Senior Engineer

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service.

 This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long‑term investment in mobility. It’s an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region.

 Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs.

The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern, sustainable, and efficient transit system, one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

SUMMARY

The Senior Engineer position with CATS gives individuals the opportunity to solve problems and to design projects that really matter, often coming up with solutions that are original and innovative. Working as part of an engineering team, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with people both inside and outside your chosen field. You’ll be surrounded by people who will challenge you; people who will cause you to stretch and grow; and people who will inspire you.As a CATS Senior Engineer, you can use your talents to find creative solutions. It is an opportunity to make your mark on the world by managing and directing engineering work performed by consultants and other the departmental staff. Both your technical and your soft skills will be essential parts of your work. Day-to-day responsibilities will include managing both design consultants from many disciplines and complex construction projects along with representing CATS at technical meetings and public meetings and hearings. Expected tasks include all phases of project management such as directing the preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, requests for proposals, bid documents; working with consultants, contractors, and the public to resolve problems and initiate the appropriate solutions; and maintaining effective communication to improve collaboration and engagement. This Senior Engineer position reports to the Senior Project Manager.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and direct the preparation of plans, specifications, reports, cost estimates, request for proposals and bid documents for contract awards.

• Provide technical assistance in the review of development plans.

• Prepare a variety of technical papers, reports, correspondence, and other documents and materials required for assigned projects.

• Represent the project at technical meetings and before local citizens in public meetings and hearings.

• As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS as outlined in the Agency Safety Plan.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Skills to interpret technical plans and specifications.

• Ability to use project controls software and analyze schedules.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to maintain good working relationships with consultants, contractors, management, coworkers, and the public, and represent CATS in a professional manner.

• Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Adobe, and Bluebeam, and with mobile devices such as tablet computers.

• Ability to successfully perform project management tasks including the proactive management during project initiation, planning, implementation, and closeout.

• Ability to apply conflict resolution techniques.

• Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration standards and processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree 

• Ten years of experience managing federal transportation related projects

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a BS/BA in Civil Engineering or related field; minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience.

• Registered North Carolina Professional Engineer or PE registration in another state with the ability to receive reciprocity within six (6) months.