Director of Engineering

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro, has retained DeSanti in seeking a Director, Engineering (Geotechnical) to assist in executing Metro’s mission to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for all who live, work and play within LA County.

Oversees technical staff and consultants performing engineering and architectural design services related to large scale transportation projects. This position requires extensive experience in geotechnical engineering design, including knowledge of design criteria of transportation agencies such as Metro or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design Specifications with Caltrans Amendments. The ideal candidate will review geotechnical engineering reports, plans, calculations, and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable design standards and requirements.

• Oversees and manages large-scale engineering and architectural activities for major rail and bus projects to ensure compliance with Metro, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Oversees and administers the design, procurement, construction, and installation of major bus and rail facilities
• Oversees the management of consultant contracts for design, construction, or procurement of facilities and systems equipment
• Negotiates consultant and equipment contracts, including contract changes; oversees change control process
• Participates in the preparation of contract front-end documents
• Directs preparation of feasibility and trade-off studies, engineering reports, and economic analyses
• Administers and monitors work and contracts for compliance with budget, schedule, standards, and objectives
• Reviews consultants plans and specifications for technical adequacy and completeness
• Facilitates resolution of design, construction, third party, and operations problems
• Recommends design activity improvements for efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness
• Interfaces with the various divisions of Metro
• Plans budget and staffing needs and assists in preparing department and project budgets
• Represents Metro before outside agencies
• Prepares and presents reports to management, staff, the Board of Directors, community groups, and government officials
• Serves as chairperson for design reviews and other technical meetings
• Directs, supervises, trains, mentors, and motivates assigned staff
• Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
• May be required to perform other related job duties

• Theories, principles, and practices of applicable disciplines in architectural, civil, mechanical, structural, electrical, or environmental engineering, hazardous waste regulations, and environmental laws
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing environmental, engineering, equipment, construction standards, and rail transit operations
• Project management and control practices
• Financial, analytical, and statistical research and mathematical processes and procedures
• Metro policies and procedures
• Principles of supervision
• Applicable business software applications

• Planning, organizing, and managing large-scale design and construction projects
• Reading, analyzing, and interpreting engineering plans and specifications for large-scale engineering projects
• Preparing complex comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Analyzing data and situations, identifying problems, developing and recommending solutions, and evaluating outcomes; exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
• Negotiating

• Manage projects from start-up to completion
• Think and act independently
• Prioritize and multi-task
• Make financial decisions within a budget
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, budgets, contracts
• Supervise, train, mentor, and motivate…