Project Manager, Communications

Burns Engineering•Sacramento, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Burns Engineering is seeking a Project Manager, Communications to join its Transit and Rail team in Sacramento, California. The role oversees delivery of operational telecommunications systems for the California High-Speed Rail (CAHSR) Program, covering systems from design through procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and operational handover. Systems include fiber optic backbone networks, operational telecommunications, IP/MPLS networks, Operations Control Center communications, wayside and maintenance radio, dispatch communications, public address, CCTV transport networks, cybersecurity interfaces, and integrated operational communications and control systems. The Project Manager is accountable for scope, schedule, budget, risk, and contractor performance across communications work packages, coordinating closely with signaling, traction power, SCADA, stations, operations, and maintenance. The role oversees suppliers, contractors, consultants, telecommunications providers, radio-frequency planning, FCC licensing and related approvals, integrated testing, and system acceptance. Reporting to the Rail Systems Lead, the position provides delivery accountability, an approvals path for radio transmission and communications infrastructure, and integrated test evidence supporting entry into revenue service. The position is based in Sacramento, California, and requires 25 to 50 percent travel along the alignment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field, or demonstrable on-the-job work experience.
At least 10 years of experience delivering telecommunications, operational communications, or rail systems projects.
At least 10 years of project management experience on major transportation or infrastructure programs.
Demonstrated experience managing communications systems from design through testing, commissioning, and final acceptance.
Experience overseeing contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary delivery teams.
Strong working knowledge of systems integration and operational railway communications.
Experience managing fiber optic backbone networks, IP networking, and mission-critical communications infrastructure.
Experience managing radio systems delivery, including frequency planning, coverage validation, and interference assessment.
Experience securing regulatory, statutory, and jurisdictional approvals for communications infrastructure.
Experience managing integrated testing programs across multiple systems disciplines.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Availability for travel of 25 to 50 percent along the alignment.

Nice To Haves

Experience on high-speed rail projects operating above 125 mph (200 km/h).
Experience with California High-Speed Rail, HS2, European rail programs, or comparable large-scale rail programs.
Experience delivering wayside radio, maintenance radio, dispatch communications, or mission-critical communications systems.
Familiarity with FCC licensing requirements and U.S. telecommunications regulations.
Experience with fiber optic backbone networks, IP/MPLS systems, LTE, private wireless networks, or FRMCS.
Experience managing regulatory approvals, communications licensing, and entry into revenue service activities.
Budget and schedule accountability on contracts valued at $100 million or greater.
PMP, PRINCE2, PE, or comparable project management or engineering certification.

Responsibilities

Oversee communications system delivery through design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and operational handover.
Manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and contractor performance for communications work packages.
Coordinate communications delivery with signaling, traction power, SCADA, stations, operations, and maintenance teams.
Oversee communications suppliers, contractors, consultants, and telecommunications service providers.
Oversee delivery and integration of fiber optic backbone networks, operational telecommunications systems, and IP/MPLS networks.
Oversee delivery and integration of Operations Control Center communications, wayside and maintenance radio, and dispatch communications systems.
Oversee delivery and integration of public address systems, CCTV transport networks, cybersecurity interfaces, and integrated operational communications and control systems.
Oversee FCC licensing and frequency coordination for operational railway communications systems.
Oversee statutory, regulatory, and jurisdictional approvals for radio transmission systems and communications infrastructure, including towers, antennas, equipment shelters, and communications facilities.
Coordinate with regulatory authorities, telecommunications providers, public agencies, and local jurisdictions to obtain approvals for construction and operation.
Support radio-frequency planning, spectrum allocation, interference analysis, and coverage validation programs.
Oversee responses to regulator comments, agency reviews, and approval conditions through final authorization.
Oversee development and execution of test plans, commissioning procedures, and integrated testing strategies, including Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, System Integration Testing, radio coverage testing, and trial running.
Coordinate integrated testing across signaling, traction power, SCADA, stations, and operational control systems, and manage defect resolution, corrective actions, and final system acceptance.
Support project reporting, forecasting, change management, stakeholder engagement, revenue service demonstration, and operational handover.