TriMet Vehicle Engineering, part of the Engineering and Construction Division, is looking for a Principal Project Manager to support new and existing projects.

Vehicle Engineering not only leads the procurement of TriMet's shiny new light rail vehicles for system expansions and vehicle replacements, but also manages decommissioning of retiring rail vehicles and supports an existing fleet of 149 LRVs and six commuter rail cars. Our team ensures new vehicles are designed and built to our specifications and holds our suppliers to a high standard of quality. As existing equipment ages it takes tenacity and creative problem solving to ensure TriMet maintains a high standard of safety and reliability over the decades the vehicles remain in service, this includes planning and executing major subsystem retrofits as part of our capital improvement program.

Our department works closely with rail maintenance, rail transportation, operations engineering, safety, information technology, engineering and construction civil teams, and program management to ensure excellent service to the riding public.

Your role as Project Manager, Principal, is to work alongside a diverse group of engineers and deliver a portfolio of vehicle engineering projects. The scope and scale of the projects vary from vehicle acquisitions, retrofits, modifications, reverse engineering of obsolete components, evaluating vehicle performance, to working alongside IT to develop and deploy cutting-edge rail vehicle technology.

This position will perform principal level project manager duties in support of TriMet's rail vehicle workgroup as a fully competent and experienced project manager. Duties include development of specifications, review of contractor submittals, coordination of schedules, monitoring inspection and approval of work, testing of equipment and systems, and administration of contracts. Acts as a technical specialist within the vehicle engineering discipline. Ensures that projects are completed within budgets and schedule constraints or ensures changes are managed within established agency processes. Ensures that projects meet safety, quality, diversity and sustainability goals. Ensures coordination with all internal and external stakeholders.

The Project Manager has a high level of independence, judgement, and autonomy. Assignments may require independent evaluation, analysis, selection, adaptation, and modification of standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to successfully design and deliver assigned projects.

Position works independently with limited supervision from a group manager and requires the ability to exercise sound independent judgement within established guidelines.

All work is done under the supervision of a licensed professional in the State of Oregon.

This is a limited-term position, scheduled to end on 6/30/2027, but it may be extended as required to support TriMet business needs. 

This role is performed in-person in Portland, Oregon.

Ensure a commitment to safety through effective leadership, role modeling and implementing practices that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value and a priority in all aspects of work. Perform related duties as required.

Serve as a good steward of TriMet by regularly utilizing our transit system to maintain a strong and current understanding of customers' experiences and of TriMet's product and service offerings.  

Essential Functions

1.  Develop requirements, specifications, design criteria, engineering standards, test procedures and schematics/drawings for all aspects of rail vehicle systems and associated hardware. All design work will be performed under the supervision of a Professional Engineer, licensed in the State of Oregon. 

2.  Evaluate the functional feasibility, design, and reliability of various electrical and mechanical systems, equipment, and hardware associated with existing and future rail vehicles. Review product and systems submittals for compliance with contract requirements and TriMet criteria. Coordinates with other TriMet engineers, staff, and consultants to ensure compatible designs. 

3.  Administer or assist with the administration of various contracts relating to the procurement, installation, testing and start-up of rail vehicles and vehicle related systems, hardware, software and equipment. Write contractual correspondence, interpret contractual requirements, and monitor and report contractor progress. Manage scope, schedule, budget, and quality of assigned work.

4.  Oversees and coordinates contractor work to ensure proper scheduling of activities and minimal impact to on-going TriMet rail operations. Perform inspections, monitor progress, report on quality of work, and document daily progress. 

5.  Witness, document and provide approval of testing of various rail vehicle systems and equipment. Assist in troubleshooting problems that occur during testing. 

6.  Coordinate with rail operations on design and construction of rail vehicle improvement projects. 

7.  Perform engineering analyses, write technical reports, and make recommendations, as required.

8. Represent TriMet at interagency meetings and proceedings as technical expert. Attend project meetings, prepare materials, and make presentations as necessary. Represent the Vehicle Engineering department as directed. 

9. Oversee or provide contract change management per TriMet’s established processes including the production of fair cost estimates, cost engineering studies, and cost forecasts required to support negotiations of change orders. 

10. Independently prepare technical reports, progress reports, special studies, and cost estimates as necessary. 

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Rail Vehicle, Structural Engineering is required.   

Professional Engineer registered the State of Oregon is desired.   

A Project Management Professional is preferred.

Six (6) years total credited experience in Project Management or Engineering is required.

Two (2) years of experience in Transportation, rail or bus transit, aerospace or automotive experience is preferred.

Two (2) years of experience in large scale projects/ programs is preferred.

 Or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

*The amount of credit a candidate receives for prior years of experience is based on the relevancy of that experience to the required or preferred prerequisites of the job description. Experience is prorated based on hours worked. LRHR assigns and validates the "credited experience".

About TriMet

TriMet provides bus, light rail and commuter rail transit services in the Portland, Oregon, metro area. We connect people with their community, while easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution — making the Portland area a better place to live.

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