Manager, Positive Train Control (PTC)

Caltrain; Millbrae (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltrain is seeking a Manager, Positive Train Control (PTC) to lead engineering and oversight of the PTC system for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. You will manage configurations, standards, and interface activities across PTC subsystems, while ensuring daily operational performance and safety compliance.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related field, 5 years of PTC experience, and 2 years of supervisory leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/electronic engineering, computer science or related field.
• Five (5) years of professional railroad PTC experience or related field.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with Positive Train Control and SCADA system development and maintenance is preferred.
• Experience with supervisory train control, wayside signal, highway crossing warning system, predictive and arrival system, and traffic signal control is desirable.
• Experience with rail industry systems, electrical interfaces, software and network protocols, and system integration with commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware and software is desirable.
• Possession of a valid California license as a registered professional engineer is desirable.
• Must have effective oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage configuration, updates, changes, and interface management of the PTC system and assets.
• Responsible for development and update of Caltrain technical specifications and standards for assigned systems.
• Represent Caltrain for System Integration activities for Caltrain projects.
• Responsible for PTC updates and upgrade cutover effort for Caltrain.
• Ensure PTC is functioning for Caltrain daily services.
• Responsible for PTC Integrated Lab located in Melon Park Control Center.
• Responsible for all documentation of assigned systems, including plans, test and maintenance procedures.
• Develop maintenance plans for PTC System.
• Configuration management of the PTC system and subsystems.
• Manage PTC technology refresh and software upgrades/testing without impacting operations.
• Supervise staff; hire, mentor; ensure EEO policies; coordinate training and performance reviews.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Project oversight

System integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or related field

Job description

The Manager, Positive Train Control (PTC) reports to the Director of Systems Engineering and is responsible for the engineering and oversight of the PTC System for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Manage the configuration, updates, changes, and interface management, and integration of the PTC, their subsystems, and assets.
• Responsible for the development and update of Caltrain technical specifications and standards for assigned systems.
• Represent Caltrain for System Integration activities for Caltrain projects.
• Responsible for PTC updates and upgrade cutover effort for Caltrain.
• Ensure PTC is functioning for Caltrain daily services.
• Responsible for PTC Integrated Lab located in Melon Park Control Center.
• Responsible for all documentation of assigned systems, including the book of plans, test plans/procedures, maintenance plans, procedures, cutover plans, and as built.
• Responsible for the development of maintenance plans for PTC System.
• Responsible for configuration management of the PTC system and its subsystems
• Manages integration of applicable AAR, EIC/ISA, IEEE, AREMA, AAR, and MIL standards, etc.
• Responsible for PTC interoperability with all tenants.
• Responsible for all Caltrain PTC Safety Plan Amendments
• Manage Caltrain PTC Vendor Service Contracts and contract renews
• Representing Caltrain for all PTC matters with the industry, AAR and ITC committees.
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Ensure Caltrain train control systems are functioning for optimal performance and in accordance with FRA mandated for all tenant railroads interoperability requirements.
• Provide general technical oversight of PTC systems and perform system usage and performance analyses.
• Manage PTC product vendor and its support service. Perform Annual performance review of I-ETMS Vendor.
• Manage all PTC related assets.
• Work closely with Rail Operations to address PTC issues to minimize Service impact.
• Representing Caltrain for all PTC communication with the FRA
• Manage PTC integration and interface with Back Office and On Board
• Ensure Caltrain train control office systems are compatible with Association of American Railroad (AAR) standards and follow the International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines including "N-2" backwards compatible software versions.
• Responsible for all PTC operational performance reporting required by the FRA.
• Develop engineering cost estimates related to PTC updates and upgrades
• Manage all PTC technology refresh and software upgrades/updates and associated testing without interfering with Railroad Operations.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• Five (5) years of professional railroad PTC experience or related field.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience
• Experience with an emphasis on Positive Train Control and SCADA system development and maintenance is preferred.
• Experience with supervisory train control, wayside signal, highway crossing warning system, predictive and arrival system, and traffic signal control is desirable.
• Experience with rail industry systems, electrical interfaces, software and network protocols, and system integration with commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware and software is desirable.
• Possession of a valid California license as a registered professional engineer is desirable.
• Must have effective oral and written communication skills.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.