Senior Manager, Safety Certification (7407)
Posted on October 24, 2025
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) stands as one of the most influential and expansive transportation networks in the United States, being the sixth largest transit system across the nation. Serving a vast 2,200-square-mile region encompassing the Philadelphia metropolitan area, SEPTA plays a crucial role in connecting people from diverse communities, enabling reliable, efficient, and innovative transit services. Since its establishment, SEPTA has been dedicated to enhancing public transportation infrastructure, supporting economic development, and providing environmentally sustainable transit solutions to millions of riders annually. With a strong focus on safety, security, and customer experience, SEPTA continuously strives to adapt and improve its services through advanced technologies and strategic initiatives, earning accolades such as the 2023 FORBES Best in State Employer and the Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024. This recognition underscores SEPTA's commitment not only to transit excellence but also to cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture for its employees.
The Senior Manager, Safety Certification role at SEPTA represents a pivotal leadership position within the Safety Engineering Department. This full-time position (Job Grade SAM 41) offers a competitive salary range from $89,908 to $112,398 and engages in high-impact responsibilities centered around the oversight and management of SEPTA’s Safety and Security Certification (SSC) program, specifically for capital projects. The SSC program is vital to ensuring that all new infrastructure and system modifications comply with federal, state, and agency safety regulations before entering service. The Senior Manager will lead efforts in risk identification, assessment, and mitigation addressing safety hazards and security vulnerabilities that could affect the overall transit system. This role demands advanced program management skills, extensive collaboration with internal SEPTA departments, external consultants, contractors, and federal regulators, and expert guidance to teams involved in complex capital projects.
The Senior Manager oversees all facets of the SSC program lifecycle, from initial risk assessment and design review phases to final verification and certification. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining SSC policies, delivering targeted training programs for staff and contractors, managing documentation standards, and acting as a primary liaison with regulatory agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and PennDOT State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA). The role also emphasizes maintaining robust cross-departmental communication to integrate SSC findings into broader safety assurance frameworks, fostering a culture of safety throughout SEPTA’s operations. This challenging role requires a well-rounded professional with expertise in transportation safety, project management, technical communication, and regulatory compliance. It is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the safety, reliability, and advancement of public transportation in the Philadelphia region while furthering one’s career within a reputable and forward-thinking transit authority.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- must demonstrate ability to pursue and perform multiple tasks simultaneously
- must have excellent verbal and technical writing skills
- must have PC experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- five years of relevant experience or equivalent
- ability to manage complex programs and teams
- ability to work flexible hours and possibly 24/7 shifts
- effective communication and interpersonal skills