OCS Design Lead

SYSTRA•Toronto, ON

18d

About The Position

The OCS Lead is an engineering role responsible for leading overhead contact system (OCS) design and delivery for rail and transit infrastructure projects. The position operates within multidisciplinary rail systems teams, coordinating across civil, structural, electrical, and systems engineering interfaces. The role encompasses a comprehensive approach to electrification systems, supporting critical project phases from initial conceptualization through preliminary and detailed design, construction support, and final commissioning.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of railway OCS design experience, with demonstrated exposure to transit or urban rail projects.
Experience leading technical teams, managing project delivery, and interfacing with contractors and regulatory authorities is required.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil/Structural Engineering.
P.Eng. designation in Canada (or eligibility to obtain).
At least 10 years of railway experience in OCS design and implementation.
Experience as an OCS Engineer in the design phase, with the ability to analyze and comment on designs, providing expert consultancy during feasibility, preliminary, detailed design, and assessment of constructability.
Experience with OCS structural calculations in Canadian Context.
Excellent leadership, coordination and communication skills with a proven ability to guide multidisciplinary teams and drive digital innovation.
Proficiency in software used for OCS design, such as MicroStation and AutoCAD.
Fluency in English and excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Commissioning supervision experience is advantageous.
Preference for Light Rail Transit (LRT) experience.
Heavy rail and High-Speed rail experience is advantageous.
French is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive OCS design and delivery for rail/transit projects.
Strategically coordinate complex OCS interfaces across multiple disciplines including Traction Power, Signaling, Communications, Civil/Structural, Trackwork, Stations/Architectural, and Utilities to ensure seamless physical and functional integration.
Support the management of System Interfaces and creation of Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
Review and approve OCS designs, drawings, and specifications.
Sign off the project documents (reports, drawings, calculations, etc.).
Ensure compliance with relevant standards, codes, and client requirements (CSA, AREMA, EN, IEC, etc.).
Liaise with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
Review contractor submissions including shop drawings, material approvals, method statements, and RFIs, providing timely technical responses and design clarifications.
Generating design reports for all phases of design.
Participating in the implementation phase of the project such as installation, testing and commissioning, cutover, record drawing and final reports.
Supporting the management of System Interfaces and the creation of Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
Supporting cost estimates, project schedules and budget forecasts.
Attend project meetings and provide technical expertise.
Leading technical interactions with Client, operators and major stakeholders.
Participate in design reviews and hazard/interface workshops, providing OCS input to support safe, buildable, and maintainable solutions.
Allocate tasks and manage team resources for OCS-related work.
Mentor and guide junior engineers and designers.
Implement QA/QC processes for OCS deliverables.
Conduct design reviews and audits.
Identify risks and propose mitigation strategies.
Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and progress updates.
Maintain project records and ensure proper documentation.
Provide technical support during construction and commissioning.
Resolve site issues related to OCS installation and integration and stay updated with latest OCS technologies and best practices.