The Senior Vehicle Systems Engineer (SVSE) will be responsible for solving complex and difficult mechanical engineering problems. They will participate in the repair, overhaul, testing, and evaluation of transit vehicles, mechanical and electromechanical systems, including trucks, car body, hydraulics, pneumatics, couplers, doors, HVAC, brakes, and others. Positions at this level possess a specialized, technical, or functional expertise and may exercise independent judgement in the performance of all duties. The incumbent may perform other duties such as witness testing, documentation review, and supporting shops as assigned by their manager.
The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field and three years of experience in mechanical transit vehicle systems engineering. They will demonstrate high competency in writing reports and technical procedures. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a maintenance shop environment and reviewing technical documentation. In addition, they will have experience working on time-sensitive projects, the ability to express ideas and suggestions, influence without authority, and strong problem-solving skills.
Minimum Qualifications Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
The equivalent of three (3) years of (full-time) professional verifiable electrical or mechanical transit vehicle systems engineering experience or related experience.
Other Requirements:
Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) is preferred.
Working Conditions
Environmental Conditions:
Shop environment; high voltage noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases; office environment.
Physical Conditions:
May require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; working or inspecting in confined spaces; working around heavy construction equipment; must be physically able to conduct field inspections and testing as assigned.
Examples of Duties - Responsible for the more difficult and complex repair, overhaul, evaluation, and reliability of District transit vehicles including electrical, mechanical and electro-mechanical systems and components; investigates and determines the cause of major transit vehicle equipment failures.
- Develops and prepares technical specifications for new and rebuilt transit vehicles and components; oversees the testing and quality assurance of supplier materials.
- Provides technical support to the shops to ensure that the District's revenue fleet's HVAC systems are functioning well.
- Designs and specifies special testing and servicing equipment to troubleshoot and maintain various transit vehicle subsystems.
- Reviews assigned engineering drawings and documents; ensures contract compliance, the use of proper engineering methods and compatibility with other systems.
- Attends design review meetings and presents the District's position on new and rebuilt transit vehicle issues.
- Defines quality assurance criteria and inspection procedures for maintenance and repair of transit vehicles; audits maintenance staff to ensure compliance with standards.
- Determines District requirements for electrical and electro-mechanical subsystems; researches industry standards and incorporates into specifications as applicable.
- Analyzes complex vehicle equipment failures; develops, implements and documents resulting maintenance procedures and equipment design changes.
- Identifies and resolves transit vehicle project issues; resolves or refers to appropriate division.
- Trains assigned employees in their areas of work including vehicle systems engineering methods, procedures and techniques.
- Operates a variety of mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner including electrical, mechanical and electro-mechanical test equipment.
- Reviews and approves/rejects drawings and other technical submittals from car builder for new D and E-car trains.
- Prepares a variety of analytical and statistical reports on program operations and activities.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of transit vehicle systems engineering.