Communications Design Manager - Rail & Transit

AtkinsRéalis•Lynnwood, WA

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 a lead designer or technical consultant. The manager leads the design, integration, and commissioning of rail and transit communications systems, including radio, fiber-optic, network infrastructure, and communications-based control systems. Systems must meet operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory requirements for passenger and freight rail environments. The position defines and executes communications project assignments, addresses complex technical challenges, and provides technical leadership on safety analyses and certification. The manager coordinates multidisciplinary teams and serves as a technical liaison to clients, regulatory agencies, and vendors. The role also reviews designs and installations for quality and completeness, recommends improvements to communications plans and programs, and may manage routine to semi-complex projects, including related marketing, contracting, budgeting, financial management, scheduling, and resource allocation. The work includes coordination, research, and problem solving on engineering projects with unique or controversial issues that can affect major organizational programs. The manager works independently on technical matters, supervises or coordinates with senior professionals and support staff, and represents the organization in meetings with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies. Site visits may be necessary.

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, including 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.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, integration, and commissioning of communications systems, including radio, fiber-optic, network infrastructure, and communications-based control systems.
Ensure systems meet operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory requirements for passenger and freight rail environments.
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including communications engineers, network specialists, systems integrators, and operations staff.
Oversee development and review of system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures for interoperability with communications subsystems and legacy infrastructure.
Provide technical leadership during system hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety certification processes.
Serve as the primary technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party vendors on communications matters.
Define the scope of communications projects and interpret, organize, and execute project assignments.
Investigate technical problems and develop novel approaches and solutions in communications engineering.
Conduct quality-control checks and review communications installations and design staff specifications for accuracy and completeness.
Perform on-site inspections and reviews of communications installations, and conduct or oversee remedial design work.
Keep abreast of state-of-the-art communications methods 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.
Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor, particularly those related to communications systems.
Plan, prioritize, and review project plans and documents; evaluate alternatives and select appropriate solutions.
Supervise and/or coordinate with other senior professionals and support staff.
Represent the organization in conferences with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies.