Senior Pipeline and Light Rail Engineer - Engineer Senior

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 114,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety seeks a Senior Pipeline and Light Rail Engineer to support the Office of Pipeline Safety and the Office of State Safety Oversight. You will supervise engineers, coordinate inspection programs, and ensure compliance with pipeline and rail safety laws and regulations.

Responsibilities include training, investigations, performance measurement, and policy development to improve public safety. Travel up to 30% and leadership of technical teams are expected.

Qualifications

• Engineering experience with theoretical and practical aspects.
• Ability to evaluate conditions and communicate with diverse groups.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to obtain PTSCTP certificate from FTA and PHMSA TQ.
• Ability to work with diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
• Bachelor of Science degree and MN PE licensure.
• Must reside within Minnesota and 1 hour commute of St. Paul.
• Travel up to 30% as required.
• Participate in weekly On-Call rotation for after-hours emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate pipeline safety and rail regulations and supervise engineers.
• Provide training, inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities.
• Coordinate and analyze inspection program plans and performance measures.
• Develop policies to coordinate engineering activities and provide recommendations.
• Mentor engineers and protect Minnesota's infrastructure and communities.

Skills

Theoretical engineering

Practical engineering

Communication skills

PTSCTP certificate from FTA

PHMSA TQ

PE licensure (Minnesota)

Education

Bachelor of Science degree and PE licensure (MN)

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes


• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm


• Last Incumbent: Jonathan Sogard

Working Title: Senior Pipeline and Light Rail Engineer

Job Class: Engineer Senior

Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job ID: 95927


• Location: St. Paul


• Telework Eligible: Yes


• Full/Part Time: Full-Time


• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited


• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing [e-mail] by 11:59 PM 08/06/2026.


• Date Posted: 07/31/2026


• Closing Date: 08/20/2026


• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MGEC


• Division/Unit: Pipeline Safety / Pipeline Safety Response


• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm


• Days of Work: Monday - Friday


• Travel Required: Yes, up to 30%


• Salary Range: $39.06 - $57.47 / hourly; $81,557 - $119,997 / annually


• Classified Status: Classified


• Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers


• Last Incumbent: Jonathan Sogard


• Supervisor Name: Jonathan Sogard


• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional


• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

• Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division.

The Department of Public Safety are seeking a Senior Pipeline and Light Rail Engineer to support the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and Office of State Safety Oversight (OSSO) divisions. This position will evaluate compliance with pipeline safety and rail fixed guideway public transportation laws, statutes, and regulations by supervising, providing training to engineers, and/or performing inspections, investigations, evaluations, and enforcement, and other communications under Minnesota Statute 299A.017, 299f.56 - .641, 299J, and 216D pursuant to the certification process through United States Code, title 49, chapter 601 sections 60101 through 60140 and any successor or supplemental requirements and the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.

This position will respond to requests from governing agencies, public and private organizations, and individuals to provide education, positive stakeholder relations, and other issues concerning pipelines/light rail, often with little or no supervision from headquarters. Serves as a senior technical staff member to coordinate and analyze existing and new inspection program plans and activities, such as annual inspection program plan, performance measures, operator qualifications, and integrity management, or other assigned projects. Develops specific policies and procedures necessary to coordinate the engineering activities of professional engineers and technical support staff and provides recommendations to the principal Engineer, Chief Engineer, and the Director.

This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact by leading vital safety oversight, mentor engineers, and protect the State of Minnesota's infrastructure and communities.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Minimum Qualifications

Engineering Experience including:

• Knowledge of theoretical engineering and practical engineering experience.


• Ability to evaluate conditions and conversations with person and organizations with diverse agendas, experience, education and goals, and remain capable of representing the positions of MNOPS with guidance from supervisor as required.


• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.


• Ability to successfully obtain PTSCTP certificate from FTA and successful completion of PHMSA TQ.


• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Bachelor of Science degree and licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Minnesota.

• Ability to drive a State-issued vehicle in compliance with all applicable laws and requirements. Must reside within Minnesota and 1 hour commute of St. Paul office.


• Ability to travel overnight up to 30% as required to meet the needs of the division.


• Participate in a weekly On-Call rotation for receiving after-hours emergency notifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the design, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance of rail fixed guideway transportation systems or heavy rail subject to the regulatory provisions 49 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter II or Chapter VI.


• Experience with the design, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance of natural gas pipelines or hazardous liquid pipelines subject to the regulatory provisions of 49 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter I, Subchapter D Pipeline Safety.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

• Criminal history


• Reference check


• Driver's license check


• Drug screen


• SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

About Public Safety Dept

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work


• Connection with their coworkers and communities


• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave


• 12 paid holidays each year


• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans




• Fertility care, including IVF


• Diabetes care


• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children




• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children


• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)


• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death


• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury


• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care


• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development


• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance


• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues


• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the affirmativeActionDivision at [e-mail] or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.