Project Engineer

at  San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

Maintaining efficiency and economy in operations management requires flexibility in job assignments. While each employee shall have a primary responsibility for the job that employee has been hired for or later promoted to, each employee may be expected to perform other jobs from time to time.

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Senior Project Manager, the Project Engineer manages all aspects of MTS Capital Projects from inception to completion. The Project Engineer is responsible for writing technical specifications, managing project implementation with respect to construction, inspection, testing, acceptance, project close-out and all associated documentation, as well as coordination with maintenance, operations and procurement departments. The Project Engineer also provides necessary field oversight to third-party managed construction projects related to the MTS system and manages designs carried out by General Engineering Consultants. Additionally, the Project Engineer performs field engineer functions for smaller construction projects and manages Job Order Contract (JOC) activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to develop clear, complete and accurate engineering specifications, drawings and estimates within established timelines.
• Skill in identifying and discussing project problems, analyzing situations, recommending solutions and evaluating outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, within the organization and with outside agency representatives at all skill levels, position levels and backgrounds.
• Ability to interpret, review and approve design submittals, including drawings, descriptions and schematics.
• Skill in field and site inspections for problem investigation and contract compliance.
• Ability to solve complex technical problems with innovative solutions.
• Knowledge of and ability to understand light rail transit systems, facilities and operations.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, systems engineering related to traction power, wayside signaling, overhead catenary systems, communication system, closed-circuit television system, lighting, and facilities.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, theory and practices relating to design, specifications, writing and estimating.
• Knowledge of construction materials, methods and practices.
• Knowledge of national electric codes, as applied to power distribution.
• Knowledge of standards outlined in OSHA, FRA, Caltrans, CPUC, AREMA and ANSI/ASME.
• Knowledge of construction and inspection practices, procedures and techniques, including utility installation.
• Knowledge of public works construction.
• Skill in developing detailed scopes of work for projects with respect to the design-bid-build process.
• Knowledge of surveyor design principles and applications.
• Ability to use scheduling software such as Microsoft Project.
• Ability to use estimating software such as Onscreen and/or BlueBeam.
• Ability to use database software such as SAP or Prolog.

Physical Requirements
The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed in an office environment as well as in the field. May require travel to other agencies and/or systems.
Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)
Possess a bachelor’s degree in civil, electrical, or a related engineering field from an accredited college or university. Requires a minimum of 2-7 years of increasingly responsible experience, preferably as a Systems Engineer in the rail transit field (signals, traction power, catenary, and communications), heavy civil construction, and/or project management. Valid professional engineering license or engineer-in-training certification from the State of California is desired. Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential Functions

• Assists maintenance and operations departments in planning for future capital projects and participates in the annual MTS Capital Improvement Program project development process.
• Develops project independent cost estimates and schedules.
• Prepares technical specifications for capital projects in coordination with originating department.
• Assists Procurement Department in the packaging and solicitation of bids.
• Provides resident engineering and inspection services for MTS capital projects identifying and resolving issues by ensuring compliance with plans, specification, and standards for quality control and quality assurance.
• Maintains control of all project contract administration documentation including project RFIs, submittals, change orders, and schedules.
• Performs project acceptance with contractors and stakeholders.
• Completes project close-out.
• Manages design work orders with A/E and CM Consultants.
• Creates and manages JOC work orders.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

• Participates in SANDAG-managed design reviews of MTS projects.
• When requested, assists maintenance and operations departments with urgent remediation of unexpected technical problems.
• Interfaces with SANDAG and other agencies on technical issues related to MTS operations and infrastructure.
• Writes reports, board agenda items, and presentations as needed.
• Reviews and provides timely input to engineering design criteria revisions.
• Reviews and provides timely input and comments on plans, specifications, and estimates provided by architectural and engineering consultants,
• Evaluates new technology and products that improve the efficiency of MTS operations.
• Assists in start-up activities of new line segments by SANDAG, their contractors and construction management teams.
• Assists in procurement of new Light Rail Vehicles.
• Performs other duties as assigned.