AVP Chief Engineer

DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit); Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 122,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas Area Rapid Transit seeks an AVP – Chief Engineer to lead engineering, design, construction, and MOW maintenance across DART systems. You will manage staff, consultants, and contracts while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and project delivery across rail and related corridors.

The role requires overseeing high‑value programs, coordinating with federal and state agencies, and aligning engineering efforts with agency goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Structural, Civil Engineering or related field.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred for this position.
• Experience leading major engineering and construction projects across multiple transportation modes.
• Knowledge of AREMA, FRA, FTA regulations and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive leadership over engineering, design, construction, and maintenance for DART Light Rail, TRE, and other corridors.
• Oversees high‑value infrastructure programs and contracts including MOW disciplines.
• Develops and implements engineering standards and procedures with regulatory alignment.
• Directs contractors, consultants, and internal staff involved in inspections, design, construction, and upgrades.
• Serves as engineering liaison with internal departments, agencies, and freight railroads.
• Leads a team to review third‑party projects for design compliance and coordination with DART infrastructure.
• Develops and manages operating and capital budgets with cost estimates and schedules.
• Leads emergency response coordination related to infrastructure incidents.
• Prepares reports to executive leadership and the Board on project status and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Mentoring staff

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor of Science in Structural/Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) preferred

Job description

Pay Range:

$122,308.00 - $201,808.00

Supervisory Organization:

VP Capital Programs

Country:

United States of America

Address:

1401 PACIFIC AVE

City:

DALLAS, TX 75202

FLSA:

Exempt

Professionals:

01 - Official Administrator (EEO-4-United States of America), 1A - Officials and Executives (EEO-SubCategory)

General Summary:

The AVP - Chief Engineer provides strategic leadership and oversight of DART’s major capital projects and maintenance of way (MOW) operations across the DART Light Rail, Trinity Railway Express (TRE), and other DART-owned corridors. This executive-level role manages internal staff, consultants, contractors, and third parties involved in design, construction, inspection, and maintenance activities, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and engineering excellence across multiple transportation modes and systems.

This position oversees complex, high-value contracts and infrastructure programs, and serves as a key liaison with federal, state, and local agencies, freight railroads, and other stakeholders. The AVP - Chief Engineer is responsible for aligning engineering and construction efforts with agency goals, managing resources, and delivering high-profile infrastructure programs under public and political scrutiny.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides executive leadership over engineering, design, construction, and maintenance activities for DART Light Rail, TRE, and other DART-owned corridors, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees complex, high-value infrastructure programs and contracts, including capital projects and maintenance of way (MOW) disciplines such as track, bridges, facilities, and signals.
• Develops and implements engineering standards and procedures in alignment with AREMA, FRA, FTA, and other applicable regulations.
• Directs the activities of contractors, consultants, and internal staff involved in inspections, preventative maintenance, design, construction, and system upgrades.
• Serves as the primary engineering liaison with internal departments, Trinity Metro, federal and state agencies, municipalities, third parties, and freight railroads.
• Leads a team of internal staff and consultants to review complex third-party projects for design compliance and coordination with DART infrastructure, ensuring protection of agency assets and adherence to standards.
• Develops and manages operating and capital budgets, including cost estimates, schedule planning, and variance reporting.
• Leads emergency response coordination related to infrastructure incidents, including collaboration with operations and maintenance contractors.
• Provides technical analysis and support for capital programs across departments and ensures alignment with agency goals.
• Oversees procurement activities including contract development, evaluation, negotiation, and performance monitoring.
• Supervises and develops engineering staff; provides coaching, performance feedback, and personnel recommendations.
• Prepares and presents reports to executive leadership, the Board, and external stakeholders on project status, performance, and resource allocation.
• Participates in on-call duty assignments as needed, including occasional weekend coverage, to support operational and emergency response requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Structural, Civil Engineering or related field.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, construction, and maintenance of way (MOW) activities, including track, bridges, facilities, and signals. Experience must include oversight of complex infrastructure projects and supervision of staff, consultants, or contractors. Experience should also include major engineering and construction project management across various transportation modes, stakeholders, and regulatory/jurisdictional authorities. Must include experience directing professional staff and/or consultants involved in engineering and/or construction. Experience with multiple project delivery methods - such as Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor, and Progressive Design-Build is preferred.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred for this position to apply prudent engineering principles and standards within management portfolio.
• Working knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
• Understanding of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) safety and design standards.
• Must be able to traverse diverse terrain typical of active rail corridors and construction sites.
• Must maintain current roadway worker protection status.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations and participate in on-call assignments as needed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator with the ability to write clearly and present complex information to varied audiences.
• Proven ability to lead teams, foster collaboration, and build morale.
• Skilled in resource management, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Ability to negotiate and resolve disputes equitably.
• Quick learner with the ability to adapt to new technical and industry developments.
• Ability to accurately scope out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets objectives and goals, breaks down work into process steps, develops schedules and task/people assignments, anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks, measures performance against goals, and evaluates results.
• Ability to read a situation quickly; good at focused listening; can effectively negotiate difficult agreements and settle disputes equitably; can find common ground and get cooperation with minimum noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V

Open until qualified applicants are identified.