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Job Description
Marketing Statement
Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.
Job Summary
Pay Rate
Non-Represented Pay Band E07
Minimum: $134,993.00 to Maximum: $204,516.00
Starting negotiable salary offer will begin between $134,993.00 and $163,820.00 range, commensurate with qualifications.
Note
This job announcement will be used to establish a list of eligible candidates for vacancies that may occur within the next six (6) months.
Reports To
Principal Computer Systems Engineer
Current Assignment
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Computer Systems Engineer to support and enhance the complex systems that keep the Bay Area moving. As BART advances its priorities in safety, reliability, modernization, and customer experience, this position will play a critical role in ensuring that essential operational technologies perform seamlessly and continue to evolve in alignment with industry’s best practices.
The Systems and Data Analytics Engineering group (SDAE) at BART spans many disciplines including: embedded programming, mechanical control systems, electrical/mechanical engineering, public-facing electronic displays, maintenance-facing HMIs, Programmable Logic Controllers, our data center which runs VMware servers, KAFKA for applications integration, PCI compliant financial processing, cyber-security, and systems health monitoring and data analytics.
Under general direction, the Senior Computer Systems Engineer will serve as a lead technical expert responsible for designing, developing, integrating, and maintaining computer systems that support BART’s mission-critical operations. The incumbent will also lead small teams, provide technical mentorship, and coordinate with cross-disciplinary engineering groups to ensure systemwide integration, performance, and maintainability.
Current operational priorities for this role include:- Modernizing mission-critical operational technologies, including real-time control, monitoring, and data-management systems used across transportation, maintenance, and safety-critical functions.
- Transitioning legacy applications to more secure and scalable environments, such as cloud-integrated architectures, containerization, and automated deployment systems.
- Strengthening cybersecurity and data integrity through enhanced configurations, system logging, monitoring, vulnerability mitigation, and compliance with industry standards.
- Improving system resiliency, reliability, and redundancy, ensuring high availability for 24/7 transit operations.
- Supporting testing, validation, and integration of new technologies, including software upgrades, hardware refreshes, and system enhancements.
- Developing and maintaining technical standards, documentation, and engineering practices that guide long-term systems planning and District-wide improvements.
- Collaborating with stakeholders across Operations, Maintenance, IT, and Engineering to design maintainable solutions and troubleshoot issues impacting service delivery.
The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:- Advanced computer systems engineering, including design, analysis, integration, and support of mission-critical applications and real-time systems.
- Expert-level knowledge of programming languages, operating systems, and system architecture used to support complex operational environments.
- Systems modernization and lifecycle management, including transitioning legacy systems to modern platforms and integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity principles and practices, particularly as they relate to operational technology (OT) and critical infrastructure.
- Troubleshooting and diagnosing system issues, with the ability to rapidly analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
- Technical leadership and project coordination, including guiding lower-level staff, managing competing priorities, and ensuring high-quality project outcomes.
- Clear, concise technical communication, including preparing complex documentation, specifications, reports, and presentations for diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
- Collaboration and stakeholder engagement, fostering effective working relationships across departments, teams, and operational units.
Selection Process
Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes.
The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and a panel and/or individual interview. The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S; pass a pre-employment medical examination which may include a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).
Application Process
External applicants may only apply online, at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by calling (510) 464-6112 .
Current employees are strongly encouraged to apply online, either at www.bart.gov/jobs, or on WebBART. Current employees may also apply using a BART paper application by delivering the completed form to the Human Resources Department, or by mailing it to P. O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604-2688.
All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties. Online applicants are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application form itself.
Applications must be complete by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement.
This recruitment is seeking to fill one vacancy.
Examples of Duties
Performs advanced computer systems engineering duties in control of the development, modification, installation and maintenance of the District's computerized equipment and systems; designs and tests computer control systems; monitors relative systems operations; provides direction to programmers and installation staff.
Resolves complex computer systems malfunctions; analyzes and determines cause, takes corrective actions; recommends system modifications as required.
Performs system database maintenance duties including analysis of space usage, backup, recovery and performance tuning recovery; reorganizes database configuration; maintains multiple database versions to support production and systems development operations; maintains and supports online and offline databases in multiple locations.
Analyzes District plant engineering changes; determines requirements for database updates; analyzes impact on other subsystems.
Prepares plant for short- and long-term modifications to existing computer systems; prepares cost benefit analysis and estimates for computer system projects.
Designs hardware and software modifications to control and data collection systems; prepares equipment specifications and procurement contracts.
Develops computer operating manuals and test procedures; prepares computer hardware and software installation, modification, and testing.
Develops and modifies various complex programming codes and scripts; acts as liaison between the District and software consultants and equipment manufacturers.
Provides technical computer systems engineering support for various departments throughout the District in the maintenance of computer systems operations; analyzes user requirements; provides software or hardware solutions.
Prepares a variety of technical reports, manuals, specifications, drawings and correspondence relevant to project areas.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of computer systems engineering.
As assigned, may participate in training assigned employees in their areas of work including computer systems engineering design methods, procedures and techniques.
Minimum Qualifications
Education :
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in computer systems, electronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience :
The equivalent of three (3) years of (full-time equivalent) professional verifiable experience in computer systems engineering.
Substitution :
Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. A college degree is preferred.
Other Requirements :
May be required to work overtime to test hardware and software.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of :- Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive computer systems engineering program
- Operational characteristics of computer systems and their sub-components
- Computer programming languages and operating systems used in a variety of systems and real time applications
- Methods and techniques of estimating and scheduling computer system modifications
- Methods and techniques of programming and testing computer systems and applications
- Operational characteristics of a variety of databases and operational systems
- Methods and techniques of database management and administration
- Computer hardware and software equipment and materials
- Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in technical report preparation
- Advanced mathematical principles
- Current office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers
- Principles of lead supervision and training
- Related Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
- Developing, reviewing, and modifying complex computer systems
- Leading, organizing and reviewing the work of lower level computer systems staff
- Independently performing the most difficult computer systems engineering work
- Reading and understanding technical drawings and specifications
- Performing database management and administration duties
- Interpreting and explaining District policies and procedures
- Preparing complex computer hardware and software designs
- Monitoring project budgets and schedules
- Preparing computer programs, test procedures and operating manuals
- Troubleshooting and diagnosing computer system malfunctions
- Preparing and interpreting computer hardware specifications
- Analyzing complex technical problems, evaluating alternatives, and recommending solutions
- Conducting software tests and debugging procedures
- Understanding and following oral and written instructions
- Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including District officials and the general public
Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .
Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.
Highlights- Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
- Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
- 2% @ 55 (Classic Members)
- 2% @ 62 (PEPRA Members)
- 3% at 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
- 2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
- Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)
- Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)
- 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65
- Deferred Compensation & Roth 457
- Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year)
- Vacation Accruals (3-6 weeks based on time worked w/ the District)
- Holidays: 9 observed holidays and 5 floating holidays
- Life Insurance w/ ability to obtain additional coverage
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Survivor Benefits through BART
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care
- Commuter Benefits
- Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.
Closing Date/Time: 11/28/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Show moreThe BART story began in 1946. It began not by governmental fiat, but as a concept gradually evolving at informal gatherings of business and civic leaders on both sides of the San Francisco Bay. Facing a heavy post-war migration to the area and its consequent automobile boom, these people discussed ways of easing the mounting congestion that was clogging the bridges spanning the Bay. In 1947, a joint Army-Navy review Board concluded that another connecting link between San Francisco and Oakland would be needed in the years ahead to prevent intolerable congestion on the Bay Bridge. The link? An underwater tube devoted exclusively to high-speed electric trains.
Since 1911, visionaries had periodically brought up this Jules Verne concept. But now, pressure for a traffic solution increased with the population. In 1951, the State Legislature created the 26-member San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission, comprised of representatives from each of the nine counties which touch the Bay. The Commission's charge was to study the Bay Area's long range transportation needs in the context of environmental problems and then recommend the best solution.
The Commission advised, in its final report in 1957, that any transportation plan must be coordinated with the area's total plan for future development. Since no development plan existed, the Commission prepared one itself. The result of their thoroughness is a master plan which did much to bring about coordinated planning in the Bay Area, and which was adopted a decade later by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
The BART Concept is Born
The Commission's least-cost solution to traffic tie-ups was to recommend forming a five-county rapid transit district, whose mandate would be to build and operate a high-speed rapid rail network linking major commercial centers with suburban sub-centers.The Commission stated that, "If the Bay Area is to be preserved as a fine place to live and work, a regional rapid transit system is essential to prevent total dependence on automobiles and freeways."
Thus was born the environmental concept underlying BART. Acting on the Commission's recommendations, in 1957, the Legislature formed the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, comprising the five counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo. At this time, the District was granted a taxing power of five cents per $100 of assessed valuation. It also had authority to levy property taxes to support a general obligation bond issue, if approved by District voters. The State Legislature lowered the requirement for voter approval from 66 percent to 60 percent.
Between 1957 and 1962, engineering plans were developed for a system that would usher in a new era in rapid transit. Electric trains would run on grade-separated right-of-ways, reaching maximum speeds of 75-80 mph, averaging perhaps 45 mph, including station stops. Advanced transit cars, with sophisticated suspensions, braking and propulsion systems, and luxurious interiors, would be strong competition to "King Car " in the Bay Area. Stations would be pleasant, conveniently located, and striking architectural enhancements to their respective on-line communities.
BART employees in the 1970s.
Hundreds of meetings were held in the District communities to encourage local citizen participation in the development of routes and station locations. By midsummer, 1961, the final plan was submitted to the supervisors of the five District counties for approval. San Mateo County Supervisors were cool to the plan. Citing the high costs of a new system-plus adequate existing service from Southern Pacific commuter trains - they voted to withdraw their county from the District in December 1961.
With the District-wide tax base thus weakened by the withdrawal of San Mateo County, Marin County was forced to withdraw in early 1962 because its marginal tax base could not adequately absorb its share of BART's projected cost. Another important factor in Marin's withdrawal was an engineering controversy over the feasibility of carrying trains across the Golden Gate Bridge.
BART had started with a 16-member governing Board of Directors apportioned on county population size: four from Alameda and San Francisco Counties, three from Contra Costa and San Mateo, and two from Marin. When the District was reduced to three counties, the Board was reduced to 11 members: four from San Francisco and Alameda, and three from Contra Costa. Subsequently, in 1965, the District's enabling legislation was changed to apportion the BART Board with four Directors from each county, thus giving Contra Costa its fourth member on a 12-person Board. Two directors from each county, hence forth, were appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The other two directors were appointed by committees of mayors of each county (with the exception of the City and County of San Francisco, whose sole mayor made these appointments).
The five-county plan was quickly revised to a three-county plan emphasizing rapid transit between San Francisco and the East Bay cities and suburbs of Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The new plan, elaborately detailed and presented as the "BART Composite Report, " was approved by supervisors of the three counties in July 1962, and placed on the ballot for the following November general election.
The plan required approval of 60 percent of the District's voters. It narrowly passed with a 61.2 percent vote District-wide, much to the surprise of many political experts who were confident it would fail. Indeed, one influential executive was reported to have said: "If I'd known the damn thing would have passed, I'd never have supported it. "
The voters approved a $792 million bond issue to finance a 71.5 mile high-speed transit system, consisting of 33 stations serving 17 communities in the three counties. The proposal also included another needed transit project: rebuilding 3.5 miles of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. The new line would link muni streetcar lines directly with BART and Market Street stations, and four new Muni stations would be built.
The additional cost of the transbay tube -- estimated at $133 million -- was to come from bonds issued by the California Toll Bridge Authority and secured by future Bay Area Bridge revenues. The additional cost of rolling stock, estimated at $71 million, was to be funded primarily from bonds issued against future operating revenues. Thus, the total cost of the system, as of 1962, was projected at $996 million. It would be the largest single public works project ever undertaken in the U.S. by the local citizenry.
After the election, engineers immediately started work on the final system designs, only to be halted by a taxpayer's suit filed against the District a month later. The validity of the bond election, and the legality of the District itself, were challenged. While the court ruled in favor of the District on both counts, six months of litigation cost $12 million in construction delays. This would be the first of many delays from litigation and time-consuming negotiations involving 166 separate agreements reached with on-line cities, counties, and other special districts. The democratic processes of building a new transit system would prove to be major cost factors that, however necessary, were not foreseen.
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