Job Description

Rail Operations Manager – Streetcar

This position title and salary range are pending final Board approval in June 2026. Under minimal guidance, manages contractor performance for the OC Streetcar fleet and critical wayside systems to support safe, reliable, and efficient daily revenue service. Reporting within the Rail Operations Department, this role oversees fleet and infrastructure availability, maintenance compliance, service reliability, and coordination across operations, safety, and contractor teams. This is an exempt position in salary grade 245: Min – $149,614.40 | Mid – $177,736.00 | Max – $205,857.60/annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You’ll Do

• Manage contractor maintenance performance for streetcar vehicles and wayside systems
• Monitor fleet availability, service reliability, and maintenance compliance metrics
• Review maintenance records, inspections, certifications, and safety documentation
• Support preventive maintenance programs and ensure compliance with FTA, OSHA, and CPUC requirements
• Lead analysis of recurring equipment issues and support root-cause investigations
• Coordinate daily with Operations Control, Safety, engineering, and contractor teams
• Support vehicle acceptance testing, commissioning, and transition to revenue service
• Track budgets, inventory, vendor performance, and lifecycle asset management strategies
• Prepare reports and presentations on system performance, delays, and operational trends

What We’re Looking For

• Strong technical expertise in rail vehicle systems, infrastructure maintenance, and transit operations
• Knowledge of FTA regulations and rail maintenance compliance requirements
• Ability to analyze operational data and drive performance improvements
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Experience managing contractor performance and complex maintenance operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Electrical Technology, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of experience in rail transit vehicle and/or wayside systems maintenance oversight
• Knowledge of FTA 49 CFR requirements required
• CPUC experience strongly preferred

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Play a key role in launching and supporting the OC Streetcar system
• Work on innovative transportation infrastructure that impacts the community
• Collaborate with skilled professionals across rail operations, engineering, and safety
• Opportunity to shape maintenance performance, reliability, and long-term asset management strategies
• Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.

Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s programs. OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status. OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs. We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.