Technical Director Traction Power
About The Position
Arcadis is seeking a visionary and technically accomplished Technical Director to lead the design, delivery, and integration of traction power and electrical systems for a wide spectrum of rail and transit infrastructure, including light rail (LRT), subways, passenger rail, heavy rail, and high-speed rail (HSR). This role focuses on the end-to-end lifecycle of power supply systems, including 3rd rail (and 4th rail) and overhead catenary systems (OCS/OHLE), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and backup power systems, traction (or propulsion) power substations. You will be responsible for ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, systems integration, and innovation in delivering high-performance, electrified transit networks across Canada and internationally. A focus on high-capacity, electrified transit networks in Vancouver (TransLink: SkyTrain), Calgary (City of Calgary and Calgary Transit: Green, Blue and Red Lines LRT), and Edmonton (City of Edmonton and ETS: Capital Line, Metro Line and Valley Line), freight rail (CP, CN) National Rail (Via and Amtrack) and high-speed rail (HSR).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering
- Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Alberta and/or British Columbia, or eligible
- 15+ years of experience delivering traction power and rail electrical systems on large-scale transit projects
- Deep understanding of applicable codes and standards, including: CENELEC EN 5012x, NFPA 130, Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), CSA, and utility interconnection standards
Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain strong client relationships to drive growth and development of Arcadis’ portfolio.
- Lead bids from conception through RFQ and RFP processes to successful completion.
- Collaborate closely with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure project requirements are met and client expectations are consistently exceeded.
- Provide overall technical leadership for traction power and power supply and distribution systems, defining system architecture, leading integration strategies, and ensuring alignment across all subsystems and interfacing disciplines.
- Serve as the technical authority for systems design and assurance, leading all aspects of traction power system engineering, including managing DC third rail and fourth rail systems for subways and metro systems, DC overhead catenary systems for LRT and streetcars, and AC OCS/OHLE systems for regional passenger, heavy rail, and high-speed rail (HSR).
- Direct the planning, sizing, and placement of traction power substations (TPSS), switching and paralleling stations, and conduct load flow, short circuit, arc flash, grounding, and protection coordination studies.
- Oversee utility interconnections and interface with grid operators, including backup power schemes.
- Design and oversee the deployment of UPS systems and emergency backup power for signaling and train control, passenger communications, emergency systems, tunnel ventilation, elevators/escalators, fire/life safety infrastructure, and operations control centers.
- Lead the integration of power SCADA and Operational Systems Control systems for monitoring, alarms, and supervisory control of traction and auxiliary power networks.
- Ensure a seamless interface between traction power systems and civil, structural, mechanical, rolling stock, and systems components, as well as signaling, communications, and station power systems.
- Apply and enforce RAMS, HAZOP, HAZID, and safety certification processes in accordance with CENELEC EN 50126/8/9, NFPA 130, AREMA, CSA, and local codes.
- Guide utility coordination, load planning, and power quality assurance for multi-modal rail corridors.
- Deliver power systems across LRT networks, subways, metro systems, passenger and commuter rail corridors, heavy rail electrification, high-speed rail lines, and multimodal interchange hubs and operations and maintenance facilities.
- Lead engineering and delivery teams through all project phases, including feasibility, preliminary and detailed design, and procurement.
- Provide technical leadership on Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, DBFOM, P3, or Alliance models.
- Represent the organization in interactions with transit agencies, utilities, partners, and regulatory bodies.
Benefits
- Skills-based approach to career development
- Opportunity to work on meaningful projects delivering sustainable solutions
- Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging commitment
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
