Senior Systems Engineer

Salary : $170,830.14 - $207,624.56 Annually
Location : San Jose, CA 95134-1927, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-CC-20153
Division: Maintenance
Department: LR Maint Admin
Opening Date: 03/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Job Description
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency (VTA) is seeking a collaborative, solutions-oriented engineer with strong experience in rail transit systems and a passion for improving system performance for the position of Senior Systems Engineer.

The Senior Systems Engineer plays a key role in advancing the safety, reliability, and performance of the Light Rail System. Based at the Light Rail Maintenance Yard, this position provides high-level engineering support across rail system assets and helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while driving continuous system improvement.

This role leads and supports a wide range of engineering projects, including component and material replacement, maintenance service improvements, and construction-related upgrades. The Senior Systems Engineer uses system data and field insights to monitor asset health, identify improvement opportunities, solve complex technical issues, and recommend solutions ranging from part changes to fleet-wide enhancements.

The position works closely with maintenance teams, contractors, consultants, and other engineering disciplines, requiring strong technical judgment, project management capability, and the ability to deliver practical, effective solutions in a dynamic operating environment.

Light Rail Vehicle Maintenance
Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Maintenance is located at the Guadalupe Light Rail Division. LRV Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of light rail vehicles and service equipment.

After a light rail vehicle returns from revenue service at the end of each day, Maintenance performs an interior inspection/walk-through of the vehicle, analyzes the Operator Defect Card, performs a visual inspection of the vehicle undercarriage, performs exterior and interior cleaning, cleans and repairs windows and seating, and removes and repairs graffiti and vandalism.

Regular preventive maintenance is performed at prescheduled cycles every 10,000, 30,000, 60,000, and 120,000 miles to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, safety and reliability. Running Repair/Corrective Maintenance repairs items identified by Operators during the daily operation of an LRV. The normal service life of VTA's light rail vehicle fleet is about 30 years and the major vehicle components are overhauled in a 3-phase program to achieve this lifespan. After 120,000 miles, contacts and the air system, including brake boxes and subcomponents, are overhauled. After 240,000 miles, major components including the motor alternator, gear box, traction motor, pantographs, coupler assembly, trucks, sub-assemblies, and axle bearing assemblies are overhauled. The air conditioning system, car body paint and furnishings, major electronic components, roof resistors and PC boards are overhauled every 7 to 10 years as needed.

What You'll Be Doing:
Under direction, the Senior Systems Engineer plans, organizes, and directs varied and difficult electrified rail engineering work performed by staff and consultants, and provides technical assistance in systems engineering to rail operating managers.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, solutions-oriented engineer with strong experience in rail transit systems and a passion for improving system performance. They bring a solid foundation in engineering design, troubleshooting, and project delivery, and are comfortable working in a public agency or other highly regulated environment.

The strongest candidates will have deep expertise in either rail vehicles or electrified rail infrastructure, including traction power, overhead catenary systems, and related components. They will also have strong knowledge of maintenance practices, data analysis, and reliability improvement methods.

This person is an effective communicator and project leader who can manage multiple priorities, work across disciplines, and build productive relationships with operations staff, contractors, and regulatory stakeholders.

About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.


Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's , VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our , we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.


For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit:


Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Selects, trains, supervises, and assigns work to professional and technical engineering staff;
• Oversees the work of staff, consultants, and contractors;
• Provides expertise for systems integration of vehicles, track, overhead electrification, traction power, signals, communications equipment, and fare vending machines;
• Evaluates systems, equipment, and operations for safety, cost effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability;
• Develops and reviews specifications and prepares budget estimates for vehicles, systems, and components;
• Develops and designs changes to upgrade systems and equipment;
• Monitors performance of critical components and systems and provides data on failure trends;
• Participates in accident investigation to determine cause and damage to systems and recommends corrective action;
• Develops or assists in developing programs and procedures for quality assurance, testing, major overhaul and rebuild, or systems and equipment;
• Ensures coordination of construction work by others within or near the right-of-way with the operations of the rail system;
• Establishes and maintains control of equipment and technical documents;
• Maintains contacts with other agencies, suppliers, and consultants;
• Prepares and presents oral and written reports;
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and professional engineering experience on electrified rail systems which demonstrates the ability to perform the above tasks and possession of the following knowledge and abilities.

Registration as a professional electrical or mechanical engineer in the State of California, at the time of appointment.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Design and construction of electrified rail systems and components;
• Principles of supervision and training;
• Systems and component testing;
• Principles of quality assurance and quality control;
• Investigative techniques;
• Operations and maintenance of rail transit vehicles and equipment;
• Federal, State and local safety and other legal requirements;
• Maintenance requirements and practices of rail vehicles, wayside equipment and systems;
• Specialized tools and equipment used in the maintenance of rail systems and equipment.

Ability to:

• Supervise systems engineering functions;
• Evaluate and monitor work and performance of others;
• Analyze engineering problems and work out effective solutions;
• Make accurate engineering computations;
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Write accurate and concise engineering reports, analyses, specifications, and procedures;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those encountered in the course of work.

General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at View phone number on click.appcast.io, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects Association (TAEA). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:
Oral Panel: TBD

Conditions of Employment Final candidates must successfully complete a Live scan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List
The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.


Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email at least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.
VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here:


As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):

• Classic Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.
• New Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.

All Classic AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary.
01


I acknowledge that I have accurately entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position. Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified any aspect of the application, including but not limited to: their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA. I have read this information and am aware of the importance of accurately entering in all Work Experience and Education on the employment application.

• Yes
• No

02


This position requires registration as a Professional Electrical of Mechanical Engineer in the State of California at the time of appointment. Please indicate your licensure status:

• I currently hold an active California PE license in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
• I have passed the California PE examination in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and am awaiting issuance of the license
• I do not meet this requirement

03


If you currently hold an active California PE License in Electrical or Mechanical, please list your license number and expiration date. If you have passed the California PE Examination and are waiting for your license number, indicate "N/A" and answer the next question.
04


If you have passed the California PE examination but have not yet received your license number, please provide:
1) Date the PE examination was passed; 2) Date application for licensure was submitted to the California Board; 3) Current status of your licensure application; and 4) Anticipated date of license issuance.
If you currently hold an active California PE License, indicate "N/A".
05


Describe a time you used maintenance, reliability, or performance data to assess the health of a rail system (or similar complex system). In your response, explain:1) What data sources you used (e.g., failures, work orders, delays, inspections, condition monitoring, trending); 2) How you determined whether the issue was isolated or systemic; 3) What analysis method(s) you used; 4) What recommendations you provided to management; and 5) What actions were taken and what results were achieved.
06


Provide an example of a complex technical problem involving a rail vehicle or rail infrastructure system (such as traction power, OCS, propulsion, controls, or related systems) that you helped resolve. In your response, please describe: 1) The symptoms and operational impact; 2) Your troubleshooting and root-cause process; 3) How you coordinated with maintenance, operations, vendors, or contractors; 4) The corrective action implemented; and5) How you validated the solution and prevented recurrence.
07


Describe a project you managed that involved system modification, component replacement, upgrade implementation, or construction/interface work in an active operating environment. In your response, please include:1) Project scope, schedule, and budget responsibilities; 2) Key risks (safety, service impacts, materials, vendors, regulatory/compliance, outage co-ordination); 3) How you managed stakeholders and competing priorities; 4) How you handled scope changes or unexpected issues; and5) Final outcome (schedule, cost, performance, lessons learned).
Required Question