Senior Systems Engineer-Communication & Control Systems

Salary range is $91k to $197k with a midpoint of $144k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance discount.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Under general direction, provides senior engineering support for the Capital Delivery Department’s including the Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) South, OMF North, and North Maintenance of Way development.

Provides senior level design engineering support on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), industrial control systems, telephone communications, access control, public addressing and messaging, building management systems, Traction Power Substation (TPSS) SCADA, OT Network, and other transit-related technology platforms required for the new maintenance facilities. Provides technical leadership to staff, contractors, and vendors and acts as the project’s primary point of contact for the Agency’s subject matter expert on Operations Technology (OT) systems and OT cybersecurity. Coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; troubleshoots and resolves system errors and issues as needed. Performs technical and engineering support duties in assigned areas of responsibility, ensuring that the quality of work meets the standards set forth by the Agency

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Provide engineering and technical support for the communication, control systems, signaling systems, Radio Communications Systems and associated sub systems in the Operations & Maintenance facility capital projects.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and coaching to team members, contractors and vendors for operations technology systems.
• Conducts technical analysis, hazard and risk analysis, develops business cases, and participates as technical lead on major and Capital Delivery technology projects.
• Collaborates with operations and engineering staff to translate agency needs into long-term architecture solutions.
• Leads efforts to resolve complex technical issues in accordance with established design criteria, collaborating with all necessary subject matter experts.
• Provides input to design requirements based on asset performance, operating needs and technological advancement of operations technology systems.
• Develop and implement system enhancements to ensure system reliability and performance of the maintenance facilities and infrastructure systems when they enter service.
• Supports the design, installation, and commissioning of new assets as part of the development of the maintenance facility program. Acts as the project’s point of contact with Agency activation teams and provides timely updates on system integration and contractor commissioning work.
• Partners closely with other Agency groups to ensure the seamless integration with existing infrastructure and encourages innovation through the implementation of new technologies on the projects to support long term operations and maintenance.
• Provides expert knowledge of industry principles and practices for the area of responsibility.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field; Five years of experience in systems engineering work in multiple operations and maintenance technology systems; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Design, maintenance and life cycle management of operations and maintenance systems as defined in General Purpose above. Familiar with systems engineering and design for light rail infrastructure including experience with commissioning and activation.
• Operational characteristics of a variety of computer and network systems, applications, hardware, industrial controls, and Internet of Things (IoT) software and peripheral equipment.
• Methods and techniques involved in designing, installing and maintaining industrial control systems and connectivity.
• Possess a genuine intellectual curiosity and ability to grow the teams skills, efficiency and knowledge.
• Methods and techniques of performing advanced troubleshooting activities on programmable controllers, software and peripheral equipment and maintenance of industrial controls.
• Strong communications skills to coordinate with co-workers, customers, and vendors including letter writing and complex report preparation.
• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, be able to handle multi-tasking and adjust to changing priorities.
• Utilizing computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Developing and defining detailed technical requirements and scoping documents.
• Applying appropriate oral and written communication skills to various individuals ranging from Agency employees, engineering consultants, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Prior experience with rail or transit operation operations technology.
• GE, Emerson, Siemens platform experience.
• OT cybersecurity and network experience.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week.

• This position is responsible for visiting OMFs, trackways and construction sites; may be subject to bending, eye/hand coordination, grasping, hearing, pushing, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• This position does have an expectation of being on call for emergent issues, as they arise.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required. 

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.