*Please note that the job title of this position was updated on February 23, 2021 to "Engineer"  from "Engineer - Maintenance of Way"*

Under the general direction of the Maintenance of Way Manager, the Engineer will play an integral role in the engineering aspects of rail-related services and the development and maintenance of the rail infrastructure necessary to deliver safe, convenient, reliable, and user-friendly public transportation services. The Engineer will support the Maintenance of Way Manager in the oversight for the operation of maintenance and construction oversight of the District-railroad right-of-way (ROW), including track repair and structure maintenance for the COASTER commuter rail, and the SPRINTER hybrid rail mode, by contractor and/or District personnel. 

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is distinguished by its role in representing NCTD in the coordination of all phases of maintenance of way railroad projects, requiring a high level of interaction between multiple departments, outside agencies including SANDAG, and consultants for coordination of the Absolute Work Windows.  Qualifying applicants possess knowledge of multiple facets of railroad engineering, including stations, earthwork, drainage, grades, clearances, surveying, operations, alignment, and special track work structure. The applicant must demonstrate creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, coordinating, and solving engineering and construction problems. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive under NCTD authority (non-DOT) and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position works under the direction of the Maintenance of Way Manager and will be responsible for project oversight, including supervision of contractors and consultants. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting.  Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consulting engineers’ facilities, and other locations as required.  Job duties will require work beyond normal office hours in support of operational commitments for scheduled work and emergency callouts, to include evenings and weekends.  

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participates in projects that may include basic infrastructure and support facilities for heavy rail systems, including track additions and replacements, rail bridge renovations and replacements, grade crossings, drainage structures and systems, coastal bluff stabilization, environmental permitting, and habitat restoration. Monitor life cycle condition of NCTD railroad assets for track, drainage and bridge. 
• Participates in contractor oversight of the geometry testing, ultrasonic testing, and rail grinding program. 
• Administers consultant contracts, reviews work to ensure compliance with contracts, recommends change orders, maintains records, and processes expenditures.
• Prepares plans and specifications for job order contracts, small contract packages and professional services using NCTD standard plans and specifications and other industry standards.
• Calculates project material requirements, prepare bid packages from standard plans and specifications, prepare purchasing requisitions, track material procurements, and record material installation locations.
• Prepares estimates of the probable cost of construction and maintenance activities and expenditures during design and construction and prepare reports of cost to date or on-going work, projected cost at completion, and anticipated outlays over life of project.
• Assists in development of plans for construction activities using inspection and other measurement and condition data and prepare schedules for design and construction using critical path scheduling techniques (CPM).
• Participates in the preparation and administration of the design and construction program budget; submits budget recommendations; monitors expenditures.
• Provides budget management oversight to ensure compliance within project schedule and budget; oversees the work of outside contractors and contracted engineering staff.
• Participates in the review of consultant proposals and design; recommends awards; conducts or participates in the pre-bid conferences prior to contract award.
• Inspects projects during construction; checks shop drawings, details, and test reports and approves materials; coordinates and reviews the work of consultants engaged in the preparation of plans and specifications for District facilities and construction; may administer contracts for building construction; confers with building contractors and subcontractors in connection with plan and material changes during construction, assuring that standards of original plans and specifications are maintained.
• Coordinates work with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; administers control of required documentation for contracts; identifies technical engineering issues and ensures compliance with District and industry engineering standards.
• Initiates and evaluates design and field engineering changes during construction; recommends approval of and submits the contractors’ progress payments; recommends retention level as appropriate; and participates in intermediate and final inspections.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of railroad engineering.
• Reviews submittals from contractors for conformance with the requirements of the contract, and NCTD standards, responds to requests for information, and maintain logs, submittals, correspondence, and other contract related documents.
• Maintains a culture of safety by participating in activities of safety committees, reviewing work plans for compliance with safe operating practices, and making observations of work activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.