Engineer Senior

ABOUT THE ROLE The Senior Engineer plans, organizes, reviews, and directs engineering work performed by consultants and departmental staff, providing advanced technical expertise for the development, design, and delivery of rail transit projects. Assigned to the Silver Line Light Rail project, this role pursues funding under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. The position provides technical oversight and cross-disciplinary coordination to ensure compliance with regulatory, design, safety, quality, cost, and schedule requirements. Employees hired will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and transition to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) on January 1, 2027, with no break in service. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Oversee engineering activities for light rail infrastructure, systems, and facilities, including trackwork, civil/structural elements, stations, utilities, and rail systems. - Serve as technical subject matter expert reviewing consultant and contractor engineering submittals, drawings, calculations, and specifications. - Ensure project compliance with FTA CIG requirements, including environmental commitments, design criteria, risk management, and project controls. - Coordinate organizational and stakeholder review of major project milestones, design submittals, and construction bid documents. - Support development and maintenance of FTA-required documents such as the Project Management Plan, Quality Program, and Safety and Security Certification Plan. - Collaborate with internal departments, municipal agencies, utility companies, regulatory bodies, and community stakeholders. - Resolve design conflicts and provide engineering guidance for constructability, operational efficiency, maintainability, and lifecycle value. - Evaluate and respond to development and property owner inquiries along the Silver Line corridor. - Participate in contract procurement, evaluating proposals, and supporting contract negotiations. - Monitor construction activities, support field engineering, and resolve technical issues, including change management. - Assist in identifying, evaluating, communicating, and mitigating project risks. - Prepare engineering reports, presentations, and documentation for agency leadership and FTA representatives. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Bachelor's degree in engineering, or a related field. 2. Professional Engineer (PE) license. 3. 10 years of relevant engineering experience in transportation, infrastructure, or transit projects. 4. Demonstrated experience working on multidisciplinary engineering projects requiring coordination across teams. 5. Excellent written and oral communication skills. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Preferred qualifications include experience with rail transit or major transportation capital projects, managing consultants or contractors, FTA CIG program requirements, public outreach, and familiarity with NEPA, environmental permitting, and safety/security certification processes. - Must adhere to CATS Safety Culture and report safety concerns. SELECTION PROCESS - Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. - Background checks will be conducted, including reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, credit history, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle records checks, in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). - Candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments during the selection process. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via the City of Charlotte careers portal. - Self-service application kiosks are available at the Human Resources Department lobby (700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202), Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. - For questions, email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us. - Reasonable accommodations can be requested via the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or by calling 704.336.4120. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Charlotte, NC - Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department - Job Requisition ID: JR104500 - Time Type: Full time - Application End Date: September 29, 2026 - Transition Note: Employees will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and transition to Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) employment on January 1, 2027, with no break in service. - Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or gender expression. It is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.