Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

 

We are proud to be recognized as:

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

 

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Senior Director - Engineering (7101).    

 

Opening Date: 02/11/2026

Closing Date: 02/18/2026

Job Grade: SAM 43

Salary Range: $125,762.00-$157,196.00       

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

EXISTING VEHICLES 
This position is responsible for providing definition and coordination associated with diverse engineering management assignments that are considered to be high complexity in size and scope. This position provides senior technical expertise and management for complex engineering assignments, personnel supervision, failure and incident analyses development, equipment design, manufacturing support, and detailed engineering for all aspects of assigned bus and utility vehicle fleets. This position establishes employee goals, conducts performance reviews, and provides supervision to assigned direct reports. 

NEW VEHICLES 
Responsible for directing and overseeing all aspects of the planning, design and procurement of new automotive vehicles (Bus & Utility) for SEPTA, which includes managing subordinate staff in the New Automotive Vehicle Engineering Group.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

NEW VEHICLES (Bus & Utility)

1. Develops fleet management and replacement strategies in conjunction with capital planning operations and other departments within SEPTA.
2. Oversees development vehicle requirements and writing of specifications for new vehicles in cooperation with other SEPTA departments.
3. Overall responsibility for supervising SEPTA resources associated with the procurement of new automotive rolling stock (bus & utility), and working with other SEPTA departments to ensure projects meet budget requirements.
4. Establishes staffing levels – both internal and contracted – necessary to support vehicle acquisition programs.
5. Supervises and manages vehicle design reviews.
6. Directs and coordinates the activities of SEPTA departments to support the acquisition of new vehicles including vehicle delivery and testing, fleet integration,  – and retirement of existing equipment, preparation of maintenance facilities, training of maintenance and operating personnel, procurement of initial capital spares and spare parts required for routine maintenance, development of maintenance procedures and support documentation, warranty administration, etc..
7. Maintains key project documentation including periodic project reports, master schedule, budget and expenditure profiles, construction change and field modification logs, correspondence logs, test records, etc.
8. Prepares program status reports as required to present to management showing construction, budget and schedule highlights and potential risks.

SPECFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

EXISTING VEHICLES

• Supervises Automotive Equipment Engineering section activities and personnel through assignment of tasks, setting priorities, establishing target dates and regularly, interacting with staff to track progress and provide guidance.
• Oversees the planning, development and implementation of designs, specifications and standards for Authority automotive vehicles (bus & utility) including conduct of studies, surveys and cost estimates for vehicle modifications and overhauls.
• Develops fleet maintenance, upgrade and overhaul strategies in conjunction with equipment maintenance and other departments within SEPTA.
• Provides technical suppo1i and direction for vehicle and vehicle system development and upgrades to ensure vehicle reliability and availability requirements are achieved.
• Directs the investigation of equipment problems which do not respond to normal maintenance procedures and develops programs for collective action and/or new engineering projects in conjunction with the equipment maintenance department.
• Provides technical expertise and supervision related to procuring, maintaining, programming, modifying and upgrading vehicle systems and subsystems such as propulsion, brake, suspension, doors, diagnostic/communications and HVAC.
• Assigns, oversees and approves staff work products which include items such as automotive engineering bulletins, procedures, drawings, specifications, modification instructions, manuals, prototypes and material evaluations.
• Develops and manages section budget. Establishes and tracks individual employee goals. Administers performance evaluations. Issues status reports.
• Performs project management contracts involving design, test, supply, and installation of systems and equipment on automotive vehicles.
• Coordinates support to Procurement & Contracts Depa11ment with technical support in procurement of equipment for assigned automotive fleets (bus & utility).
• Assists other departments with technical support, such as incident, failure, and safety analyses.
• Works closely with appropriate state and federal-level agencies (e.g., PennDOT, APTA, FRA, FTA) to ensure vehicles continue to comply with applicable regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum of ten (10) years bus vehicle-related relevent experience, which includes three (3) years’ experience at a manager/director level required.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with others at all levels required.
• Extensive experience in both planning and budgeting in operating and capital environment required. 
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills required. 
• Valid Driver’s License required. 

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

✅ Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.

✅ Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.

✅ Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

✅ Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

✅ Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.

✅ Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.

✅ Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

 

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!

 

Join the Best in Transit! Apply Today

�� Click Apply Now and take the next step in your career with SEPTA!

�� Have Questions? For more information, please visit How We Hire Careers Page.

�� SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.