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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 Rate
$144,443.00 / annually (Minimum) to $218,831.00 / annually (Maximum) - (Non-Represented Pay Band 8)
Initial salary is negotiable between $144,443.00 - $181,637.00 to commensurate with experience and education.
The first review of applications will take place on August 29, 2025.
REPORTS TO
Manager of Vehicle Systems Engineering or designee.
CURRENT ASSIGNMENT
This announcement will be used to establish a pool of eligible candidates for vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months.
The Principal Vehicle Systems Engineer (PVSE) will be responsible to plan, supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff performing the design, repair, test, overhaul, evaluation, and reliability of BART transit vehicles mainly related to electrical, electro-mechanical systems and components and their operating relationships in the Vehicle Systems Engineering Department. The PVSE will be responsible for supervising the work of not only subordinate engineering staff, but also outside contractors as well. As the lead engineer, the PVSE in the Rail Vehicle Systems Engineer series, the PVSE also investigates and determines the cause of major transit vehicle equipment failures, and performs related duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate has advanced technical skills in railcar systems engineering. They will play a vital role in the delivery of reliable revenue vehicle service. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing lead engineering oversight for vehicle systems. Additionally, they will be responsible for managing complex projects through to completion, possess a command of control system and network layer protocols, diagnostics equipment, software testing, and troubleshooting. They will have the ability to create and design the necessary improvements for the reliability, maintainability, availability, and usefulness of railcars. The ideal candidate will have experience with time-sensitive projects. Demonstrate high expertise in writing reports and technical procedures. They will be comfortable working in a shop environment. The ideal candidate will have the ability to express ideas and suggestions, influence without authority, and can seek solutions to challenges.
Other major vehicle systems that the ideal candidate will have background and knowledge with are vehicle automatic train control, propulsion, friction brake, doors, train control management, remote diagnostics design and operation, IP-based communications, surveillance, auxiliary power supply equipment, vehicle wiring, and other systems.
Selection Process
Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes.
The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and a panel and/or individual interview.
The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S; Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).
Application Process
External applicants may only apply online, at www.bart.gov/jobs . Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by calling (510) 464-6112.
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Current employees are strongly encouraged to apply online, either at www.bart.gov/jobs , or on Web BART. Current employees may also apply using a BART paper application by delivering the completed form to the Human Resources Department, or by mailing it to P. O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604-2688.
All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties. On line applicants are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information, but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application form itself.
Examples of Duties
Develops and integrates plans, budgets, and implements the large-scale rail vehicle electrical or mechanical engineering and procurement projects for the District; may serve as the resident engineer on assigned electrical or mechanical engineering projects.
Establishes schedules and methods for providing rail vehicle engineering project services; ensures adherence to specifications; identifies resource needs; monitors the progress of Rolling Stock and Shop maintenance and overhaul; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly.
Administers consultant contracts; reviews work to ensure compliance with specifications; recommends change orders; maintains records and processes expenditures.
Participates in the development of policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements approved policies and procedures.
Oversees, reviews, and approves the preparation of electrical or mechanical engineering designs, drawings, and specifications; coordinates work with other divisions and departments; may sign and stamp design drawings; monitors the activities of engineering design staff.
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.
Participates in the review of consultant proposals and designs and recommends awards; conducts or participates in the pre-bid conferences prior to procurement contract awards.
Initiates and evaluates design and field engineering changes during fabrication; recommends approval of and submits contractor's progress payments; recommends retention levels as appropriate; participates in intermediate and final inspections.
Prepares or reviews a variety of reports and correspondence on assigned rail vehicle electrical or mechanical engineering projects including Inspector's Daily Reports, monthly and final completion reports, contract negotiations and modifications, and field and design engineering changes.
Participates in the preparation and administration of Rolling Stock and Shops project budgets; submits budget recommendations; monitors expenditures.
Prepares analytical and statistical reports on assigned electrical or mechanical engineering operations and activities.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of electrical or mechanical engineering.
Minimum Qualifications
Education :
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience :
The equivalent of five (5) years of full-time professional verifiable electrical or mechanical transit vehicle systems engineering or related experience.
License or Certificate:
Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California is preferred.
Other Requirements :
Must be physically able to conduct field inspections and testing as assigned.
Working Conditions
Environmental Conditions :
Shop environment; exposure to electrical energy; travel from site to site.
Physical Condition s :
May require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; work or inspect in confined spaces; work around heavy construction equipment.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of :- Principles and practices of electrical or mechanical engineering design, mechanical engineering and construction
- Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
- Design principles and practices for rail and transit vehicles
- Principles and practices of project scheduling and management
- Methods and techniques of conducting equipment inspection and investigation
- Principles and practices of contract administration and management
- Principles and practices of engineering cost estimating
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers
- Related Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
Skill/Ability in :- Analyzing complex engineering problems, evaluating alternatives and recommending solutions
- Supervising, organizing, and reviewing the work of lower-level staff
- Selecting, training, and evaluating subordinate co-workers
- Interpreting and explaining District policies and procedures
- Directing and coordinating complex engineering projects
- Negotiating consultant design and vehicle maintenance contracts
- Managing and administering consultant engineering contracts
- Interpreting and preparing revisions to engineering plans, drawings, and specifications
- Conducting and overseeing vehicle maintenance equipment inspections, investigations, measurements, and testing
- Preparing clear and concise reports
- 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: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Show moreThe BART story began in 1946. It began not by governmental fiat, but as a concept gradually evolving at informal gatherings of business and civic leaders on both sides of the San Francisco Bay. Facing a heavy post-war migration to the area and its consequent automobile boom, these people discussed ways of easing the mounting congestion that was clogging the bridges spanning the Bay. In 1947, a joint Army-Navy review Board concluded that another connecting link between San Francisco and Oakland would be needed in the years ahead to prevent intolerable congestion on the Bay Bridge. The link? An underwater tube devoted exclusively to high-speed electric trains.
Since 1911, visionaries had periodically brought up this Jules Verne concept. But now, pressure for a traffic solution increased with the population. In 1951, the State Legislature created the 26-member San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission, comprised of representatives from each of the nine counties which touch the Bay. The Commission's charge was to study the Bay Area's long range transportation needs in the context of environmental problems and then recommend the best solution.
The Commission advised, in its final report in 1957, that any transportation plan must be coordinated with the area's total plan for future development. Since no development plan existed, the Commission prepared one itself. The result of their thoroughness is a master plan which did much to bring about coordinated planning in the Bay Area, and which was adopted a decade later by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
The BART Concept is Born
The Commission's least-cost solution to traffic tie-ups was to recommend forming a five-county rapid transit district, whose mandate would be to build and operate a high-speed rapid rail network linking major commercial centers with suburban sub-centers.The Commission stated that, "If the Bay Area is to be preserved as a fine place to live and work, a regional rapid transit system is essential to prevent total dependence on automobiles and freeways."
Thus was born the environmental concept underlying BART. Acting on the Commission's recommendations, in 1957, the Legislature formed the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, comprising the five counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo. At this time, the District was granted a taxing power of five cents per $100 of assessed valuation. It also had authority to levy property taxes to support a general obligation bond issue, if approved by District voters. The State Legislature lowered the requirement for voter approval from 66 percent to 60 percent.
Between 1957 and 1962, engineering plans were developed for a system that would usher in a new era in rapid transit. Electric trains would run on grade-separated right-of-ways, reaching maximum speeds of 75-80 mph, averaging perhaps 45 mph, including station stops. Advanced transit cars, with sophisticated suspensions, braking and propulsion systems, and luxurious interiors, would be strong competition to "King Car " in the Bay Area. Stations would be pleasant, conveniently located, and striking architectural enhancements to their respective on-line communities.
BART employees in the 1970s.
Hundreds of meetings were held in the District communities to encourage local citizen participation in the development of routes and station locations. By midsummer, 1961, the final plan was submitted to the supervisors of the five District counties for approval. San Mateo County Supervisors were cool to the plan. Citing the high costs of a new system-plus adequate existing service from Southern Pacific commuter trains - they voted to withdraw their county from the District in December 1961.
With the District-wide tax base thus weakened by the withdrawal of San Mateo County, Marin County was forced to withdraw in early 1962 because its marginal tax base could not adequately absorb its share of BART's projected cost. Another important factor in Marin's withdrawal was an engineering controversy over the feasibility of carrying trains across the Golden Gate Bridge.
BART had started with a 16-member governing Board of Directors apportioned on county population size: four from Alameda and San Francisco Counties, three from Contra Costa and San Mateo, and two from Marin. When the District was reduced to three counties, the Board was reduced to 11 members: four from San Francisco and Alameda, and three from Contra Costa. Subsequently, in 1965, the District's enabling legislation was changed to apportion the BART Board with four Directors from each county, thus giving Contra Costa its fourth member on a 12-person Board. Two directors from each county, hence forth, were appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The other two directors were appointed by committees of mayors of each county (with the exception of the City and County of San Francisco, whose sole mayor made these appointments).
The five-county plan was quickly revised to a three-county plan emphasizing rapid transit between San Francisco and the East Bay cities and suburbs of Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The new plan, elaborately detailed and presented as the "BART Composite Report, " was approved by supervisors of the three counties in July 1962, and placed on the ballot for the following November general election.
The plan required approval of 60 percent of the District's voters. It narrowly passed with a 61.2 percent vote District-wide, much to the surprise of many political experts who were confident it would fail. Indeed, one influential executive was reported to have said: "If I'd known the damn thing would have passed, I'd never have supported it. "
The voters approved a $792 million bond issue to finance a 71.5 mile high-speed transit system, consisting of 33 stations serving 17 communities in the three counties. The proposal also included another needed transit project: rebuilding 3.5 miles of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. The new line would link muni streetcar lines directly with BART and Market Street stations, and four new Muni stations would be built.
The additional cost of the transbay tube -- estimated at $133 million -- was to come from bonds issued by the California Toll Bridge Authority and secured by future Bay Area Bridge revenues. The additional cost of rolling stock, estimated at $71 million, was to be funded primarily from bonds issued against future operating revenues. Thus, the total cost of the system, as of 1962, was projected at $996 million. It would be the largest single public works project ever undertaken in the U.S. by the local citizenry.
After the election, engineers immediately started work on the final system designs, only to be halted by a taxpayer's suit filed against the District a month later. The validity of the bond election, and the legality of the District itself, were challenged. While the court ruled in favor of the District on both counts, six months of litigation cost $12 million in construction delays. This would be the first of many delays from litigation and time-consuming negotiations involving 166 separate agreements reached with on-line cities, counties, and other special districts. The democratic processes of building a new transit system would prove to be major cost factors that, however necessary, were not foreseen.
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