PRINCIPAL TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS
Fresno County, CA, USA
USD 15,263-17,336 / month
Job Posting: Quality Inspection Director
CA High Speed Rail Authority
PRINCIPAL TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS
$15,263.00 - $17,336.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 7/22/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Chief of Infrastructure Maintenance of California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), the Principal Transportation Engineer (Quality Inspection Director) serves as the Authority’s lead for materials quality inspection, verification, and oversight. The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an independent materials inspection function to ensure materials used for high-speed rail project comply with approved plans, specifications, contract requirements, quality standards, and applicable federal and state requirements. The incumbent oversees contract and subcontractor quality plans, third-party testing, Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement efforts. The incumbent also provides technical guidance, develops quality inspection procedures, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and promotes a consistent application of quality standards.
Pending Budget approval.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Department Information
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/22/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Desirable Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- More than Five (5) years of progressive quality management or project controls experience, preferably within public transportation, heavy rail, or civil construction sectors.
- Certification as a Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, or equivalent is desirable.
- Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) certification.
- Experience developing and administering QMS.
- Experience performing quality assurance and quality control activities on transportation, rail, civil, or infrastructure projects.
- Experience conducting quality audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
- Experience reviewing contractor quality plans and quality control programs.
- Experience managing NCRs and CAPA.
- Knowledge of quality management principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and risk management practices.
- Familiarity with Association of American Railroads (AAR) M-1003 standards and audit requirements.
- Experience interpreting engineering plans, specifications, and contract requirements.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with contractors, consultants, and public agencies.
- Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, judgment, and confidentiality.
- Ability to analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; prepare and review reports.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources
(916) 669-6606
recruitment@hsr.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Office
(916) 324-1541
eeo@hsr.ca.gov
Application Information
Location
FRESNO LOCATION (Pension Building): The High-Speed Rail Authority Fresno building is located in downtown Fresno at 1111 H Street. We are located within walking distance of public transportation, many restaurants, Chukchansi Park, and Courthouse Park.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

