Train Control Technical Lead

AtkinsRéalis•Kansas City, MO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Train Control Technical Lead to join our Rail and Transit team in Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, and Washington, DC. 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 Leads the design, integration, and commissioning of train control systems, including but not limited to automatic train protection (ATP), automatic train operation (ATO), and communications-based train control (CBTC). Ensures all systems are engineered to meet operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance for passenger and freight rail environments. Coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex train control projects, collaborating with signaling engineers, software developers, systems integrators, and operations staff. Oversees the development and review of system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures to ensure seamless interoperability between train control subsystems and legacy infrastructure. Provides technical leadership during system hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety certification processes. Acts as the primary technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party vendors on all matters related to train control, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed industry best practices and client expectations. Defines scope of train control projects, with full responsibility for interpreting, organizing, and executing project assignments related to signaling and train control systems. Selects problems for investigation, developing novel approaches and solutions to technical challenges in train control and signaling. Conducts quality control checks, reviewing calculations, designs, evaluations, and specifications developed by design staff for accuracy and completeness, performing on-site inspections and reviews of train control installations, and conducting or overseeing remedial design work. Keeps abreast of state-of-the-art methods and developments in train control, signaling, and communications-based train control (CBTC) systems. Recommends changes or improvements to train control plans and programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FRA, FTA). May function as the project manager for routine to semi-complex train control projects. Responsibilities may include marketing, negotiating contracts, budgeting, financial management, schedule coordination, and resource allocation. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, particularly those related to train control and signaling systems. 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 other (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

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
This level may be achieved by engineers with ten years’ experience since B.S. or nine years since M.S., with significant experience in train control and signaling systems.
Typical incumbent has 15 to 20 years of experience in rail/transit environments.
10 or more years of rail/transit experience focused on train control is required.
Strong technical writing and communications skills, proven through technical presentations, technical papers, and/or participation in technical committees.
Demonstrated expertise in train control, signaling, and related safety-critical systems.
Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, FRA, FTA) and safety certification processes.
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

M.S. or graduate-level technical coursework preferred.
P.E. license is Desired.

Responsibilities

Leads the design, integration, and commissioning of train control systems, including but not limited to automatic train protection (ATP), automatic train operation (ATO), and communications-based train control (CBTC).
Ensures all systems are engineered to meet operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance for passenger and freight rail environments.
Coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex train control projects, collaborating with signaling engineers, software developers, systems integrators, and operations staff.
Oversees the development and review of system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures to ensure seamless interoperability between train control subsystems and legacy infrastructure.
Provides technical leadership during system hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety certification processes.
Acts as the primary technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party vendors on all matters related to train control, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed industry best practices and client expectations.
Defines scope of train control projects, with full responsibility for interpreting, organizing, and executing project assignments related to signaling and train control systems.
Selects problems for investigation, developing novel approaches and solutions to technical challenges in train control and signaling.
Conducts quality control checks, reviewing calculations, designs, evaluations, and specifications developed by design staff for accuracy and completeness, performing on-site inspections and reviews of train control installations, and conducting or overseeing remedial design work.
Keeps abreast of state-of-the-art methods and developments in train control, signaling, and communications-based train control (CBTC) systems.
Recommends changes or improvements to train control plans and programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FRA, FTA).
May function as the project manager for routine to semi-complex train control projects. Responsibilities may include marketing, negotiating contracts, budgeting, financial management, schedule coordination, and resource allocation.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, particularly those related to train control and signaling systems.

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.

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