Full-Time
Systems Engineering Specialist
Updated on 7/23/2026
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
1,001-5,000 employees
Public transit agency: rail and bus
Compensation Overview
$64.9k - $107k/yr
Dallas, TX, USA
In Person
On-site in Dallas, Texas; commuting required.
 Architecture & Civil Engineering (1) |
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- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Transportation, Engineering, or related field
- Six (6) years progressively responsible engineering experience in mass transit systems or related maintenance environments
- Must have a valid Texas Class C drivers license, no DWI/DUI conviction within the last sixty (60) consecutive months, not more than one (1) DWI/DUI on driving record, and not more than three (3) convictions of moving violations within the last thirty-six (36) consecutive months on driving record to operate DART non-revenue vehicles
- Proficiency of PC software applications to include Microsoft Office or other related software applications
- Pass a physical (medical) examination that includes a drug screen in order to operate DART non-revenue vehicles
- Knowledge of the operation and function of engineering tools and measuring devices such as gauges, data loggers, electronic diagnostic test equipment (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes), small hand tools, pressure equipment, etc.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and climb ladders
- Ability to demonstrate a fiduciary obligation to section, division, department, and DART in handling materials and information of a confidential nature
- Analytical ability to find solutions to engineering, technical, and operational problems. Recognized project management skills
- Ability to utilize the Internet and other methods to assist with gathering technical data
- Ability to employ sound root cause analysis techniques to identify otherwise concealed problems. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including electrical and electronic schematics
- Ability to identify electronic components, characteristics, functions, and understanding of the systems appropriate test methodologies to the component level
- Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect
- Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions
- Ability to pick up on technical things quickly. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars
- Ability to be able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate to all levels, both inside and outside of DART. Can get messages across that have the desired effect
- Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers
- Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers
- Perform routine duties related to the technical area of assignment and develop, assist, and support Technical Product Specifications, Statements of Work (SOW), and developing engineering modifications for special maintenance projects. Analyze maintenance and general service records to identify bus or rail equipment problems and recommend improvements as required; interface with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, immediate supervisor, upper management, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) subcontractors, and vendors. Recommend system improvements as required
- Lead the development and review of accident and incident investigations, engineering reports, technical documentation, develop test procedures and pass/fail criteria, data validation, and verification. Recommend methods for streamlining procedures; assist in reviewing trend analysis of substandard or defective systems to isolate the cause(s) associated with failure
- Write and/or modify maintenance documentation, including but not limited to field modification and maintenance instructions, failure analyses, product test reports, and electrical schematics and drawings. Write documents to support procurement, including but not limited to budgetary estimates, technical specifications, procurement justification memoranda, Statements of Work. Support the development and preparation of the technical requirements within grant application packages
- Lead and/or assist in design, development, release, and implementation of on-vehicle (bus and rail) systems, equipment, and/or changes for continuous improvement to systems normal operations
- Have a basic understanding of the function of MEP systems and knowledge relating to facilities and maintenance garages, etc.
- Maintain as-built configuration of systems, facilities, and vehicles
- Develop project cost estimates, schedules, and budgets
- Provide technical support, documentation, and inspections as requested on various projects and act as a liaison between DART Engineering and other DART departments, OEMs, subcontractors, vendors, and external contacts regarding technical support and related issues
- Promote the development and assist in improvements to established safety, training, and preventative maintenance programs
- Prepare and develop a variety of reports for management review
- Performs other related duties as assigned
DART coordinates public transit services in North Texas, combining light rail, the TRE commuter rail, buses, and paratransit to move over 220,000 passengers daily across a 700-square-mile area. Riders plan trips via GoPass app, the DART Trip Planner online, or by calling Customer Information; staff help select routes, times, and transfers, with fare quotes. DART differentiates itself through its broad network and services that aim to be fast, comfortable, and economical, plus programs like the Annual Employer Pass (E-Pass) for employers to attract and retain workers and the Emergency Ride Home benefit that offers a free taxi ride if needed during the workday. The goal is to serve as a trusted guide for getting around North Texas, offering reliable transportation options for work, shopping, and leisure.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Dallas, Texas
Founded
N/A
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- $211M funding agreement returns sales tax to Dallas, resolving member city spending concerns
- Silver Line launch enhances regional mobility and airport access across seven North Texas cities
- TOD at SMU/Mockingbird boosts rental values over 10% within quarter mile of DART rail
What critics are saying
- Highland Park voted May 2026 to terminate DART services, forcing immediate operational cuts
- Plano's $65M net sales tax deficit in 2023 may trigger further withdrawal attempts or board reform demands
- CEO instability persists after Nadine Lee's contract termination and Nat Ford's April 2026 selection as permanent replacement
What makes Dallas Area Rapid Transit unique
- Links 7 cities to DFW Airport via new Silver Line rail with EPA-compliant Stadler FLIRT trains
- Integrates microtransit and multiple transit modes through Kuba's GoPass mobile app platform
- Develops 16-acre transit-oriented hub at SMU/Mockingbird Station with 394 apartments and EV chargers
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Work Hours
Remote Work Options
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
401(k) Retirement Plan
Stock Options
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Gym Membership
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Company News
DART national Award for financial transparency. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) achieves national recognition with GFOA Award. In an era where transparency and fiscal responsibility are paramount, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has set a new standard by earning the highly coveted GFOA Certificate of Excellence in Budgeting. This accolade recognizes DART's robust financial planning, meticulous budget preparation, and unwavering commitment to accountability, positioning it as a leading example among public transit agencies across the United States. Understanding the significance of the GFOA Award. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) evaluates hundreds of budgets annually, but only a select few meet the stringent criteria required for the Certificate of Excellence. This international recognition confirms that DART's 2026 fiscal year budget and its comprehensive 20-year financial projection demonstrate exemplary transparency, strategic foresight, and operational clarity. What sets DART's budget apartment? * Transparency: Clear articulation of financial assumptions, revenue sources, and deployment of funds that reassure stakeholders and the public. * Strategic Alignment: The budget aligns with DART's long-term vision, focusing on expanding service, upgrading infrastructure, and maintaining financial sustainability. * Complexity Management: Successfully manages the intricate financial needs of a sprawling transit network serving millions annually, integrating federal, state, local funding, and fare revenue. * Community Engagement: Incorporates public input and transparency initiatives, ensuring community needs and feedback shape financial decisions. Step-by-Step: how DART achieved this prestigious award. * Comprehensive Planning: DART meticulously crafted a detailed budget that accounts for current operations while projecting decades into the future. * Rigorous Review: The budget underwent extensive internal and external audits, ensuring accuracy and adherence to best practices. * Transparent Documentation: DART prepared a budget presentation that is accessible, comprehensive, and user-friendly for stakeholders and the public. * Policy Integration: Financial policies embed sustainable practices and risk management protocols, safeguarding long-term financial health. * Alignment with National Standards: The agency ensured its budget met all GFOA criteria, including effective communication, policy reflection, and operational clarity. * Recognition and Certification: After fulfilling all requirements, DART received the prestigious GFOA award, marking a milestone in its financial governance. The impact of this award on DART's future. Winning the GFOA Certificate of Excellence doesn't merely serve as a badge of honor - it acts as a catalyst that bolsters DART's credibility with federal and state funding agencies, community stakeholders, and future investors. It signals that DART's fiscal strategies are not only compliant but are also innovative and resilient, capable of adapting to a rapidly changing economic landscape. Discover more WhatsApp marketing tools Defence industry reports Rail industry reports Moreover, this recognition encourages continuous improvement. DART now strives to enhance its financial transparency further, leveraging technological advancements such as real-time budget dashboards, interactive financial reports, and community engagement portals. These tools foster a culture of openness, allowing constituents to track spending, revenue streams, and project progress seamlessly. Why other transit agencies should follow DART's lead. The success story of DART underscores the importance of prioritizing meticulous financial planning, transparent reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Other agencies aiming for similar accolades should adopt a comprehensive approach, involving: * Dedicated Financial Teams: Invest in skilled professionals who understand municipal and transit-specific finance complexities. * Clear Policy Frameworks: Develop policies that emphasize sustainability, risk management, and long-term planning. * Community-Centric Processes: Actively involve the public through workshops, surveys, and open forums that influence budgeting decisions. * Adherence to Standards: Regularly review and update financial practices to align with national best practices and benchmarks. Conclusion: the new benchmark in transit financial management. DART's achievement in earning the GFOA Award for Budget Excellence cements its position as a trailblazer in public transportation finance. It exemplifies how strategic planning, transparency, and stakeholder inclusion create a powerful recipe for sustainable success. As transit agencies nationwide grapple with funding challenges, DART's example provides a roadmap to not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring reliable, efficient, and transparent services for their communities for decades to come. Discover more Government Supply chain optimization
DART names interim leader after terminating outgoing CEO's contract. Published April 3, 2026 10:05pm CDT The brief. * * Dallas Area Rapid Transit has named Gene Gamez the service's acting President & CEO after terminating the contract of their outgoing leader. * The company and Nadine Lee, DART's CEO who announced she would not renew her contract after it expired in September 2026, could not come to terms on a separation agreement. * The change in leadership comes as several North Texas cities prepare to vote on withdrawing from DART's service area in May. DALLAS - DART is moving in a new leadership direction after terminating the contract of their outgoing CEO earlier than anticipated. DART names interim leader. What Fox 4 News know: DART announced on Friday that Gene Gamez has been named Acting President & CEO of the company, and the contract of Nadine Lee, the company's outgoing leader, has been terminated. Lee previously announced she would not seek to renew her contract as DART CEO, which would have expired in September 2026. DART CEO Nadine Lee is stepping down following a period of scrutiny and governance changes, prompting an immediate search for a new leader to guide the agency's transit operations. DART leaders and Lee attempted to negotiate a severance agreement prior to her September departure to allow the next CEO, but could not reach a consensus. What they're saying: "We are confident that this decision allows DART the ability to move forward with clarity, renewed focus, and a strong sense of accountability as we continue to serve our region and plan for its future," a DART press release on the move reads. DART CEO Nadine Lee leaves company. Dig deeper: Lee pointed to recent "political hurdles" for the service when examining her time with DART in an interview with FOX 4's Shaun Rabb. "But at the broader level, we've encountered a lot of political hurdles, and that's one of the things that has distracted us from our mission, distracted us from moving faster at improving the quality of our services and things like that." Nadine Lee will not seek to renew her contract in September as the CEO of DART. She spoke to FOX 4's Shaun Rabb about the highs and lows of her tenure in an interview on Friday. When asked if those hurdles were why she decided to step down, Lee said "Not necessarily directly." Hurdles include the upcoming DART withdrawal elections that Addison, Highland Park and University Park will have in May. Plano canceled DART withdrawal elections scheduled for May, the first city to do so before the deadline to cancel. "I think in every locality, there are disparate interests and disparate opinions on how to spend taxpayer money, and so, we really had to grapple with that acutely in this region over the last five years, particularly in the last two years." Plano, Farmers Branch and Irving were originally scheduled to hold the same elections, but withdrew in recent months after DART pledged to change its board of directors and give hundreds of millions of dollars back to the cities.
Dallas to receive $211M under new funding agreement with DART. Published March 26, 2026 at 5:01 AM CDT Dallas city leaders signed onto an agreement with Dallas Area Rapid Transit that will give the city back more than $200 million. The city council voted to approve DART's offer for a return in sales tax contributions during a meeting Wednesday. It's part of the agency's General Mobility Program that was put together after months of negotiations between DART and its 13 member cities. "I'm happy to close the chapter of feeling like we have to be at the defense in order just to deliver something positive with transit for our residents," said District 7 council member Adam Bazaldua. DART board members last month approved the new funding structure, created as a way to resolve some member cities' concerns with the agency's spending and governance. While the agreement frees up millions of dollars for cities, the money must be used for transportation-related projects. , 23 hours ago Nadine Lee led DART through negotiations to keep the agency together. District 12 council member Cara Mendelsohn questioned DART's criteria for what projects qualify for funding. "I disagree that [the criteria] is sufficient," Mendelsohn told city staff. "I think it is purposely vague to our detriment." District 14 council member Paul Ridley encouraged council members to support the agreement. "I know it's tempting to micromanage the agreement from our perspective, but that's a very difficult thing to do," Ridley said. "If we choose not to execute this agreement then we're kissing away $211 million and we're throwing a monkey wrench in the works, basically." The council's vote to approve the agreement comes as DART's CEO Nadine Lee plans to step down after four years leading the agency. More DART member cities are expected to sign onto DART's agreement except for three - Addison, Highland Park and University Park - that opted to hold withdrawal elections in May. Pablo Arauz Peña is KERA's growth and infrastructure reporter. Got a tip? Email Pablo at [email protected].
16-acre transit oriented development planned at DART's SMU/Mockingbird Station. A 16-acre, master-planned transit-oriented development (TOD) at Dallas Area Rapid Transit's SMU/Mockingbird Station will feature apartments, a hotel, office space, and underground parking for DART customers DART and Trammell Crow Company have celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 500-space subsurface parking garage for DART riders and a 394-unit apartment community that will be integrated into the existing shopping center and DART's SMU/Mockingbird Station. The apartments and underground garage are the first phase of redevelopment of 16 acres of DART-owned land adjacent to the light rail station at the intersection of Twin Sixties Drive and Worcola Street. Built on the site of a former DART parking lot, the seven-story apartment building will feature a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom units, as well as a resort-style swimming pool, outdoor areas with fire pits and grilling stations, a fitness center, club room, co-working spaces, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, a dog park, and a skydeck overlooking the Downtown Dallas skyline. "We are thrilled to break ground on this transformational project at SMU/Mockingbird," said Nadine Lee, DART CEO and president. "Developments like these promote the economic and social activity that underpins vibrant and prosperous communities, all centered on a critical regional mobility hub." The expanded development around SMU/Mockingbird Station is a partnership between DART and Trammell Crow, with both parties actively working to reconfigure the site through the Covid-19 pandemic and inconsistent economic conditions to ensure a viable TOD opportunity remained near downtown Dallas. The transformation of the existing land will afford residents and visitors convenient access to DART's 93-mile light rail system, multiple bus routes, walkable retail, and Dallas' extensive urban hike-and-bike trail network. Trammell Crow's future development plans include an office tower, retail, and hotel, adding to the existing retail, dining and living experience available at the SMU/Mockingbird Station area. The buildout of the entire site will be completed in phases, with the second phase focusing on the office tower and hotel. Construction of the SMU/Mockingbird Station TOD is supported by the City of Dallas TOD Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and funds programmed by the Regional Transportation Council. A University of North Texas study published in 2025 showed that transit-oriented development has had an $18.1 billion direct economic impact on North Texas, including $1 billion in the last two years. Additionally, the study showed residential properties had an average rental price of $1.85 per square foot when they were located a quarter mile or less from a DART rail station. Those same one-bedroom/one-bathroom units increased to $2.04 per square foot, over 10% more per month, when located more than a quarter mile from a DART rail station. Similarly, commercial properties with similar dimensions and amenities within a quarter mile or less from a DART rail station saw an increase of over 12%, or $0.21 per square foot per month.
DART Silver Line now in service, ride from Richardson to DFW Airport. With several ribbon cuttings and grand opening celebrations, the DART Silver Line opened last weekend and is now in service, with two new stations in Richardson (at CityLine/Bush and UT Dallas). The 26-mile rail line connects seven cities via 10 stations from Plano to DFW Airport, utilizing quiet, modern Stadler FLIRT trains that meet the EPA's highest clean-air standards. * Frequency: Every 30 minutes during weekday peak hours; every 60 minutes off-peak and on weekends * Connections: Transfers to DART Light Rail lines, bus routes, DFW airport terminals, Trinity Metro TEXRail service The Silver Line is free to ride through Saturday, Nov. 8; after Nov. 8, several fare options are available; a 3-hour regular fare pass costs $3. According to DART scheduling, it takes approximately 48 minutes to ride to the airport from the City/Line Bush station; 42 minutes from UT Dallas Station. The CityLine/Bush Station includes more than 1,100 free parking spaces and the UT Dallas station includes 200+ free parking spaces.