Associate Director, Engineering (Capital Projects)

Job Description:

Associate Director, Engineering (Capital Projects)

Description

General

The Associate Director, Engineering (Capital Projects) will be responsible for the engineering functions that support infrastructure and capital projects for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans).

The Bus Infrastructure and Capital Projects Department oversees the delivery of major bus fleet and facilities infrastructure projects for SamTrans. The department’s projects include design and construction of zero emission infrastructure for battery electric buses (BEBs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs)paratransit vehicles, and non­revenue vehicles totaling nearly 400 vehicles. Other projects include sea level rise and flood mitigation structures, bus administration, transportation, and maintenance buildings, and other structures at SamTrans' North and South Base Facilities.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, December 13, 2026 (1st cutoff Sunday, November 29, 2026)

Essential Functions & Duties

Examples of Essential Functions:

• Lead and administer the development of Standard Plans, Specifications, and the Design Quality Management Plan for SamTrans projects utilizing district employees and consultants.
• Develop and institute structure and project control templates that yield effective infrastructure project management.
• Subject matter expert for technical elements and administrative decisions for project and construction management personnel responsible for multiple diverse infrastructure projects.
• Manage general engineering and architecture functions, making key decisions regarding design documents, technical specifications, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Accountable for strategic decisions and oversight of infrastructure projects’ scope, schedule, budget, and product quality throughout the project lifecycle while ensuring compliance with safety standards and industry best practices.
• Make critical, time-sensitive decisions on construction-related issues to prevent delays and avoid costly change orders.
• Administration: Select, manage, and hold accountable vendors, contractors, and professional services, including ensuring DBE, SBE, and labor compliance policies are followed.
• Provide project status updates and recommendations to a broad audience of interested parties, community groups (advocacy), executive team, and board of directors.
• Direct and support project management staff, ensuring effective execution and delivery of projects.
• 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:

• Utilize independent judgement in construction oversight, compliance, and corrective actions when needed.
• Manage and champion the development of Standard Plans, Specifications, Quality Management Plans, and related documents to improve department workflows and practices.
• Plan, direct, and evaluate work activities of assigned staff, consultants, and contractors; resolve problems and implement corrective actions.
• Provide direction and collaborate in short-term and long-term strategic planning/development of the bus infrastructure on behalf of bus operations.
• Perform quality assurance checks on consultant deliverables and perform independent technical reviews of SamTrans projects.
• Investigate, evaluate, and resolve project issues by identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Lead stakeholder communications by presenting recommendations, facilitating input, and building consensus to resolve conflicts.
• Present documents, findings, and recommendations to Executive Management and the Board.
• Oversee development of contract solicitations, conduct evaluations, and make award recommendations.
• Serve as subject matter expert on technical and regulatory matters affecting bus facility and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies during project implementation to ensure compliance with their guidelines.
• Represent SamTrans before the Board of Directors, city councils, state/federal/local agencies, and the public at meetings and hearings.
• Develop, negotiate, and monitor contracts and cooperative agreements with governmental agencies, consultants, and contractors.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) years full-time increasingly responsible project management experience in the area of civil, electrical, mechanical, or other related engineering design, construction management, and/or public works project management.
• Three (3) years full-time direct management level supervision of engineering staff.
• Possess a registered Professional Engineer License in the state of California.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in design and construction management and delivery of complex engineering design projects for public transit agencies.
• Leadership of engineering design teams and projects.
• Experience with federal, state, and local funded projects.
• Experience with Quality Control/Quality Assurance throughout a project lifecycle.
• Experience with Storm Water System Design management.
• Development of Capital Improvement Plans and Budgets.
• Experience working in Transportation Operations and Maintenance.
• Knowledge of CEQA and NEPA requirements, especially those relevant to transit agencies.
• Able to possess a valid California drivers’ license.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program.The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
  

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.
  

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.
  

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours).As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.
  

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
  

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.
  

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.
  

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.
  

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.

Closing Date/Time: 12/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$173,990.00 - $243,585.00 Annually