Principal Computer Systems Engineer
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) Oakland, California, United States
- Location: Oakland, California, United States
- Categories: Engineering, Planning and Development
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Jan 22, 2025
Job Description:
Principal Computer Systems Engineer
Description
Marketing StatementRide BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.
Job Summary
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District is seeking to fill up to two (2) Principal Computer Systems Engineer positions in the Communications & Controls Department within the Office of Infrastructure & Delivery.
As a Principal Computer Systems Engineer at BART, you will be responsible for supervisory-level technical and project leadership. You will play a key role in overseeing the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of BART’s Communications Networking Infrastructure and Operating Technology (OT) network. In this role, you will ensure the highest standards of work quality, adherence to established policies and procedures, and efficient project delivery.
Specific responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Managing and maintaining the OT network (systems, hardware, and software).
- Driving completion of Capital Expenditure (CapEx) projects involving the OT network.
- Supervising and mentoring a small team of OT network and cybersecurity engineers.
- Overseeing the most complex tasks in your assigned area, including software configuration control, simulator testing, quality control, integration, and documentation.
- Providing day-to-day coordination with Maintenance and Operations Control Center personnel, including hands-on monitoring and control of operational systems, and troubleshooting operational problems.
- Leading and supervising staff, consultants, and engineers, as well as reviewing asset/equipment performance to identify root causes and design/implement improvements.
- Developing and managing project scopes, schedules, cost estimates, and resource allocation.
Principal Computer Systems Engineers at BART are recognized for taking leadership on complex projects and typically hold full engineering responsibility for several assigned asset classes. This involves direct collaboration with multiple BART departments to improve reliability, ensure safety, and optimize performance.
The successful candidate(s) will possess the following experiences and knowledge beyond the minimum qualifications (examples may include, but are not limited to):
- Advanced degrees or specialized certifications in Operating Technology (OT) networking, network security, or industrial controls are a plus.
- Master’s Degree with an emphasis on disciplines related to Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields is preferred.
- Operating Technology (OT) Experience showcasing, but not limited to:
- Demonstrated hands-on expertise with industrial networks, including real-time data transmission, network segmentation, and protocol usage (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, or IEC 61850).
- Experience with configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization of OT systems in a transportation, utility, or similarly critical infrastructure environment.
- Familiarity with network security measures, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and best practices for OT/IT convergence.
- Leading Cross-Functional Teams:
- Direct supervision of engineers, consultants, or technical staff, including setting work priorities, performance management, and mentoring.
- Proven ability to guide multi-discipline teams through the design, development, and execution of complex engineering projects.
- Project Management and Delivery:
- Experience driving CapEx projects from concept to completion, including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Proficiency in stakeholder communication, risk management, and conflict resolution to ensure projects meet safety, quality, and performance goals.
- Systems Engineering and Lifecycle Management:
- In-depth knowledge of requirements analysis, design, integration, testing, and commissioning of complex network-based systems.
- Track record of implementing system enhancements, upgrades, and legacy system migrations to maintain operational reliability.
- Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards:
- Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISA/IEC 62443, ISO 27001) and application of best practices for secure, resilient OT environments.
- Experience ensuring that systems and processes comply with regulatory requirements and industry guidelines.
- Strategic Planning and Innovation:
- Aptitude for assessing existing operational systems, identifying improvement areas, and recommending cutting-edge solutions for increased efficiency and reliability.
- Awareness of emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, edge computing, virtualization) and how they can be securely implemented in an OT context.
If you are a motivated professional with technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a passion for public transit infrastructure, consider joining BART’s Communications & Controls Department to shape the future of reliable, safe, and efficient transportation in the Bay Area!
Examples of Duties
Performs the most complex computer systems engineering work in the District; plans, reviews and approves computer systems project schedules; assists in strategic planning; prepares status reports; coordinates project resources; communicates with all project participants on relevant issues, identifies and resolves computer engineering issues.
Establishes schedules and methods for providing computer system engineering project services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly.
Participates in the development of policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements approved policies and procedures.
Participates in the review of consultant proposals and designs; recommends awards; conducts or participates in the pre-bid conferences prior to system contract awards.
Determines user requirements for assigned computer systems; determines hardware and software design necessary to accomplish projects; evaluates resources; makes recommendations on systems hardware and software; coordinates procurement.
Prepares analytical and statistical reports on computer systems engineering operations, activities and projects.
Represents the District in public meetings and hearings on proposed projects.
Provides technical computer systems engineering assistance to management, contractors, and other divisions and departments.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of computer systems engineering.
May supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for computer systems engineering projects including software configuration control, simulator testing, quality control, integration, and documentation; as assigned, may oversee the work of outside contractors and consultants.
May participate in the selection of District or contracted engineering staff; provide or coordinate staff training; may work with employees to correct deficiencies; may implement discipline procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer systems, electrical or electronics engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Four (4) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable professional computer systems engineering project experience.
Substitution: Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. A college degree is preferred.
Other Requirements: May be required to work overtime to test hardware and software.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:
- Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive computer systems engineering program.
- Operational characteristics of computer engineering systems including connectivity to multiple systems and locations.
- Computer systems, operations and methodologies.
- Computer and control system hardware and software capabilities.
- Contract preparation and administration.
- Methods and techniques of estimating and scheduling computer system modifications.
- Concepts of real-time systems analysis and programming.
- Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in technical report preparation.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
- Specialized computer programs or systems utilized in project management and design.
- Related procurement practices, procedures and requirements.
- Related Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
- Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Skill in:
- Performing the most complex computer system analysis, design and project management duties.
- Preparing computer systems design criteria, specifications and standards.
- Performing and reviewing complex calculations.
- Analyzing complex technical problems, evaluating alternatives and recommending solutions.
- Interpreting and explaining District policies and procedures.
- Preparing clear, concise and complete reports.
- Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Understanding and following oral and written instructions.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Supervising, organizing and reviewing the work of lower-level staff.
- Selecting, supervising, training and evaluating staff.
Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .
Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.
Highlights
- Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
- Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
- 2% @ 55 (Classic Members)
- 2% @ 62 (PEPRA Members)
- 3% at 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
- 2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
- Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)
- 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65
Closing Date/Time: 2/4/2025 11:59 PM Pacific