Communications Technical Lead - Rail & Transit

AtkinsRéalis • Los Angeles, CA

7d

About The Position

We are seeking a Communications Technical lead to join our Rail and Transit team in Los Angeles CA and New York, NY. Under general direction, provides technical expertise within area of specialization for diverse engineering activities throughout the assigned area of responsibility and/or companywide. May function as lead designer or technical consultant. Upholds engineering ethics and standards of conduct. Your role Lead and manage the construction phase of communications systems for rail and transit projects, including oversight of contractors, subcontractors, and field staff. Coordinate with design teams, project managers, and other discipline leads to ensure constructability, schedule alignment, and quality assurance for all communications installations. Review and approve construction submittals, shop drawings, RFIs, and change orders related to communications systems. Conduct site inspections and quality control checks to verify that installations meet design specifications, industry standards (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, FRA, FTA, FCC), and safety requirements. Facilitate interdisciplinary coordination with signalling, systems, and civil teams to resolve field issues and ensure seamless integration of communications systems with other rail infrastructure. Serve as the primary technical liaison with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies during construction, addressing technical queries and ensuring project deliverables are met. Oversee the commissioning and testing of communications systems, including the development and execution of test procedures and punch lists. Manage project documentation, including daily reports, progress tracking, and as-built records for communications systems. Support project controls by monitoring construction progress, identifying risks, and implementing corrective actions to maintain schedule and budget. Uphold safety and quality standards, ensuring all work is performed in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Mentor and supervise junior engineers and field staff assigned to communications construction activities. Complexity (Variety or uniqueness of tasks; relative difficulty or importance of work performed; size of unit supported, etc.): Work involves coordination, research and problem solving on a variety of engineering projects with unique or controversial problems, the solution of which has an important effect on major organization programs. Decision making (Supervision received; independent judgment or initiative; consequence of error): Supervision received is essentially administrative, with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits. Acts independently on technical matters relating to his/her field. Work direction given to others (Titles and number of personnel; type of direction given): Supervises and/or coordinates with other senior professionals and support staff. Internal contacts(Required interaction/relationship with others within the organization): Interfaces with senior technical professionals, technical managers, and administrative staff and managers as necessary. External contacts(Required interaction/relationship with others outside the organization): Represents the organization in conferences with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in rail/transit communications systems required, with at least 5 years in a construction management or field leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in the construction, installation, and commissioning of communications systems for rail and transit environments.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and construction management best practices.
• Demonstrated expertise in train control, signalling, and related safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, FRA, FTA) and safety certification processes.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical writing and communications skills, proven through technical presentations, technical papers, and/or participation in technical committees.
• Ability to process paper/electronic documents and utilize computer equipment; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; ability to visit project sites if necessary.
• Job also requires ability to plan, prioritize and review project plans and documents, evaluate alternatives, and select appropriate solutions.

Nice To Haves

• P.E. license is Desired.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and/or relevant certifications (e.g., RCDD, CTS) are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the construction phase of communications systems for rail and transit projects, including oversight of contractors, subcontractors, and field staff.
• Coordinate with design teams, project managers, and other discipline leads to ensure constructability, schedule alignment, and quality assurance for all communications installations.
• Review and approve construction submittals, shop drawings, RFIs, and change orders related to communications systems.
• Conduct site inspections and quality control checks to verify that installations meet design specifications, industry standards (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, FRA, FTA, FCC), and safety requirements.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary coordination with signalling, systems, and civil teams to resolve field issues and ensure seamless integration of communications systems with other rail infrastructure.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies during construction, addressing technical queries and ensuring project deliverables are met.
• Oversee the commissioning and testing of communications systems, including the development and execution of test procedures and punch lists.
• Manage project documentation, including daily reports, progress tracking, and as-built records for communications systems.
• Support project controls by monitoring construction progress, identifying risks, and implementing corrective actions to maintain schedule and budget.
• Uphold safety and quality standards, ensuring all work is performed in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers and field staff assigned to communications construction activities.

Benefits

• AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees