Career Center

Transportation Engineering Manager - Construction

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Salary: $180,048.44 - $218,870.86 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-CC-9180
Closing: 5/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: CA 95134-1927, CA
Department: Transit Engineering
Division: Engineering & Program Delivery

Job Description


Join VTA as a Transportation Engineering Manager and lead the successful delivery of critical capital improvement projects across highway, rail, transit, and facilities programs!
The Engineering & Program Delivery Division:
This division is responsible for the design and construction of all capital projects and infrastructure required to provide a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system for Santa Clara County. These responsibilities include program and project management, design development, engineering management, project controls, construction management and turnover of various projects that are part of VTA's rail, facilities and highway transportation improvement programs.

This division is also responsible for the implementation of the projects identified in the 2000 Measure A Program, which includes the planning, design, and construction of the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector, that connects light rail system to regional transit systems.

What you will be doing:
DefinitionUnder general direction, the Transportation Engineering Manager manages staff engaged in a variety of activities, such as the planning and design of transportation systems and facilities, administering large capital budgets, including supervising consultant services; and performs managerial and administrative duties.
Distinguishing CharacteristicsA position in this classification has direct responsibility for project management and development of VTA projects. This position supervises VTA and consultant staff including mentoring and advising staff, administers large project budgets, and is responsible for projects that range widely in level of complexity, involving management of VTA staff and multiple professional planning, engineering and/or architectural agreements.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an engineering and construction management professional overseeing highway, rail, transit, or facilities program and possess deep expertise in field operations, including contract administration, quality, construction safety, and the supervision of professional staff. The candidate should be skilled at managing constructability reviews, negotiating complex change orders and construction claims. Beyond technical proficiency, the ideal candidate will be a strategic leader securing contractual agreements with agencies and contractors, managing budgets and schedules, ensuring strict compliance with laws and ordinances. In addition, the candidate should have good communication skills necessary to effectively present before board and the public. The candidate shall have the ability to establish policies and procedures, oversee project and program documentation, and monitor consultant performance to ensure successful delivery of critical capital improvement projects.

About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Essential Job Functions


Typical Tasks

• Plans, organizes, and directs the work of professional and technical employees involved with the planning, design, construction, and support of activation of transportation systems including guideways, roadways, systems elements, and other transit facilities;
• Mentors and advises subordinate engineers in the area of career development, rotating section assignments, monitoring training, and related professional growth opportunities;
• Supervises the preparation of resolutions, agreements, and other legal documents and the coordination of legal assistance;
• Confers with staff to establish procedures and design standards and assures that the quality of work performed and professional standards are maintained; and reports to management regarding problems or any necessary process improvements;
• Provides final review of plans, specifications, reports, and other documents prepared by subordinates or outside parties;
• Prepares, reviews, and approves detailed correspondence, reports, and agreements;Confers with VTA management and others in matters pertaining the Division's business plan and other issues;
• Confers with VTA management and others in matters pertaining to the Division's business plan and other issues;
• Administers contracts and approves VTA payments for projects capital costs to consultants;
• Assists in the preparation of divisional budgets;
• Represents VTA before the Board of Directors, California Public Utilities Commission, city councils and other State, Federal, local and regional agencies, boards, and commissions, and before local citizens in public meetings and hearings;
• Coordinates technical information exchanges with officials of other governmental jurisdictions, other transportation facility specialists, and the public;
• Represents VTA in planning, design, construction, and operations related legal and financial issues, contractual matters, and related issues;
• Manages and/or coordinates with various committees and working groups;
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications


Employment StandardsDevelopment of the required skills, knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in engineering and six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in engineering with experience with transportation systems or projects, including at least one year of experience at the Senior Transportation Engineer or comparable level for a transportation agency, public works department, public agency or similar organization.
Registration as a professional engineer or professional architect in the State of California is required at the time of appointment.

Supplemental Information


Knowledge of:

• The methods, materials, and equipment used in the design, construction, and operation of transportation systems and facilities, and other public works projects;
• Transportation planning principles and the design and operation of transportation systems;
• Principles and practices of engineering (within specialty engineering area);
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, and budget management;
• Principles of supervision, training, employee development and motivation and effective discipline;
• Principles and practices of project management, contract administration, contract negotiations, and engineering/architectural design management;
• Construction claim avoidance and claim resolution techniques;
• Laws, ordinances and standards for public works or transit facilities construction;
• Local, regional, State and Federal funding programs and processes;
• Quality control/quality assurance practices in the design and construction industry.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, select, supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of professional and technical personnel, including counseling and disciplining staff, meeting with union representatives, and other management activities;
• Evaluate and monitor consultant performance;
• Make accurate engineering computations;
• Establish and maintain effective organizational structures;
• Direct an integrated team of VTA employees and consultants in the development of transit design projects, and oversee project quality;
• Negotiate contractual agreements with other agencies, utilities, consultants and contractors;
• Prepare and manage budgets and schedules;
• Interpret and enforce laws and ordinances;
• Effectively represent VTA before the Board of Directors, city councils and other Federal, State, local and regional agencies, boards, and commissions, and before local citizens in public meetings and hearings;
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing in the preparation of correspondence and reports;
• Take initiative, define problem areas and evaluate, recommend and implement alternative solutions to complex issues and problems, including engineering/architectural problems;
• Manage one or more of the following capital project phases: development phase, design phase, construction phase, and/or project close-out phase;
• Establish cooperative relations with staff, consultants and contractors, technical committees, community organizations, representatives of Federal, State, regional and city agencies, and the general public.

General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailedin the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it doesnot substitutefor completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:
Oral Panel: End of May

Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List
The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remainin effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.orgat least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.



To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/vtasantaclara/jobs/5291752/transportation-engineering-manager-construction








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