The Engineering Program Manager will report to the Director, Bus Infrastructure and Capital Projects and will be responsible for the engineering functions that support infrastructure and capital projects for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans). The Bus Infrastructure and Capital Projects Department oversees the delivery of major bus fleet and facilities infrastructure projects for SamTrans. 

First cut off: 3/29/2026 | Final Deadline: 4/12/2026

Essential Functions & Duties

 

• Lead and administer the development of Standard Plans, Specifications, and the Design Quality Management Plan for SamTrans projects utilizing district employees and consultants.
• Develop and institute structure and project control templates that yield effective infrastructure project management. 
• Subject matter expert for technical elements and administrative decisions for project personnel responsible for multiple diverse infrastructure projects.
• Manage general engineering and architecture functions, making key decisions regarding design documents, technical specifications, cost estimates, and schedules. 
• Accountable for strategic decisions and oversight of infrastructure projects’ scope, schedule, budget, and product quality throughout the project lifecycle while ensuring compliance with safety standards and industry best practices. 
• Assist in critical, time-sensitive matters during construction to prevent delays and avoid costly change orders. 
• Administration: Select, manage, and hold accountable vendors, contractors, and professional services, including ensuring DBE, SBE, and labor compliance policies are followed.
• Provide project status updates and recommendations to a broad audience of interested parties, community groups (advocacy), executive team, and board of directors.

• Direct and support project management staff, ensuring effective execution and delivery of projects.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Utilize independent judgement in design oversight, compliance, and corrective actions when needed.
• Manage and champion the development of Standard Plans, Specifications, Quality Management Plans, and related documents to improve department workflows and practices.
• Plan, direct, and evaluate work activities of assigned staff, consultants, and contractors; resolve problems and implement corrective actions.
• Provide direction and collaborate in short-term and long-term strategic planning/development of the bus infrastructure on behalf of bus operations.
• Perform quality assurance checks on consultant deliverables and perform independent technical reviews of SamTrans projects.
• Investigate, evaluate, and resolve project issues by identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Lead stakeholder communications by presenting recommendations, facilitating input, and building consensus to resolve conflicts.
• Present documents, findings, and recommendations to Executive Management and the Board.
• Oversee development of contract solicitations, conduct evaluations, and make award recommendations.
• Serve as subject matter expert on technical and regulatory matters affecting bus facility and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies during project implementation to ensure compliance with their guidelines.
• Represent SamTrans before the Board of Directors, city councils, state/federal/local agencies, and the public at meetings and hearings.
• Develop, negotiate, and monitor contracts and cooperative agreements with governmental agencies, consultants, and contractors.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect employees and the public; promote safety awareness and compliance.
• 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 Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) years full-time increasingly responsible management experience in the area of civil, electrical, mechanical, or other related engineering design, construction management, and/or public works project management.
• Three (3) years full-time direct management level supervision of engineering staff.
• Possess a registered Professional Engineer License in the state of California.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in design and construction management and delivery of complex engineering design projects for public transit agencies.
• Leadership of engineering design teams and projects.
• Experience with federal, state, and local funded projects. 
• Experience with Quality Control/Quality Assurance throughout a project lifecycle.
• Experience with Storm Water System Design management.
• Development of Capital Improvement Plans and Budgets.
• Experience working in Transportation Operations and Maintenance.
• Knowledge of CEQA and NEPA requirements, especially those relevant to transit agencies. 
• Able to possess a valid California drivers’ license.