Manager of Track Engineering

Bay Area Rapid Transit; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 172,000 - 261,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Area Rapid Transit seeks a Manager of Track Engineering to lead track engineering, capital projects, and asset optimization for safety and reliability across the system.

The ideal candidate will guide cross-functional teams, manage complex budgets, and collaborate with maintenance, operations, and regulatory bodies to deliver innovative solutions for continued performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Track Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Five years of full-time professional-level engineering experience in railway track/design, including at least two years in a supervisory role.
• Registration as a professional engineer in California preferred.
• Substitution: additional relevant experience may replace education on a year-for-year basis.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead railway track engineering, maintenance, and capital improvement programs.
• Manage complex engineering projects, consultant contracts, budgets, and competing priorities.
• Knowledge of track design, inspection, maintenance, and relevant FRA/CPUC standards.
• Build collaborative relationships across engineering, operations, maintenance, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams.
• Analyze complex technical issues and implement practical solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement and asset management for safety and reliability.

Skills

Track engineering leadership

Staff management

Project coordination

Budget administration

Contract management

Safety-focused decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Track/Civil/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Rail inspection vehicle

Ultrasonic testing equipment

Job description

Pay Rate

Non-Represented Salary Grade E10
Annual Salary: $172,056.00 - $260,665.00
Note: The starting negotiable annual salary offer will be between $172,056.00 - $227,220.00 to commensurate with education and experience.

Reports To

Group Manager, Engineering

Days Off

Variable

Who May Apply

All current BART employees and Future BART employees

Current Assignment

This announcement will be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months.

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking a collaborative and results-driven Manager of Track Engineering to lead the engineering efforts that keep one of the nation's largest rail transit systems safe, reliable, and moving. This position provides leadership for track engineering, capital improvement projects, infrastructure renewal, and engineering support for daily operations while partnering closely with Maintenance, Operations, Capital Delivery, and Safety to deliver practical, innovative solutions that enhance system performance.

The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering leader who thrives in a fast-paced transit environment and is passionate about improving rail infrastructure. They inspire teams, build collaborative partnerships, and provide innovative engineering solutions that support safe, reliable service while advancing BART's long-term infrastructure goals.

1. Leadership of railway track engineering, maintenance, and capital improvement programs.
2. Managing complex engineering projects, consultant contracts, budgets, and competing priorities.
3. Knowledge of track design, inspection, maintenance, and applicable FRA, CPUC, and industry standards.
4. Building collaborative relationships across engineering, operations, maintenance, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
5. Leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing engineering teams.
6. Analyzing complex technical issues, making sound decisions, and implementing practical solutions.
7. Driving continuous improvement, innovation, and asset management strategies that enhance safety, reliability, and system performance.

Education

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in Track Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience

The equivalent of five (5) years of full-time professional-level engineering experience related to the construction, maintenance, and design of railway track and structures, which must have included at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.

License or Certificate

Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California preferred.

Substitution

Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

Other Requirement

Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Must be willing to work on weekends and at night, occasionally or as needed, to oversee and serve as track engineering subject matter expert to support track safety, inspection, construction, and maintenance needs.
Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive track engineering program
• Principles and practices of track engineering in rail transportation
• Principles and practices of track inspection, track defect root cause analysis
• Principles and practices of project scheduling and management
• Principles and practices of program development and administration
• Construction materials, methods, and equipment used in track engineering projects
• Railroad track design and construction, bridge, and structure design and construction
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Pertinent government codes, regulations, and provisions
• Related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including FRA and CPUC

Skill in

• Overseeing and participating in the management of a comprehensive track engineering program
• Overseeing new track construction, track renewal and upgrades, major track repairs related to track incidents
• Overseeing, directing, managing, and coordinating the work of lower-level staff
• Selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff
• Participating in the development and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures
• Planning, organizing, directing, reviewing, and evaluating the activities of professional staff and contract consultants on assigned projects
• Conducting track inspections and establishing a track inspection program including the use of rail inspection vehicle, ultrasonic test car, and visual track inspections.
• Preparing and administering large program budgets and contracts; project feasibility studies and cost estimates
• Preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports
• Managing the services of outside consultants
• Preparing clear, concise, and complete reports on civil and structural design project activities
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals related to track issues
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques
• Interpreting and applying Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work