Design Manager

Posted: 05/10/2025

Design Manager
The Design Manager will work under the direction of the Chief Program Manager and support the Director of Capital Programs. The design manager directs, supervises, plans, coordinates, reviews, and ensures compliance of engineering and design activities for all agency programs and projects. This position performs the most complex work and problem solving, involved in design and engineering functions. Agency projects include roads, bridges, structures, tunnels, buildings, elevators, track, signals, stations, parking facilities, bike pedestrian improvements, electrical, HVAC, and solar and installations. Much of the engineering work is in and around the operating freight railroad right-of-way.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES IN ALL ASSIGNMENTS This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this position.
1. Directs and manages the capital project engineering and design effort by directly interfacing with the lead agency personnel for each project, relevant agency departments, design/right-of-way/construction management consultants and outside stakeholders.
2. Oversees the production of contract documents including plans, specifications, cost estimates, manuals, and related documents; and makes the procedural changes necessary to keep projects in compliance.
3. Reviews and signs engineering drawings, contract documents change work orders and purchase orders (as needed); provides engineering services and advice in support of design and construction management projects; provides contract oversight for consultant services.
4. Forecasts engineering and design workload and resolves design issues in an expeditious manner to keep projects on schedule.
5. Reports on design and engineering efforts and supports the Chief Program Manager in achieving program-wide consistency.
6. Performs all other duties as assigned or required

MI N I M U M JOB REQU I R EM EN TS Minimum Education, Certifications, and Experience • Bachelor's degree from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited university. A Master’s degree in engineering is preferred. • Minimum 7 years of related job experience with full responsibility for managing large and complex design projects through all phases of design. • Minimum three years of experience must have included design management of engineering employees across multiple departments or programs. • Multidisciplinary experience preferred. • Current and active California Professional Engineering License as a Civil Engineer is required. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Principles and practices of engineering as applied to roads, bridges, structures, tunnels, buildings, elevators, track, signals, stations, parking facilities, bike and pedestrian improvements, electrical, HVAC, and solar installations. • Methods and techniques used in design and engineering processes. • Principles and practices for developing project designs, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and schedules. • Applicable Federal, State and Local laws regulations and codes related to the development and construction of transit and rail related projects. • Methods of project and program management. • Principles and practices of organization administration, forecasting, and consultant management. • Computerized project tracking and design, and engineering software programs. • Deliver projects effectively and meet firm deadlines. • Manage engineering and construction consultants. • Write and edit engineering reports and staff reports for board meetings. • Comprehend and explain technical and legal materials. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff stakeholders and general public. • Identify negotiate and resolve problems. • Work on multiple projects or issues simultaneously under tight deadlines • Utilize a personal computer and associated program and project management software programs at AI technical level. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in reporting and data collection. • Experience approaching new market intelligence gathering. • Strong sense of trends with the ability to recall data insights when needed. • Ability to synthesize complex information and provide summaries in written form and oral presentations. • Enthusiasm to learn about passenger rail, corridor communities, and trends in transportation. • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse array of people.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle crisis situations with tact and professionalism. • Focused, reliable, and self-directed with a positive attitude, solutions-oriented mindset, and ability to be flexible when needed. Other Requirements Positions in this class may also require: • Frequent driving within the ACE and San Joaquin Corridors. Must possess a valid California Driver’s License while driving. • Irregular work hours.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Indicate the appropriate physical requirements of this job in the course of a shift. Working Conditions/ General Activity The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Positions in this class typically require: • Work may be performed in a stressful, fast-paced office environment, depending upon assignment. • Ability to understand verbal communication and to respond effectively. • Frequent reaching, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions, lift/push/pull light to moderate weight, 15-30lbs and occasional heavier weight 30-50lbs. • Standing and/or sitting for long periods of time. • May be exposed to dust and/or various outdoor environmental conditions. Positions in this class may also include these factors: − Hazardous physical conditions − Intense noise. − Travel

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION General Benefits Package San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (Rail Commission) offers an attractive benefits package, including: • Retirement: The Rail Commission contributes the equivalent of 15% of all regular full-time employee’s base salary to a defined contribution plan (401(a); five-year vesting program. • Deferred Compensation: All regular full-time employees may contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis to a defined contribution plan (457), up to the maximum allowable under IRS rules. • Medical Insurance: Employees have the choice of PPO or HMO plans. The Commission pays 100% of the employee coverage and 70% of eligible dependent coverage. • Vision Insurance: PPO Plan. The Commission pays 100% of the employee coverage and 70% of eligible dependent coverage. • Dental Insurance: PPO Plan. The Rail Commission pays 100% of the employee coverage and 70% of eligible dependent coverage. • Life Insurance: 100% of base salary up to $200,000 of coverage paid for by the Rail Commission. Employee pays 100% of dependent life. Employee Basic Life benefit is reduced to 35% at Age 65 and 15% at Age 70. • AD&D: The Rail Commission pays 100% of premium for employee. • Long-Term Disability: The Commission pays 100% of premium for employee. • Supplemental Benefits: Supplemental benefits are offered through Allstate and are paid 100% by employee. Accrued Time Off (Years of continuous service) / Vacation / Holiday / Sick Leave / EAP • Date of hire through the 3rd year 80 hours • 4th year through 8th year 120 hours • 9th year through 14th year 160 hours • 15th year and thereafter 200 hours • Agency contribution equivalent of 1% of employee’s base salary to a defined contribution plan (457) • 40 Hours of Administrative Leave/Year • Holidays: 12 paid regular holidays per year. 4 paid floating holidays per year accrued at the rate of one (1) day per fiscal quarter. Floating holidays may be accumulated up to a maximum of six (6) days • Sick Leave: 12 days per year. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The Rail Commission has an EAP available to all employees at no cost.

Selection Process SJRRC seeks to employ persons whose backgrounds and abilities enhance the diversity of the demographics of the community it serves. The selection process is based on merit, and shall extend to all candidates a fair, impartial examination of qualifications based on job-related criteria. Applicants best matching the requirements of the position will be invited to an initial interview and an assessment, if applicable. Applicants successful in the assessment and initial interview may be asked to return for additional interviews as warranted. Candidate will be required to successfully complete a background report and may be required to complete a physical examination and drug and alcohol test, prior to employment. San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) has a strong commitment to the community we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. SJRRC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees who need them because of a disability or to practice or observe their religion, absent undue hardship To Apply To view current employment opportunities or to apply, please click on the following link: Employment Opportunities - San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (sjrrc.com) To download the employment application, please click on the following link: SJRRC Employment Application Applications may also be picked up from the address below. Resumes and employment applications may be submitted by email to hr@sjrrc.com or mailed to: San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Attn: Human Resources 949 East Channel Street Stockton, CA 95202 PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must submit both a resume and employment application to be considered. SJRRC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. Click here to view SJRRC’s EEO Policy Statement. For more information about SJRRC, please visit www.sjrrc.com. For more information about ACE, please visit www.acerail.com. For more information about SJJPA, please visit www.sjjpa.com. For more information about Amtrak San Joaquins, please visit www.amtraksanjoaquins.com. Signature required upon hire I have read this job description and understand the information outlined above. Employee Name (Please Print) Employee Signature/Date