Communications Design Manager - Rail & Transit

AtkinsRéalis • Lynnwood, WA

1d • $120,000 - $165,000

About The Position

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Communications Design Manager to join its team in Lynnwood, Washington. Under general direction, this role provides technical expertise in communications engineering across a range of activities and may serve as lead designer or technical consultant. The position upholds engineering ethics and standards of conduct and works independently on technical matters within its field.

The manager leads the design, integration, and commissioning of communications systems—including radio, fiber-optic, network infrastructure, and communications-based control systems—for passenger and freight rail environments. The role ensures systems meet operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory requirements; coordinates multidisciplinary project teams; and oversees system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures to support interoperability with legacy infrastructure.

The manager provides technical leadership for hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety certification. The position serves as a technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and vendors; defines project scope; develops solutions to technical challenges; and reviews design work and installations for quality and completeness. Duties also include keeping current with communications technologies, recommending improvements to plans and programs, and potentially managing routine to semi-complex projects, including marketing, contract negotiation, budgeting, financial management, scheduling, and resource allocation.

The work involves coordination, research, and problem-solving on engineering projects with unique or controversial issues that can affect major organizational programs. The manager may supervise or coordinate senior professionals and support staff, interface with technical and administrative leaders, and represent the organization at conferences with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies. Other communications-related duties may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
• At least 10 years of rail/transit experience focused on communications.
• Demonstrated expertise in communications systems and related safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as AREMA, IEEE, FCC, FRA, and FTA, and with safety certification processes.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, demonstrated through technical presentations, technical papers, and/or participation in technical committees.
• Ability to process paper and electronic documents and use computer equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• Ability to visit project sites if necessary.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and review project plans and documents, evaluate alternatives, and select appropriate solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or graduate-level technical coursework preferred.
• Typical incumbent has 15 to 20 years of experience in rail/transit environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and commissioning of communications systems, including radio, fiber-optic, network infrastructure, and communications-based control systems.
• Ensure communications systems meet operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory requirements for passenger and freight rail environments.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with communications engineers, network specialists, systems integrators, and operations staff.
• Oversee development and review of system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures to ensure interoperability between communications subsystems and legacy infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership during system hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety certification processes.
• Act as the primary technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party vendors on communications matters.
• Define project scope and interpret, organize, and execute communications-system assignments.
• Select technical problems for investigation and develop novel approaches and solutions.
• Conduct quality control reviews of communications installations and design specifications; perform site inspections and reviews; and conduct or oversee remedial design work.
• Keep abreast of state-of-the-art methods and developments in communications systems and technologies.
• Recommend changes or improvements to communications plans and programs to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, including FCC, FRA, and FTA requirements.
• May manage routine to semi-complex communications projects, including marketing, contract negotiation, budgeting, financial management, schedule coordination, and resource allocation.
• Supervise and/or coordinate with other senior professionals and support staff.
• Represent the organization in conferences with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, particularly duties related to communications systems.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, depending on employment status.
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability benefits, depending on employment status.
• Employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, depending on employment status.
• Employee stock purchase plan, depending on employment status.
• Paid Time Off and leave-of-absence options, depending on employment status.
• Flexible work options, depending on employment status.
• Recognition and employee satisfaction programs, depending on employment status.
• Employee assistance program, depending on employment status.
• Voluntary benefits, depending on employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior