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Principal Engineer, Standards and Design

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Principal Engineer, Standards and Design

Salary

$119,239.00 - $184,822.00 Annually

Location

California 91767, CA

Job Type

At Will Full Time

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

23-2400191

Department

Standards & Design

Opening Date

10/16/2025

Closing Date

10/30/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

SUMMARY

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, the operator of the METROLINK Commuter Rail System, is seeking a Principal Engineer, Design and Standards, who will support the design and ensure compliance with SCRRA design criteria, standards, and specifications of all tracks, civil, and new stations or modified stations. Stations are typically designed, constructed, modified, and maintained by other entities besides SCRRA.

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: Applications will be reviewed, and those most qualified will be forwarded to the hiring authority for consideration. The first review of applications begins November 3, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is not part of a job series

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

+ Receives general oversight from the director or executive-level roles

+ May have responsibility for supervising and monitoring performance for a group of employees

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

+ Manage Consultant Design Support Services Contract.

+ Review and assure compliance with Railroad design requirements for all projects in the design phase and provide design support for Projects in the construction phase.

+ Review all Request for Special Design Consideration and provide feedback to Project Managers and designers before the request is moved forward for further agency review.

+ Perform and/or review engineering work, highly specialized design, research, and analysis.

+ Manage key railroad documents, including track charts, composite maps, and as-built drawings.

+ Develop and maintain Standard Plans and Standard Specifications and related manuals.

+ Manage key railroad records files, including CPUC/FRA database and Grade Crossing assets

+ Act as Project Manager for structure and culvert rehabilitation projects and manage consultants performing structure and culvert design and condition ratings.

+ Assure compliance with FRA's Bridge Management Program and that SCRRA's structures and culverts assets are kept in a state of good repair.

+ Oversee, coordinate, and approve Railroad High –Wide Heavy Load movements.

+ Act as Railroad engineering subject matter expert with internal and external clients and sign off on related documentation.

+ Develop railroad engineering standards, specifications, and processes: review internal and external design plans and specifications for compliance with Railroad requirements; inspect and review ongoing construction and maintenance work for compliance with Railroad requirements.

+ Serve as task or project manager on various complex engineering and construction projects. Proactively manage scope, budget, schedule, functional quality, internal and external impacts, and ensure projects are designed and constructed safely with no or minimal impacts to railroad operations.

+ Manage consultant contracts, contract task orders, schedule, cost, and scope.

+ Coordinate the work of consultants for the Capital Program, including Capital Maintenance and new Capital Construction improvements.

+ Coordinate with internal departments, provide technical reviews of the design work, manage task orders, monitor schedules for design, and compile and review project cost estimates.

+ Coordinate preliminary planning for civil and railroad engineering projects, site visits, determining the scope of work, estimating engineering cost, estimating labor and materials, and providing information to the project engineer to assist in determining whether project design or construction can be done in-house or contracted outside.

+ Manage the development of railroad engineering processes, standards and specifications, maintain these documents to keep current and relevant with industry best practices; review internal and external design plans and specifications for compliance with Railroad requirements.

+ Direct small or short deadline project designs.

+ Develop strong, supportive, communicative, and cooperative relationships with Project Owners and design teams to ensure the successful delivery of Third-Party projects while upholding Metrolink requirements and obligations.

+ Develop Design Service Agreements and other funding agreements with project stakeholders.

+ Work with outside agencies to ensure real estate leases, licenses, easements, and construction agreements after reviewing and giving project approval.

+ Represent the Authority at public and joint department meetings and make presentations to groups, including the Board of Directors.

+ Provide engineering support for SCRRA maintenance and rehabilitation projects and activities.

+ Develop a team environment among division personnel, other SCRRA departments, and contractors.

+ Plan, manage, and direct the work of staff and consultants; effectively supervising, coaching, and training

+ The responsibilities outlined above are representative of the role but not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and reasonable accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Education and Experience

+ Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.

+ A minimum of 8 years of total experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 6 years of experience with a Master’s degree, which includes the following:

+ A minimum of (3) three years of design or construction experience with a Commuter/Passenger or Class 1 Freight Railroad or as a consultant or contractor working on long-term assignments involving Commuter/Passenger or Class 1 Freight Railroad Projects.

+ A minimum of six (6) years of relevant and progressively increasing experience in the area of construction or engineering.

+ Experience must include at least two (2) years of contract management of engineering or construction projects and two years of experience managing the work of staff or consultants.

+ A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a designer/engineer of civil, transportation, and preferably railroad or transit facilities.

+ A combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of the required experience.

+ Pass Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) and Railroad General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) within one year of employment

+ California Professional Engineers License (Civil), or the ability to obtain the license within 12 months, is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

+ FRA’s Bridge Management Program requirements

+ Public sector and SCRRA

+ Principles and practices of civil engineering including design, construction, and maintenance require-ments in an active railroad environment.

+ Modern techniques, methods, procedures, and practices of project management & design, and construction management.

+ Methods and techniques of conducting engineering analysis and assessments for Railroad Infrastructure

+ Methods and techniques of engineering plan review and approval.

+ Principles of supervision.

+ Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Skilled in:

+ Excellent communication, interpersonal, decision-making making and problem-solving skills.

+ Microsoft Office

Ability to:

+ Working independently, effectively managing multiple concurrent engineering tasks or projects both in the office and in the field, and critically analyzing information are essential to success.

+ Work independently, manage multiple concurrent engineering tasks or project both in the office and in the field effectively and critically analyze information are essential to success

+ Foster a teamwork environment. Support and guide others, offer the benefit of experience and lessons learnt.

+ Flexibility and willingness to assist other teams in the Department as needs arise.

+ Work nights and/or weekends, as necessary, for railroad construction projects.

+ Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of professional engineering staff.

+ Perform complex civil engineering duties, including design work and the preparation of specifications and drawings.

+ Read and interpret various engineering designs, plans, and specifications.

+ Ensure project conformance with Metrolink Engineering Standards.

+ Resolve design disputes between stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and the public.

+ Negotiate, prepare, and manage contracts.

+ Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

+ Supervise, plan, review, and evaluate Metrolink projects, and prioritize projects for funding.

+ Prepare written technical reports, estimates, and construction and cost records.

+ Read for comprehension and present clear and concise reports, verbally and in writing.

+ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, employees, consultants, contractors, and the public.

+ Analyze complex and diverse issues and prioritize multiple tasks and competing demands to optimize the use of available resources.

+ Represent SCRRA and make presentations to the Board of Directors, executives an,d to public.

Physical Requirements

+ Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations

+ Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery

+ Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs

+ Exchange ideas by means of communication

+ Visual acuity to detect, identify, and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks

+ Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks

+ Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations

Working Conditions

The position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to hostile or irate individuals, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.).

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection Process:

Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA

MEDICAL:

SCRRA offers a choice of health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes.

SCRRA will contribute 87.50 percent and you will contribute 12.50 percent of the premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents.

You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

DENTAL:

SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services.

The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office.

SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

VISION:

SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed.

VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries.

If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS:

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. In 2025, you can set aside up to $3,300 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE:

SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $350,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70.

IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section.

In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT:

SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $350,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY:

You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times yourweekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2025 is 1.2 percent of earnings (no wage cap).

LONG TERM DISABILITY:

SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.)

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

INDIVIDUAL DISABILITY INSURANCE (IDI):

SCRRA provides Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) for employees earning more than $200,000 per year. IDI supplements the LTD benefits to ensure that higher earners receive 60 percent of their monthly earnings should they experience a covered disability and are off work. The policy is fully portable, which means that if you leave Metrolink you can retain the policy at your own cost. No medical examinations required

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS:

SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac:

+ Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations.

+ Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant.

+ Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit.

+ Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE:

SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program.

TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE:

SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute.

HOLIDAYS:

SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

PAID TIME OFF (PTO):

SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows:

Biweekly Approx. Annual

Years of Service Accrual Rate Equivalent

Through 4 years’ service 7.69 hours 25 (8 hr. days)

5-6 years’ service 9.23 hours 30

7th year service 9.85 hours 32

8th year service 10.16 hours 33

9th year service 10.47 hours 34

10-14 years’ service 10.77 hours 35

15-19 years’ service 11.70 hours 38

20 or more years’ service 12.93 hours 42

At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP):

SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period.

HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES:

SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems.

RETIREMENT PLAN:

The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay an 8.00 percent employee contribution*, and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service.

Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund.

*Subject to increase or decrease based on CalPERS annual actuarial valuation.

SOCIAL SECURITY:

You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare.

Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above.

RETIREE MEDICAL:

Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.50 percent, and you pay 12.50 percent of the applicable premium.

Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below:

Credited Years of CalPERS Service

Percentage of Contribution

10

50%

11 – 19

50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service

20+

100%

*Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule.

**The state annuitant contribution rates for 2025 are: $1,060 (Retiree Only); $2,039 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,551 (Retiree + Family).

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457):

You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2025, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $23,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $47,000, if there were any years in which you did not contribute the normal contribution limit.

TRANSPORTATION PASSES:

You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair or a TAP card, which will give you access to connecting transportation. Employees who have a business need to ride Metrolink system-wide, including but not limited to the Executive Leadership Team (XLT), will be issued a system-wide Metrolink pass, which can be used on all Metrolink trains and connecting transportation.

You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($325 in 2025). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week.

Employees may purchase a monthly Metrolink pass for their eligible dependents at a fifty percent (50%) discount. The employee’s share of the fare will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck each pay period.

Eligible retirees who retire from Metrolink within one-hundred twenty (120) days of their separation date and have at least five (5) years of Metrolink service will receive a system-wide Metrolink pass for themselves and their eligible dependents as part of their retiree benefits. These system-wide Metrolink passes cannot be used to connect to other public transportation.

OTHER BENEFITS:

Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking.

Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships.

Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union.

Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days.

Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information.

Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay.

Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law

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The information you provide on these supplemental questions will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Please note that all information is subject to verification. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal. Please note: