Senior Vehicle Systems Engineer

Job Description

Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

Job Summary

Pay RateNon-Represented Pay Grade E07
Annual Salary: $140,447.00 (Minimum) to $212,780.00 (Maximum)

Note: The starting negotiable salary offer will be $140,447.00 - $168,208.18 to commensurate with experience and education.

Reports To: Manager of Vehicle Systems Engineer or designee.

Current Assignment

This announcement will be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months. Currently, the Vehicle Systems Engineering Department has two (2) Senior Vehicle Systems Engineer vacancies.

The Senior Vehicle Systems Engineer (SVSE) will be responsible for solving more complex and difficult engineering problems. They will participate in the repair, overhaul, testing and evaluation of transit vehicles' electrical, mechanical, electromechanical systems, software-controlled systems, TCMS, VATC, HVAC, friction brake, propulsion, diagnostic and special testing tools, and other components. Positions at this level possess specialized, technical, or functional expertise and may exercise an independent judgement in the performance of all duties. The incumbent may perform other duties such as witness testing, documentation review, supporting shops as assigned by their manager. The selected candidates must have a background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field and will be assigned to positions in the Vehicle Systems Engineering (VSE) group, the Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) group, or the Rolling Stock Maintenance Shop in Antioch.

Ideal candidate for the Mechanical Vehicle Systems Engineering (VSE) group:
This candidate will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in mechanical transit vehicle systems engineering. They will demonstrate strong competency in technical report writing and procedure development, be comfortable working in a maintenance shop environment and possess experience reviewing technical documentation. This candidate will excel in time-sensitive project work, clearly express ideas and recommendations, influence without authority, and demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities.
Ideal candidate for the Electrical Vehicle Systems Engineering (VSE) group:
This candidate will have a degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in transit vehicle or electric vehicle systems engineering. They will demonstrate high competency in writing reports and technical procedures. They will be comfortable working in a maintenance shop environment and reviewing schematics. In addition, they will have experience working on time-sensitive projects, clearly express ideas and suggestions, influence without authority, and demonstrate strong problem-solving skills.

Ideal candidate for the Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) group:

This candidate will have a degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in onboard signaling or Automatic Train Control (ATC) engineering. The CBTC project modernizes equipment between the train and wayside for improved traffic management. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working as a project team member in a maintenance shop environment, reviewing design documents, prototypes, and conducting tests. They will have experience working on time-sensitive projects, expressing ideas and suggestions, influencing without authority, and demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.

Ideal candidate for the E-BART Antioch Shop Engineer position:

This candidate will have a degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in transit vehicle or electric vehicle systems engineering. They will be comfortable working in a maintenance shop environment and reviewing schematics and procedures, working with electrical and mechanical technicians in the shop to investigate and troubleshoot trains, railcars, and their equipment problems. Other responsibilities include documenting findings, recommending corrective actions. They will have experience working on time-sensitive projects, expressing ideas and suggestions, influencing without authority, and demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.
The most qualified candidate for this position will have highly developed competencies beyond the minimum qualifications in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Report & SOP Development - Demonstrated experience in producing high-quality technical reports and standardized procedures for operational use.
• Workshop Operations - Previous experience working in a shop environment.
• Proactive Leadership - Ability to clearly express ideas and suggestions, influence stakeholders without formal authority, and proactively propose solutions to identified challenges, as evidenced through feedback, participation in discussions, and documented outcomes.
• Time-Critical Delivery - Experience with time-sensitive projects, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Professional Credential - Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification.
• Mobility for Field Work - Adequate mobility to conduct field inspections and investigations.

Application and Selection Process
All applicants must apply online at www.bart.gov/jobs . Applications must be completed in full and include all requested information, including dates of employment, positions held, hours worked, and a detailed description of duties performed.

Applicants may attach a resume to provide supplemental information; however, the resume does not substitute for completing the application form in its entirety. Only information included in the application at the time of submission will be used to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received after the closing deadline will not be considered.

Applicants who require assistance with the online application process may contact the Talent Acquisition Division at (510) 464-6112 or employment@bart.gov .

The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Pre-employment processing will include a background check. This requirement does not apply to current full-time District employees unless the position requires additional evaluations or clearances.

Examples of Duties

Responsible for the more difficult and complex repair, overhaul, evaluation, and reliability of District transit vehicles including electrical, mechanical and electro-mechanical systems and components; investigates and determines the cause of major transit vehicle equipment failures.

Develops and prepares technical specifications for new and rebuilt transit vehicles and components; oversees the testing and quality assurance of supplier materials.
Provides technical support to the shops to ensure that the District’s revenue fleet’s HVAC systems are functioning well.

Designs and specifies special testing and servicing equipment to troubleshoot and maintain various transit vehicle subsystems.
Reviews assigned engineering drawings and documents; ensures contract compliance, the use of proper engineering methods and compatibility with other systems.
Attends design review meetings and presents the District's position on new and rebuilt transit vehicle issues.
Defines quality assurance criteria and inspection procedures for maintenance and repair of transit vehicles; audits maintenance staff to ensure compliance with standards.
Determines District requirements for electrical and electro-mechanical subsystems; researches industry standards and incorporates into specifications as applicable.
Analyzes complex vehicle equipment failures; develops, implements and documents resulting maintenance procedures and equipment design changes.
Identifies and resolves transit vehicle project issues; resolves or refers to appropriate division.
Trains assigned employees in their areas of work including vehicle systems engineering methods, procedures and techniques.
Operates a variety of mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner including electrical, mechanical and electro-mechanical test equipment.
Reviews and approves/rejects drawings and other technical submittals from car builder for new D and E-car trains.
Prepares a variety of analytical and statistical reports on program operations and activities.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of transit vehicle systems engineering.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:
The equivalent of three (3) years of (full-time) professional verifiable electrical or mechanical transit vehicle systems engineering experience or related experience.

Other Requirements:
Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) is preferred.

Working Conditions
Environmental Conditions :
Shop environment; high voltage noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases; office environment.

Physical Conditions :
May require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; working or inspecting in confined spaces; working around heavy construction equipment; must be physically able to conduct field inspections and testing as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive transit vehicle engineering program
• Key suppliers and sub-suppliers to the rail and transit industries
• Design principles and practices for rail and transit vehicles
• Principles of leadership and training
• Advanced principles and practices of mechanical or electrical engineering as may relate to transit vehicles
• Transit vehicle electrical and mechanical equipment and subsystems
• Operational characteristics of transit vehicles, systems and components
• Design and repair specifications for new and rebuilt transit vehicles and components
• Advanced principles and practices of engineering specification preparation and review
• Computers and applications utilized in transit vehicle diagnostics
• Operational characteristics of various mechanical testing equipment and tools
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
• Related Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations

Skill/Ability in:

• Independently performing the most difficult transit vehicle inspection, maintenance and repair engineering duties
• Interpreting, explaining and enforcing department policies and procedures
• Preparing design and maintenance specifications and drawings
• Operating a variety of mechanical, electrical and electronic testing equipment in a safe and effective manner
• Analyzing complex vehicle equipment failures and developing equipment design changes
• Reviewing engineering drawings and ensuring compliance with contract guidelines
• Evaluating and resolving complex transit vehicle engineering problems
• Preparing a variety of complex engineering drawings, specifications and reports
• Defining quality assurance criteria and inspection procedures for maintenance and repair of transit vehicles
• Organization and time management
• Understanding and following oral and written instructions
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.

Highlights

• Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
• Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • 2% @ 55 (Classic Members)
  • 2% @ 62 (PEPRA Members)
  • 3% at 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
  • 2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
  • Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)
• Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)
  • 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65
• Deferred Compensation & Roth 457
• Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year)
• Vacation Accruals (3-6 weeks based on time worked w/ the District)
• Holidays: 9 observed holidays and 5 floating holidays
• Life Insurance w/ ability to obtain additional coverage
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Survivor Benefits through BART
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care
• Commuter Benefits
• Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.

Closing Date/Time: 10/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific