Engineer Systems & Train Control (O&M) Systems Engineer

RTD • Rock Hill, SC

6d • $92,003 - $129,955 • Onsite

About The Position

This position ensures reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of rail signaling and train control systems. Serving as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME), this role oversees the operation, maintenance, and configuration of critical signaling infrastructure, including Positive Train Control (PTC), grade crossings, interlockings, and block signal systems, while ensuring adherence to applicable federal and state safety regulations. This position leads system evaluations, troubleshooting, and performance improvements, and supports testing, vendor coordination, contract administration, and workforce training to enhance system reliability and operational efficiency. This role requires strong leadership, collaboration, and analytical skills to support cross-functional teams, enhance train control system efficiency, and uphold the principles of RTD.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics, computer science or a related discipline.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in train control, signaling systems, or rail communication infrastructure maintenance. This can include developing and aligning maintenance processes for consistency and efficiency, leading initiatives to enhance train control system reliability and availability, overseeing signaling and communication system maintenance strategies, and working directly with regulatory agencies.
• Three (3) years of technical leadership experience in a train control and signaling system maintenance environment, this can include experience with overseeing and integrating maintenance processes across multiple modes and service areas (e.g., train control, wayside signaling, positive train control (PTC), grade crossing warning systems, and communications-based train control (CBTC)), delivering strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and coordinating complex signaling system maintenance activities.
• Certified professional engineering license required.
• Experience with budget development, performance measurement, labor relations, and contract management.
• Demonstrated experience working with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), or other applicable regulatory agencies in a maintenance capacity.
• Must have a valid Colorado driver license or the ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire, and the ability to travel between facilities.
• This job requires regular and predictable attendance.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of systems engineering, system integration, and lifecycle management for train control, signaling, and rail communication systems (PTC, interlockings, wayside signals, grade crossings, CBTC).
• Knowledge of industry best practices, standards, and regulatory requirements (FRA, FTA, OSHA, FCC, AREMA).
• Knowledge of rail safety principles, fail-safe design, and safety-critical system integration.
• Knowledge of reliability-centered maintenance and asset management strategies.
• Knowledge of project management, risk assessment, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of budget planning, cost estimation, and financial management for capital and maintenance programs.
• Knowledge of contract management, procurement, and vendor oversight.
• Proficiency in engineering design, system evaluation, feasibility analysis, and field modifications.
• Proficiency in analyzing, troubleshooting, and resolving train control, signaling, and communication system failures.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing maintenance procedures, policies, standards, and compliance manuals.
• Proficiency in preparing engineering specifications, technical reports, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in data analysis to improve system reliability, uptime, and maintenance effectiveness.
• Proficiency in conducting field inspections, quality assessments, and safety evaluations.
• Proficiency in managing projects, timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Proficiency in coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency in training, mentoring, and supporting technical staff.
• Proficiency in communicating complex technical concepts to leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond to critical system issues.
• Ability to interpret complex schematics, interlocking diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions to optimize maintenance workflows and resource allocation.
• Ability to lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and external partnerships.
• Ability to develop long-term strategies for train control modernization and automation.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in signaling and train control system maintenance.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to use sound judgment.
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively, including planning, organizing, and prioritizing with attention to detail.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee maintenance of train control and signaling systems, including PTC, grade crossings, interlockings, and block signal systems.
• Create and implement policies, procedures, standards, and reliability-centered maintenance programs to ensure safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical leadership for system assessments, design reviews, engineering changes, and infrastructure projects.
• Conduct troubleshooting, root cause analysis, testing, and performance monitoring to improve system reliability and reduce failures.
• Evaluate system feasibility, electrical/mechanical designs, and approve engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Perform field inspections, investigations, measurements, and testing of wayside and control equipment.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, training teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to resolve technical issues and improve system performance.
• Create and monitor performance metrics (KPIs) for system reliability, uptime, and maintenance effectiveness.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes related to train control and signaling systems.
• Support budget development, forecasting, and cost analysis for maintenance and capital projects.
• Ensure compliance with FTA, FRA, CDOT, and industry standards and best practices.
• Prepare and present technical reports, reliability analyses, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
• Lead and support procurement activities, including specifications, testing, system integration, acceptance, and warranty support.
• Manage and administer contracts related to signaling systems, ensuring quality, compliance, and accurate documentation.
• The position may be required to work in bus, rail, regional operations center, service delivery, or special services functions within operations depending on business needs and/or career growth and development.
• All job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits (RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

What This Job Offers

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