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Sound Transit · 2 days ago

Chief Technology Officer

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$190K/yr - $340K/yr

10+ years exp

Sound Transit is seeking a visionary and technically adept Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the strategic direction, development, and operation of our technology infrastructure across both enterprise IT and transit systems. The CTO will be responsible for ensuring robust, secure, and scalable infrastructure that supports Sound Transit’s mission to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation.

Public TransportationRailroadTransportation

Work & Life Balance

Responsibilities

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

Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of resilient and secure infrastructure systems

Ensure seamless integration between enterprise IT and operational transit technologies

Champion modernization efforts, including cloud migration, edge computing, and smart transit technologies

Foster strong relationships with internal departments, vendors, and regional partners

Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership

Build and mentor high-performing technical teams, promoting a culture of innovation and accountability

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices

Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency

Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy

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

It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Infrastructure strategyTechnology operationsTransit technologiesCybersecurityCloud platformsEnterprise architectureLeadership skillsCommunication skillsCross-functional leadershipProject management

Required

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or related field

Ten years experience in senior level IT positions; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

Eight years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience

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

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

Demonstrated success in managing large-scale infrastructure projects and cross-functional teams

Experience with cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and enterprise architecture

Preferred

Experience in public transportation, rail, or bus systems

Familiarity with SCADA, ITS, or other operational technology systems

Knowledge of federal and state transportation regulations and funding mechanisms

Benefits

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.

Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.

Employee Assistance Program.

Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).

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.

Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.

Pet Insurance.

ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.

Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.