Senior Manager, Mission-Critical Technology Solutions

Job Description:

Senior Manager, Mission-Critical Technology Solutions

Description

SUMMARY

Job Title: Senior Manager, Train Control Systems

Working Title: Senior Manager, Mission-Critical Technology Solutions

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Senior Manager, Mission-Critical Technology Solutions, oversees the operation, administration, support, and continuous enhancement of Positive Train Control (PTC), safety and physical security applications under the general direction of the Director, Mission-Critical Technology Solutions. This role is responsible for managing mission-critical solutions that support safe and efficient rail operations, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability. The position oversees train control applications, safety and physical security systems, and related technologies that enable safe, efficient, and reliable transportation service while enhancing the customer experience.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The classification is not part of a job series.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receives general oversight from director and executive level management
• Responsible for supervising and monitoring performance for a regular group of employees or department
  

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT

• Applications will be reviewed, and those most qualified will be forwarded to the hiring authority for consideration. The first review of applications begins July 13 th , 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Manages departmental services and activities related to Positive Train Control (PTC), train control applications, dispatch systems, and supporting operational platforms, to ensure established availability, reliability, and safety performance targets are met.
• Manages and oversee complex technology applications and service portfolios supporting safety, security, and other mission-critical technology solutions for the agency.
• Manages contractors responsible for routine maintenance and troubleshooting of railroad back-office, safety, and physical security systems in accordance with established service and maintenance agreements.
• Ensures compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and policies governing mission-critical systems; oversees system implementations, upgrades, and testing; and monitors regulatory and legislative developments to drive continuous improvements in safety, reliability, and operational effectiveness.
• Maintains accurate and comprehensive documents and records of application configurations, interfaces, dependencies, and other relevant run-book information.
• Leads root cause analysis and resolution of application and system integration issues.
• Leads Lean and Six Sigma continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads technology product strategy, vision and roadmap development.
• Conducts research on emerging technologies in support of mission-critical solutions; recommends technologies that improve operational performance, increase service reliability, reduce costs, and enhance the delivery of Metrolink services.
• Monitors developing legislation related to assigned areas of responsibility; recommend and implement equipment, practice and procedural improvements.
• Participates in the preparation and administration of assigned program budget; monitors expenditures.
• Communicates with other departments, contractors, consultants, and third parties about requirements and project needs.
• Clearly communicates technology product requirements through epics, stories, and other pertinent documentation.
• Leads planning, backlog refinement, and retrospective activities.
• Monitors and evaluates staff to establish training needs within the department and ensure staff meets objectives and expectations.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports on assigned project operations and activities, including but not limited to memorandums and instructional manuals.
• Respond to emergencies on a 24-hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a week operation.
• Applies Agile methodologies to deliver technology solutions and business value.
• Actively drives the realization of Agency goals and objectives.
• The responsibilities outlined above are representative of the role but not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and reasonable accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Networking, or closely related technology field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of working in a 24/7 operations center environment providing tier 2/3 operational support
• A minimum of five (5) years of work experience managing and supervising personnel, contracts and consultants.
• Experience working with complex operations systems/ software such as dispatch, enterprise management, or other mission-critical systems of software.
• A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate Degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Wabtec TMDS, CAD, BOS, MDM, I-ETMS, or other train control systems
• Experience in railroad operations and have or obtain General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) certification within one year
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• AIPMM Agile Certified Product Manager and Product Owner, Scaled Agile POPM certification, or related certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of :

• Expert level knowledge of the following:
• Current business management theory, concepts, and techniques for process improvement, including benchmarking and reengineering.
• Agile software development methodologies, values, and procedures; design, development, and implementation of software and hardware solutions, systems, or products
• Enterprise applications and closed network environments.
• Rail transportation policies, rules and procedures, and public agency environments.
• Third party agreements, party rights, and indemnifications.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Skilled In :

• Analyzing financial data, cost reports, and general cost estimates.
• Organizational, planning and prioritization
• Strong and effective leadership, team building, communication, and time management

Ability to :

• Maintain relationships with appropriate railroad or functional industry partners. Ensure problems are prevented through analysis, measurement, and process improvements.
• Provide clear direction and policies to eliminate or reduce potential conflicts.
• Write technical scope of work and estimate costs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25 lbs
• Exchange ideas by means of communication
• Visual acuity to detect, identify, and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations

Working Conditions

Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.)

Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA

MEDICAL:

SCRRA offers a choice of health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes.
SCRRA will contribute 87.50 percent and you will contribute 12.50 percent of the premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents.
You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

DENTAL:

SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services.
The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care any-where in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO net-work dental office.
SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents un-der both plans.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

VISION:

SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed.
VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries.
If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS:

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical, dependent care, and commuter parking expenses related to commuting to/from work.
Below are the 2026 contribution limits:
• Health FSA: $3,400 per year
• Dependent Care FSA: $7,500 per household per year for single filers or married couples filing jointly, and $3,750 per year for married couples filing separately
• Commuter Parking Benefit: $340/month
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE:

SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $350,000. Your life insurance benefit will re-duce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70.
IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” sec-tion.
In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT:

SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $350,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maxi-mum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY:

You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI pro-gram. The contribution rate for 2026 is 1.3 percent of earnings (no wage cap).

LONG TERM DISABILITY:

SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.)
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.
INDIVIDUAL DISABILITY INSURANCE (IDI):

SCRRA provides Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) for employees earning more than $200,000 per year. IDI supplements the LTD benefits to ensure that higher earners receive 60 percent of their monthly earnings should they experience a covered disability and are off work. The policy is fully portable, which means that if you leave Metrolink you can retain the policy at your own cost. No medical examinations required.

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS:

SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac:
• Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations.
• Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant.
• Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs as-sociated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit.
• Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.
9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE:

SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program.

TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE:

SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute.

HOLIDAYS:

SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

PAID TIME OFF (PTO):

SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows:
Biweekly Approx. Annual

Years of Service Accrual Rate Equivalent

Through 4 years’ service 7.69 hours 25 (8 hr. days)

5-6 years’ service 9.23 hours 30

7th year service 9.85 hours 32

8th year service 10.16 hours 33

9th year service 10.47 hours 34

10-14 years’ service 10.77 hours 35

15-19 years’ service 11.70 hours 38

20 or more years’ service 12.93 hours 42

At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP):

SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period.

HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES:

SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems.

RETIREMENT PLAN:

The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay an 8.00 percent employee contribution* and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for a service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service.
Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund.
*Subject to increase or decrease based on CalPERS annual actuarial valuation.

SOCIAL SECURITY:

You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare.
Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint re-turn). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above.

RETIREE MEDICAL:

Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.50 percent, and you pay 12.50 percent of the applicable premium.

Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below:

Credited Years of CalPERS Service

Percentage of Contribution

10

50%

11 - 19

50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service

20+

100%

*Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule.

**The state annuitant contribution rates for 2026 are: $1,084 (Retiree Only); $2,057 (Retiree + 1 De-pendent); $2,638 (Retiree + Family).

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN- 457(b):

A percentage of your pay or a specified dollar amount can be contributed to the 457(b) Plan on a pre-tax basis, or an after-tax basis as a Roth contribution. Pre-tax contributions reduce current taxable income, with taxes paid only on withdrawals later. Roth contributions won’t reduce your taxable income and can be withdrawn tax-free if the requirements for a qualified distribution are met.
The 2026 contribution limits for the 457 Plan are below. The contribution limits apply to the combination of pre-tax and Roth contributions.

Normal Limit - $24,500
"Age 50" Catch-up Limit- $8,000 ($32,500 Total)
"Super" Catch-up Limit (Age 60-63)- $11,250 ($35,750 Total)
"Pre- Retirement" Catch- up Limit- $24,500 ($49,000 Total)

TRANSPORTATION PASSES:

You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. How-ever, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair or a TAP card, which will give you access to connecting transportation. Employees who have a business need to ride Metrolink system-wide, including but not limited to the Executive Leadership Team (XLT), will be issued a system-wide Metrolink pass, which can be used on all Metrolink trains and connecting transportation.
You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($340 in 2026). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly maximum. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week.
Employees may purchase a monthly Metrolink pass for their eligible dependents at a fifty percent (50%) discount. The employee’s share of the fare will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck each pay period.
Eligible retirees who retire from Metrolink within one-hundred twenty (120) days of their separation date and have at least five (5) years of Metrolink service will receive a system-wide Metrolink pass for themselves and their eligible dependents as part of their retiree benefits. These system-wide Metrolink passes cannot be used to connect to other public transportation.

OTHER BENEFITS:

Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking.

Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships.

Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union.

Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days.

Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information.

Bereavement Leave -In the event of a death of an employee’s family member (spouse, domestic partner, child, stepchild, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sib-ling, parent-in-law), SCRRA grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, plus up to an additional two (2) days without pay. An employee may use PTO or accrued and available sick leave to provide compensation during the two (2) unpaid days of bereavement leave.
When an employee needs to travel outside the perimeter of the five member agencies’ jurisdictional areas due to the death of an immediate family member, the SCRRA grants a total of up to five (5) working days, with pay.

Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law

Closing Date/Time: 7/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$119,239.00 - $184,822.00 Annually