Technical Services Assistant Manager (Section Manager II)

Orange County Transportation Authority; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 113,276 - 157,352; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work environment

Opportunity to shape future transportation technology

Valued innovation and strategic thinking

Job summary

A public transportation agency in California is seeking a Transit Technical Services Manager to lead the planning and procurement of the bus fleet. Responsibilities include managing multimillion-dollar projects, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with technical standards. Ideal candidates will possess at least five years of relevant experience, strong leadership, analytical, and technical skills. This is a full-time role with a competitive salary range based on qualifications. Join a team committed to innovation and excellence in public transportation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in engineering, transportation maintenance, or operations planning.
• At least three years of senior-level project management experience.
• Experience in rolling stock procurement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage large-scale rolling stock procurements and fleet refurbishment projects.
• Oversee project budgets and prepare status reports.
• Develop and maintain project schedules.

Skills

Technical skills

Analytical skills

Budgeting

Scheduling

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Job description

OCTA is seeking a Transit Technical Services Manager to lead the planning, procurement, refurbishment, deployment, and performance management of the agency’s bus fleet and related technologies. This role oversees multimillion‑dollar rolling stock projects, manages budgets and schedules, ensures technical compliance, mentors project managers, and resolves complex engineering issues across the lifecycle of OCTA vehicles.

This is an exempt position in Salary Grade 220: Min $113,276.80 – Mid $135,324.80 – Max $157,352.00 annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You’ll Do

• Manage large-scale rolling stock procurements and fleet refurbishment projects, including estimating, scheduling, budgeting, and securing funding sources.
• Oversee project budgets, prepare status reports, and present updates to management, committees, and external entities.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, track expenditures, and prepare detailed progress reports and presentations.
• Coordinate closely with Contract and Materials Management (CAMM) to ensure effective procurement and communication.
• Ensure vehicles are properly specified, procured, accepted, and deployed in full compliance with technical and contractual requirements.
• Manage the introduction and evaluation of new fleet technologies and equipment.
• Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance programs are planned and executed to support safety, service quality, and operational reliability.
• Provide fleet performance recommendations to Maintenance, Operations, and other teams to optimize safety, service, and cost efficiency.
• Prepare and present the Section’s budget to meet fleet performance needs.
• Serve as a technical mentor and subject matter expert, coaching staff and supporting professional development.
• Analyze project costs, vendor schedules, manufacturing processes, and invoices to ensure alignment with milestones and funding constraints.
• Develop safety, service, and cost performance indicators for fleet evaluation and improvement.
• Identify regulatory requirements and ensure they are incorporated into work standards and procedures.
• Lead inventory strategy development in coordination with CAMM and oversee warranty-related activities.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of five years of experience in engineering, transportation maintenance, operations planning, vehicle manufacturing, or related field.
• At least three years of senior-level project management experience.
• Experience in rolling stock procurement preferred.
• Strong technical, analytical, budgeting, scheduling, and leadership skills.
• Ability to resolve complex technical issues where no clear procedures exist.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills; ability to lead teams and influence cross‑departmental collaboration.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Shape the future of OCTA’s bus fleet, including emerging technologies and major capital procurements.
• Lead high‑impact engineering projects that enhance safety, service reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Work in a collaborative environment where innovation and technical expertise drive meaningful results.

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.

Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s programs.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.