Head of Innovation Technology

ST - Seattle
401 S Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Salary range is $190K to $340K with a midpoint of $265K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.
Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:
Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement Plans: 401a 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet Insurance.
ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, youll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Sound Transit is seeking a visionary and technically adept Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the strategic direction, development, and operation of our technology infrastructure across both enterprise IT and transit systems (including trains, buses, and stations). The CTO will be responsible for ensuring robust, secure, and scalable infrastructure that supports Sound Transits mission to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation.
This role requires a dynamic leader who can communicate effectively with executive leadership, technical teams, and external stakeholders. The CTO will play a critical role in aligning technology initiatives with organizational goals, driving innovation, and ensuring operational excellence across all infrastructure domains.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
Lead and manage infrastructure strategy and operations across IT systems and transit-related technologies (e.g., onboard systems, signaling, communications, fare collection).
Collaborate closely with the CIO and executive leadership to align technology initiatives with agency-wide strategic goals.
Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of resilient and secure infrastructure systems.
Ensure seamless integration between enterprise IT and operational transit technologies.
Champion modernization efforts, including cloud migration, edge computing, and smart transit technologies.
Foster strong relationships with internal departments, vendors, and regional partners.
Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
Build and mentor high-performing technical teams, promoting a culture of innovation and accountability.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transits Equity & Inclusion Policy.
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience: Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or related field. Ten years experience in senior level IT positions; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Eight years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Proven experience in leading infrastructure and technology operations in a complex, multi-modal environment.
Experience with large-scale infrastructure projects, cross-functional leadership, and modernization of legacy systems.
Requires deep experience in transit operations, technical expertise in rail systems, and strategic planning.
Strong understanding of transit technologies or relevant domains such as transportation systems, industrial automation, smart cities, or public sector infrastructure.
Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to bridge technical and executive audiences.
Demonstrated success in managing large-scale infrastructure projects and cross-functional teams.
Experience with cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and enterprise architecture.
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
Experience in public transportation, rail, or bus systems.
Familiarity with SCADA, ITS, or other operational technology systems.
Knowledge of federal and state transportation regulations and funding mechanisms.
Physical Demands / Work Environment:
Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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