Assistant/ Associate Transportation Engineer - Toll Systems and Traffic Engineering

Ready to challenge yourself and turn your innovative ideas into impactful solutions? Join our growing Silicon Valley Express Lanes Program team, where you'll play a key role in operations and implementation of express lanes that make a real difference.

Ideal Candidate

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a transformative transportation initiative and make a direct, lasting impact on transportation infrastructure projects that will shape the future of mobility in Santa Clara County and beyond.

The ideal candidate for the Assistant/ Associate Transportation Engineer role will have a good understanding of Transportation Engineering or Systems Engineering, coupled with a genuine passion for the emerging field of Electronic Toll Systems (ETS). This individual will play a critical role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of express lanes, ensuring smooth operations, and coordinating regular maintenance meetings with the System Integrator (SI). They will collaborate extensively with both internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless operations and promptly address any maintenances needs.

The candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams and play an integral role in the planning, design, and implementation of upcoming phases of express lanes projects, ensuring the project meets system requirements. The candidate will be eager to take on increasing levels of responsibility, adapt to new challenges, and contribute to the ongoing success and growth of VTA’s express lanes program.

This position may be filled at different levels depending on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and business needs. Title and compensation will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s background.

Assistant Transportation Engineer
Salary: $116,602.00 - $141,792.00/ annually
Definition
Under general supervision, an Assistant Transportation Engineer performs professional engineering duties in connection with the location, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of transportation systems and related projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the second professional transportation engineering level. Incumbents perform moderately complex assignments and exercise some latitude for independent judgment. Incumbents at this level may be assigned specific projects with minimal supervision. Additionally, incumbents may direct the work of lower level engineers, technicians, and others who assist in specific project assignments. Incumbents may occasionally lead smaller, short-term projects or studies of limited scope.

This class is distinguished from the entry level class of Junior Transportation Engineer in that incumbents of the latter class perform entry level professional engineering duties under close supervision.

Associate Transporation Engineer
Salary: $135,696.00 - $164,882.00 Annually
Definition
Under direction, the Associate Transportation Engineer supervises and performs responsible professional, field and office engineering work in connection with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of transportation systems and projects; and to participate in a variety of services and special studies requiring the application of professional knowledge and skills.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the journey-level class in the professional transportation engineer series. Associate Transportation Engineers typically perform more difficult or complex engineering work, using independent judgment, and typically serve as the project lead, providing lead supervision to lower level professional and technical staff on a project basis.

The Associate Transportation Engineer is distinguished from the next higher level of Senior Transportation Engineer in that the latter class has full supervisory responsibility over staff and consultants of a major unit or program.

Classification Bargaining Unit: TAEA

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, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.  

To learn more, go to: vta.org.  

Typical Tasks

• Performs drafting, engineering computations, research report writing, direction of field operations involved in the gathering and compiling of data for the planning, design, and construction of transportation systems and projects;
• Performs technical reviews of design plans and contracts specifications, engineering cost estimates, construction schedules and engineering studies of transportation systems and projects;
• Assists in the planning for and design of new, or improvements to, fixed guideways, transit, highway, bicycle, airport and other facilities by preparing plans, profiles, cross sections, making quantity estimates, computing stresses and strains and performing other professional engineering tasks;
• Prepares and review maps, right of way deeds and legal descriptions;
• Inspects the construction of projects;
• Takes field tests, and gather samples for laboratory tests of materials;
• Writes engineering specification;
• Makes cost and quantity estimates;
• Reviews and approves DBE work progress, contractor's payroll, contract compliance reports and extra work reports;
• Composes and reviews Request for Proposal (RFP), or similar documents, for vendor selection;
• Utilizes AutoCAD and other appropriate software;
• Performs related work as required.

Supplemental Tasks

• Coordinate with the System Integrator (SI) regarding maintenance activities, including preparing purchase requisitions, independent cost estimates, and maintenance contracts. This includes assigning and tracking work activities and schedules, as well as delegating tasks.
• Participate in the development and selection process for requests for proposals (RFPs) related to the development, delivery, and operation of Express Lanes.
• Coordinate and review VTA consultants’ progress related to System Design Documents, ensuring that all project deliverables are completed on time and meet the highest quality standards.
• Provide guidance in the development of project deliverables, such as scopes of work, technical approach, schedule, civil design collaboration, and commissioning of toll systems.
• Assist during the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), System Site Acceptance Test (SSAT), and System Performance Evaluation and Approval processes.
• Collect and analyze traffic and toll revenue data to assess system performance and accuracy.
• Prepare Board memos and presentations, as well as regular quarterly and annual monitoring reports.
• Perform roadside ETS hardware inspections with the SI, and coordinate the lifecycle replacement of ETS equipment.
• Conduct regular travel time studies and traffic related studies as required.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with Santa Clara County’s transportation system, including key infrastructure and traffic patterns.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new, system-specific software applications.
• Ability to drive on freeways and conduct field inspections and data collection.
• Understanding of traffic engineering concepts, including traffic flow analysis, and roadway design.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment, managing tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Strong communication skills, able to effectively present ideas and findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy when working on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Willingness to take initiative and seek continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

Employment Standards
Graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in engineering or possession of a valid Engineer-In-Training certificate and two years professional engineering experience on transportation systems or projects.Knowledge of:

• Transportation Planning principles;
• Principles and practices of engineering design as related to transportation systems and projects;
• Engineering mathematics and its application to engineering problems, stress analysis, mechanical, and properties of materials;
• Construction methods, equipment, and inspection;
• Engineering economics;
• Engineering drafting and mapping;
• Contract and technical specification preparation and interpretation;
• Computer systems and programs;
• Basic principles of project management;

Ability to:

• Apply engineering principles and practices to the solution of engineering problems;
• Perform professional engineering work of average complexity in the planning and design of transportation facilities and projects, and in special engineering studies and reviews;
• Interpret and prepare drawings and specifications;
• Read and interpret real property descriptions;
• Make difficult engineering mathematical calculations quickly, neatly and accurately;
• Conduct engineering studies and evaluations and write clear and concise reports;
• Keep accurate records;
• Analyze technical problems and make recommendations;
• Operate computers and computer-aided drafting equipment;
• Prepare Request for Proposal (RFP) for vendor selection;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Application Deadline: 
Initial application screening will start Monday, Jan 27th, 2025. 

What’s in it for You?

Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.  

Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees  

Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents  

Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents  

Leave:  17 days of vacation (accrued), 80 Hours of sick time (accrued), 12 paid holidays per year, and 1 floating holiday per year. 

Retirement:  

- Participation in CalPERS  

• Classic Members: 2%@55
• PEPRA Members: 2%@62

- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)  

•  457 pre-tax 
• 457 Roth 
• Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees

- Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree’s medical premium  

Additional perks: 

- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.  

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

- Tuition Reimbursement  

- Professional Development Fund  

- Wellness Programs  

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  

General Instructions

Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.  

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.  

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.  

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.  

Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.  

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations  

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org. 

 Application Processing Information  

All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.  

All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.  

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.  

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.  

Eligible Lists typically remain in 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. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.  

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.  

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship. 

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. 

Salary : $116,602 - $141,792