providing technical guidance to junior staff while managing high-priority projects and vendor relationships.
Supervision Received and Exercised
The Systems Engineer II reports to the Program Network Operations Manager for Track A and either Train Control Systems Manager or Transit Systems Manager for Tack B. The System Engineer II exercises functional supervision over Systems Engineer I positions. This role provides technical leadership and mentoring while maintaining accountability for project deliverables and system performance.
Working Conditions
Normal working conditions include office and field environments with regular travel between district facilities. Evening and weekend work is regularly required for system maintenance, upgrades, and emergency response. On-call availability for critical system issues is expected.

Examples of Duties
Essential Functions

Essential Functions Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Essential Functions (Core for All SE II)

• Lead end-to-end engineering for assigned systems: requirements, design, build, test, deploy, operate, and continual improvement.
• Own complex escalations and root-cause analysis; develop runbooks, standards, and diagrams.
• Plan and execute lifecycle/refresh, patching, vulnerability remediation, backups, and disaster recovery tests.
• Manage vendors/SOWs; evaluate technologies; develop budget and replacement recommendations.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation and DR/continuity procedures.
• Mentor Systems Engineer I; provide cross-functional coordination with Operations, Maintenance, Facilities, IT, and external partners.

Specialty Duties by Track

Track A - Network/Infrastructure

• Engineer and administer Windows Server environments; Active Directory (domains, sites, GPOs, trusts) and Entra ID, including hybrid identity synchronization; identity & access hardening, including conditional access and multi-factor authentication.
• Design/operate virtualization (Hyper-V and/or VMware vSphere), including host configuration and virtual machine provisioning, resource allocation, checkpoints, and lifecycle management, and enterprise storage (SAN/NAS); performance and capacity planning.
• Lead Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, security/compliance) and endpoint management strategy; guide VDI-to-physical (or hybrid) transitions where applicable.
• Own the District's endpoint management platform (e.g., Microsoft Intune), including device enrollment, configuration profiles, application deployment, compliance policies, and automated provisioning; remediate endpoint issues at scale.
• Engineer LAN/WAN switching/routing, segmentation/VLANs, network security controls, and monitoring/telemetry.
• Configure and maintain switches, wireless access points, and routers; serve as secondary network resource to the Program Network Operations Manager, providing coverage during absences, after-hours events, and major incidents.
• Design and maintain the controls that tie devices, identity, and the network together, including device compliance, certificate-based authentication, 802.1X, and network access control; resolve cross-domain issues end to end.
• Implement enterprise backup/DR solutions with routine testing and audit-ready documentation.
• Coordinate endpoint protection, patch orchestration, and vulnerability management.
• Use District-approved AI tools to accelerate scripting, troubleshooting, documentation, and analysis, validating all AI-assisted output before production use; develop PowerShell and other automation that reduces repetitive manual work; contribute to departmental standards for responsible AI use.

Track B - Transit Systems / Train Control Systems

• Integrate and sustain operational technology (OT) used for transit operations: PTC ecosystems, signal/train-control interfaces, wayside devices, interlockings, SCADA/telemetry, CAD/AVL, real-time passenger info, fare collection (TVMs/validators), station assets (PA, digital signage, CCTV), and operational databases.
• Engineer and support operational networks (wired/wireless, field radios, resilient backhaul, segmented OT networks) with high availability and deterministic performance appropriate to safety-critical systems.
• Implement systems monitoring and alarming aligned to operational control centers; establish failover/rollback and hot/warm standby strategies.
• Coordinate with Rail Operations/Maintenance for cutovers, test plans, field commissioning, configuration management, and post-incident reviews.
• Maintain configuration baselines, application/configuration files, and documentation for regulated systems; support audits and incident investigations.

Qualifications
Experience/Education

Education

• Preferred bachelor's in information technology, Computer Science, Electrical/Computer/Systems Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience (overall)

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible systems engineering experience aligned to the declared specialty focus, including project leadership and complex operations support.

Technical Competencies

• Strong scripting/automation (e.g., PowerShell or equivalent).
• Backup/DR design and execution; monitoring/observability; documentation discipline.
• Network fundamentals (IP, routing, switching, VLANs, QoS, ACLs), security best practices, and change management.

Preferred/Desirable by Track

Track A:

• Advanced Microsoft certifications (e.g., Endpoint Administrator Associate, Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, or Azure Administrator Associate), VMware VCP, enterprise storage/network certifications.
• Experience with identity governance and endpoint management at scale.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA); CompTIA Security+ or equivalent.
• Experience with Hyper-V failover clustering, 802.1X/network access control, or certificate services.
• Experience building automation or workflows with AI tools in an enterprise setting.

Track B:

• Prior work with PTC/signal interfaces, SCADA or telemetry, CAD/AVL, fare systems, and station systems.
• Experience on railroad/transit OT networks and control-center integrations.

Knowledge

• Enterprise/Operational Technology systems architecture; high-availability patterns; security and compliance practices; vendor/scope of work management; ITIL-aligned service management.

Certificates/Licenses

• Possess and maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36 month period and no DUI's in the preceding 7 year period.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

General Requirements

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple complex priorities
• Physical ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds and work in various environmental conditions including railway right-of-way areas

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to use computers and communication devices for extended periods, manual dexterity for technical tasks, and lifting of equipment up to 50 pounds. Ability to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. Ability to travel between district locations and work in various environmental conditions including outdoor railway environments. May be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and chemicals. Ability to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand for extended periods.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Advanced proficiency with enterprise server and networking equipment
• Expert-level operation of Microsoft Office Suite and administrative tools
• Ability to operate specialized IT diagnostic and testing equipment
• Proficiency with enterprise backup and monitoring systems
• Ability to carry and operate mobile on-call devices

Application Information
All applicants must complete and submit an online application at


A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.


NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's
Retirement : NCTD participates in the CalPERS retirement program with a benefit formula of 1.5% @ 65 for PEPRA new members. Benefits are calculated based on your age at retirement, the number of years of service credit with CalPERS and the average of your monthly compensation over the past 36 months (36 months average highest hourly pay rate).


457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan : NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:

• Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
• Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)

Medical Insurance : NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre-tax basis.


Dental Insurance : NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
Vision Insurance: NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).


The benefits include:

• $10.00 co-pay for Annual Exam
• No charge for standard lenses every 12 months
• $125 retail allowance for frames every 2 years; OR $125 toward the contact lens.

Life Insurance : NCTD cares for its employees, and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. * Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post-tax basis.
Long Term Disability Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post-tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).
Flexible Spending Account Plan: NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are "Use It OR Lose It" calendar year plans (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a "use it or lose it" policy. Plans are as follows:

• Health Care Spending Account:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Dependent Care Spending Account :
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
• Commuter Transit Accounts:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS

Disability Insurance : Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7-day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee's salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).
Accident Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post-tax.
Critical Illness Insurance: NTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of coverage amount. Deductions are post-tax.
Administrative Holidays : NCTD recognizes 10 paid holidays per year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
PTO (Paid Time Off): All NCTD Regular, Probationary, and Limited-Term employees shall receive Paid Time Off (PTO). PTO shall be taken at reasonable times approved by the employee's supervisor.

PTO shall be earned equally in each pay period during the year in accordance with the following schedule, based on the number of years of NCTD service completed:

• Tier 1: 0.00-1.99 Years of Service-120 Hours Per Year
• Tier 2: 2.00-4.99 Years of Service-184Hours Per Year
• Tier 3: 5.00-7.99 Years of Service-240Hours Per Year
• Tier 4: 8.00-19.99 Years of Service-272Hours Per Year
• Tier 5: 20.00 Years of Service-280Hours Per Year

Transportation Passes: All NCTD employees receive an identification "PRONTO Card" which can be used to ride the following NCTD/MTS transit services (BREEZE, FLEX, SPRINTER, COASTER, MTS Bus, Trolley) at no charge. Eligible family members also receive a pass for NCTD public transportation at no charge (paratransit excluded).

Bereavement Leave: NCTD offers paid bereavement leave.


Employee Assistance Plan: The EAP offers assistance in areas such as:

• Emotional Support
• Work/Life Balance
• Family Care
  Please contact Human Resources should you have any questions regarding NCTD Benefits.

01


1. How many years of hands-on experience do you have administering Active Directory in an enterprise environment?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

02


2. How many years of experience do you have managing enterprise endpoints using a platform such as Microsoft Intune, SCCM/MECM, or a comparable tool?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

03


3. How many years of experience do you have administering Windows Server and Hyper-V virtual machines?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

04


4. Which of the following have you personally configured or managed? Select all that apply.

• Entra ID
• Conditional access policies
• Group Policy
• Hyper-V hosts and VMs
• Network switches
• Wireless access points
• VLANs
• 802.1X or network access control
• Certificate services
• Backup and recovery systems
• None of the above

05


5. How would you rate your PowerShell scripting ability?

• No experience
• Can run and modify existing scripts
• Can write scripts to automate routine tasks
• Can build and maintain complex automation

06


6. Do you currently hold any of the following certifications? Select all that apply.

• CCNA
• CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft Endpoint Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• Other relevant certification
• None

07


7. Have you worked in a 24/7 operational environment such as transit, rail, utilities, healthcare, or public safety? (Please answer yes or no - If yes, briefly describe)
08


8. This position requires travel between NCTD facilities, including rail and bus yards. Do you have a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

09


9. This position requires periodic after-hours, weekend, and on-call work. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

10


10. Describe a problem you troubleshot that involved more than one area, such as a device that couldn't authenticate, lost its policies, or couldn't reach network resources. How did you find the root cause, and what did you do to keep it from happening again? (250 words or less)
11


11. Describe a repetitive task you automated. What was the task, what tools or scripts did you use, and what was the result? (250 words or less)
12


12. How do you currently use AI tools such as Copilot, ChatGPT, or Claude in your technical work? How do you check that what they produce is accurate before you rely on it? (250 words or less)
13


13. Describe a time you documented a system or process so someone else could support it without you. What did you include, and why? (250 words or less)
Required Question