Chief Technology Officer

Description

• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Ensure seamless integration between enterprise IT and operational transit technologies.
• Lead and manage infrastructure strategy and operations across IT systems and transit-related technologies (e.g., onboard systems, signaling, communications, fare collection).
• Collaborate closely with the CIO and executive leadership to align technology initiatives with agency-wide strategic goals.
• Champion modernization efforts, including cloud migration, edge computing, and smart transit technologies.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
• Foster strong relationships with internal departments, vendors, and regional partners.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of resilient and secure infrastructure systems.
• Build and mentor high-performing technical teams, promoting a culture of innovation and accountability.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

Requirements

• Requires deep experience in transit operations, technical expertise in rail systems, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale infrastructure projects and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and enterprise architecture.
• Knowledge of federal and state transportation regulations and funding mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of transit technologies or relevant domains such as transportation systems, industrial automation, smart cities, or public sector infrastructure.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to bridge technical and executive audiences.
• Experience with large-scale infrastructure projects, cross-functional leadership, and modernization of legacy systems.
• Proven experience in leading infrastructure and technology operations in a complex, multi-modal environment.
• Experience in public transportation, rail, or bus systems.
• Familiarity with SCADA, ITS, or other operational technology systems.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

Benefits

• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.
• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Pet Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance