Senior Engineer/ Senior Capital Project Manager

Description
Overview of Mega Projects, Border and Good Movement
The Mega Projects, Border and Goods Movement Department focuses on delivering complex infrastructure and technology projects in the San Diego region, as well as delivering projects that focus on goods movement and border connectivity. Some of these projects include the SR 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry (OME POE), the LOSSAN Rail Realignment, the Harbor Drive 2.0/Vesta Street Bridge, and the Tolling Back Office System.

Role
The Senior Engineer/ Senior Capital Project Manager will manage the development and implementation of the intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and tolling systems solutions for the new Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and future regional projects. This position will also provide support to advance the Strategic Technology Implementation Division to deploy intelligent transportation solutions that advance the Regional Plan vision.

*This position will be filled at a Senior Engineer or Senior Capital Project Manager level depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate*

Job Responsibilities

• Manage assigned intelligent transportation and tolling systems solutions projects, ensuring alignment with program objectives and adherence to established timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate and lead technical activities related to intelligent transportation and tolling systems solutions project development, including planning and implementation to assist the delivery of the OME POE project, Harbor 2.0/Vesta Street Bridge project, the Managed Lanes and Advancing Border Connectivity projects.
• Coordinate and lead with internal and other department staff to oversee strategic planning and application of the systems engineering process for ITS projects including carrying out key process lifecycle activities. This includes the completion of Concept of operations and system requirements, the analysis of business needs, and resource analysis for ITS project costs and benefits, and system management and operations.
• Manage complex projects; develop project plans, Requests for Proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules; participate in the selection of consultants and vendors; manage consultants and project teams; administer contracts; ensure projects progress on schedule, within the approved budget, and at a consistently high level of quality; ensure projects are completed in adherence to funding agency requirements.
• Support policy advisory committees and working groups; prepare agendas, reports, and meeting summaries; participate in the development of staff recommendations to the committees/working groups.
• Prepare and present written, oral, and visual reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors, Policy Advisory Committees, working groups, community groups, private organizations, members of the public and professional associations.
• Coordinate project activities with inter-departmental and inter-agency multidisciplinary project teams; lead meetings with project teams and develop project partnerships; ensure effective communication of goals, progress, and decisions.
• Participate in project budget development, preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates and budget justifications; monitor and control expenditures as part of the annual SANDAG Program Budget; track expenditures and recommend adjustments as necessary.
• Support forecasting of additional resources needed for staffing, equipment, or supplies related to assigned projects; identify potential risks associated with assigned projects; work with the Principal Engineer to develop mitigation strategies that ensure successful outcomes.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff members working on ITS and Tolling solution projects; collaborate closely with multidisciplinary team members (e.g. planners and engineers) to achieve project objectives.
• Represent assigned projects at meetings with internal departments, elected officials, outside agencies/organizations, or community groups; communicate program goals effectively; provide updates on progress and address inquiries or concerns.
• Analyze the effects of new legislation related to ITS and Tolling delivery programs, projects, and plans. Coordinate project legislation needs with the SANDAG Government Relations team.

Typical Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree with major course work in regional, transportation planning, civil or structural, transportation engineering, or a related field. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of California, or ability to obtain such registration in California, is required for applicants to qualify as a Senior Engineer.
• Minimum of five years of increasingly responsible, professional planning or engineering experience supporting Intelligent Transportation Systems, including two years of supervisory experience.
• Proven experience managing projects, ensuring alignment with program objectives, timelines, and budgets, with a track record of successfully delivering projects on schedule and within financial constraints of managing ITS and Tolling projects.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and current trends related to regional planning, transportation systems management and operations, or ITS systems engineering process.
• Knowledge of advanced principles and practices used for developing and implementing capital improvement projects including, but not limited to, effective project coordination and project management, project planning and scheduling; project resource management; project stakeholder communications; project risk management; project quality assurance; project progress monitoring and reporting; project closure; and project contract management.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations/requirements pertaining to transportation policies, programs, plans, codes, and regulations pertaining to capital projects, including right of way, construction law, environmental requirements, and the California Public Utilities Commission code and General Orders.
• Proven experience in budget development, preparation, and expenditure control.
• Experience conducting technical research, studies, and cost-benefit analyses for ITS elements and programs; experience preparing and presenting project reports and policy recommendations.
• Experience coordinating and delivering complex projects, programs, and services in support of ITS and capital improvement project initiatives; experience monitoring program performance and analyzing outcomes.
• Experience in Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) related to resource planning, milestones, and deliverables.
• Experience administering grant programs; experience assembling, organizing, and submitting grant applications, amendments, and progress reports.
• Experience staffing committees and/or working groups, including the preparation of agendas, reports, and meeting summaries.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including agency and other government officials, consultants, operating agencies, and vendors.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively, to a broad range of audiences; ability to prepare clear and concise technical and informational reports; ability to prepare and deliver presentations and recommendations regarding various program elements to upper management, elected officials, community groups, private organizations, and other audiences.

First review of applications:
October 28 , 2025

*Expected start date:*
December 2025