Manager, Train Control Systems

Salary : $143,142.00 - $200,398.00 Annually

Location : San Carlos, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2025-00299

Division: Rail

Department: Rail Development

Opening Date: 01/30/2026

Closing Date: 3/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

General

The Manager, Train Control Systems reports to the Deputy Director Rail Systems Engineering and is responsible for oversight and managing of complex train control systems including the installation, modification, maintenance, and upgrade of the District's Rail Operations Control System (ROCS) and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

Essential Functions & Duties

Responsible for updates, upgrades and maintenance of the following systems: Rail Operations Control System (ROCS); Predictive Arrival and Departure System (PADS), Positive Train Control (PTC) back-office systems, Traction Power Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System and Rail Scheduling.

Perform Quality Assurances and system engineering support of all back off systems including PTC office systems, Back Office Server (BOS), Rail Operations Control System (ROCS), Network Management System (NMS); Interoperable Train Control Message Server (ITCMS); Wayside Status Relay Service (WSRS), and the interfaces to all other operational systems.

Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical standards, and best practices for all train control and related systems to ensure consistency, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Develop and implement training programs to upskill staff, mentoring team members at all levels on train control systems, operational procedures, and project management to strengthen technical capacity, foster skill development, and ensure succession planning.

Ensure Caltrain systems meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) mandated interoperability requirements with all tenant railroads; ensure Caltrain train control systems are compatible with Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards; follow the ITC guidelines that Caltrain must maintain "N-2" backwards compatible software versions.

Manage complex and large-scale train control engineering projects as the Technical Lead for Caltrain.

Manage the work of outside contractors and assist higher level Caltrain Directors and Executives in planning and evaluating the quantity and quality of work performed by subordinate staff.

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:

Establish and maintain work relationships with internal and external stakeholders to develop consensus on capital project work plans.

Establish schedules and methods for providing train control system engineering design services on assigned capital projects; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.

Review and approve project schedules; assist in strategic planning; prepare status reports; coordinate project resources; communicate with all project participants on relevant issues; identify and resolve train control engineering issues.

Provide general technical oversight of railroad train control systems.

Perform system usage and performance analyses.

Support Caltrain Configuration Management (CM) Manager on configuration control, prioritize system defects and corrective actions; participate in Configuration Control Board (CCB) meetings as required.

Direct, review, and approve the preparation of train control engineering designs, drawings, and specifications; identify and resolve technical engineering issues.

Manage technical elements of the office systems warranty and long-term maintenance support service agreements.

Review and approve operating manuals and procedures developed by various systems providers or vendors.

Manage all technology refresh and software upgrades/updates and associated testing without interrupting regular railroad operations.

Establish and lead a knowledge management framework to systematically capture, update, and share institutional knowledge through structured documentation, training programs, and knowledge transfer initiatives.

Participate in the preparation and administration of the train control engineering program budget (Operating & Maintenance, and Capital); submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures.

Review consultant proposals and designs; recommend awards; conduct or participate in the pre-bid conferences prior to system contract awards.

Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort 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 electrical/electronics, computer science, or a related field.

Five (5) years of railroad industry experience in Train Control System and SCADA system development and maintenance.

Two (2) years supervisory experiencePREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and experience with AIMCore Product/Software a plus.

Possesses a broad interdisciplinary knowledge of supervisory train control, wayside signal, highway crossing warning system, predictive and arrival system, traffic signal control, traction power substations and distribution, SCADA, server systems, virtualized server architectures, databases, cloud server systems, networking, etc.

Knowledge of operating systems (UNIX, Linux, Microsoft)

Knowledge of VHF and UHF radio voice and data communications, information assurance, data security and networking technologies.

Experience with Configuration Management and Quality Assurance Systems.

Ability to Interpret and revise engineering plans, drawings, and specifications.

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

How to Apply

Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

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.