City and County of San Francisco

Under general administrative direction, the Senior Light Rail Vehicle Equipment Engineer is responsible for the management and supervision of highly technical aspects of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) maintenance and capital improvement projects for Light Rail Vehicles (LRV) and Historic Streetcars.  The incumbent is responsible for providing specialized rail project engineering and other technical expertise to the Fleet Engineering section. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

This classification is distinguished from the lower level Light Rail Vehicle Equipment Engineer by its supervisory responsibility for administering all Light Rail Vehicle engineering activities. This position reports to the Chief Engineer who is responsible for engineering management work for improvement of all modes of equipment of the transit system.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 409, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Manages specialized maintenance engineering work through the design and implementation of detailed and complex modifications to various rail vehicle subsystems and components located on light rail vehicles (LRV’s), historic streetcars, Presidential Conference Cars (PCC’s), and Milano cars; prepares technical specifications and develops procedures for modifications and repairs.

2. Oversees the evaluation of new and existing rail vehicles for quality and reliability by testing the various subsystems such as propulsion, brakes, couplers, air conditioning, etc. at various facilities and sites, with subsequent development of appropriate modifications and adjustments.

3. Directs the assessment of the feasibility of using alternative parts and materials from various vendors on rail vehicles by researching, evaluating and testing. This may include making recommendations and/or approving of alternate parts with materials as appropriate.

4. Directs consultants in the preparation of engineering plans and specs; directs the work of engineers, associate engineers, mechanics and technicians in testing, modifications, adjustments, and maintenance of various rail vehicle subsystems.

5. Prepares and presents detailed and complex reports analyzing and describing solutions or recommendations related to maintenance and repair problems on rail vehicle subsystems and components; Investigates safety and reliability problems. This may include oral/written presentations.

6. Prepares cost estimates and analyzes cost effectiveness of alternative engineering methods related to maintenance and repair problems on rail vehicle subsystems and components.

7. Directs engineering studies/activities by preparing and updating work plans and schedules. This requires travel to various facilities and sites.

8. Prepares specifications for the procurement of rail vehicle parts and materials; confers with maintenance and purchasing personnel; monitors warranty claims made to manufacturers of equipment.

9. Coordinates and meets with members of various City departments and other SFMTA divisions to discuss matters related to the operation of rail vehicles.

10. Performs duties of a project manager by planning, developing and overseeing projects within the Fleet Engineering section, and follows projects through completion adhering to scope, schedule, contract and budgetary constraints.

Knowledge of: engineering theory, principles and practices, methods and procedures related to the design, construction, modification, testing and maintenance of rail vehicle equipment; the methods and procedures (research, forecasting and report writing) related to the acquisition of rail vehicle equipment and material.

Ability to: plan, supervise engineers and direct projects of various scope required to solve maintenance and engineering problems or test proposed modifications on the rail vehicles; plan, develop and oversee projects through completion adhering to scope, schedule, contract and budgetary constraints; plan, coordinate and review the activities of subordinates in the performance of their duties; plan and conduct tests on electrical, electronic, mechanical, propulsion and control systems on rail vehicles; analyze problems and provide solutions related to safety and reliability; speak clearly and persuasively and explain complex ideas to a variety of people; review and write comprehensive reports, plans, memos, letters, projections, etc., in an understandable and grammatically correct manner; use a computer to: write memos and reports, send emails, and perform power point presentations and any other necessary functions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

These minimum qualifications are to be used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which may be required for employment in the class.  Although these minimum qualifications are typical of the class, additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the job announcement.

1. A baccalaureate degree from a recognized university or college with major coursework in mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering; AND

2. Seven years of experience in engineering related to the design, construction, operations, testing and maintenance of light rail vehicle equipment.

1. Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver License.

2. Possession of a current valid registration as a professional engineer from the state of California. Registration in another state will be accepted on the condition of obtaining a California registration within one (1) year.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.