Chief Technology Officer

Description

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

Requirements

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

Benefits

• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• 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).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Pet Insurance.
• 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.
• 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.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance