Rail System Manager

Systra; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and consultancy firm in Dubai seeks a Rail System Manager to lead ETCS deployment and coordinate major rail projects. The candidate should have over 15 years of experience focusing on ETCS and high-speed rail projects, along with a strong understanding of railway signalling systems. This role requires excellent communication and stakeholder management skills in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. Relevant qualifications in Electrical/Electronics/Railway Engineering are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ relevant experience in rail systems, focusing on ETCS and high-speed rail projects.
• Proven experience managing ETCS deployment on large scale rail projects—preferably in the Middle East.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of ETCS deployment and assure end-to-end system functionality.
• Liaise between client, contractors, and suppliers to coordinate ETCS-related activities.
• Oversee ETCS testing, system validation, and commission activities.

Skills

Railway signalling systems

ETCS

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Electronics/Railway Engineering

Job description

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Rail System Manager

Missions / Main Duties

• System Management: Lead all aspects of ETCS deployment (Level 1/2/3), integration with other railway subsystems, and assure end-to-end system functionality.
• Project Coordination: Liaise between the client, contractors, consultants, and suppliers to coordinate ETCS-related activities and resolve technical issues.
• Technical Oversight: Review and approve ETCS system designs, interface specifications, RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) documentation, and project deliverables.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure adherence to international and local railway and safety standards, including CENELEC, ERA, and GCC regulations.
• Testing & Commissioning: Oversee ETCS testing, system validation, and commission activities to achieve seamless integration into the high-speed rail network.
• Progress Reporting: Prepare technical progress reports, risk assessments, and offer management updates on project status and critical ETCS milestones.
• Change Management: Manage change requests and ensure traceability and impact assessment on ETCS-related deliverables.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the project in client, authority, and third-party meetings regarding ETCS and related signalling topics.
• Training & Handover: Organise training sessions for end-users and prepare comprehensive system handover documentation.

Profile / Skills

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical / Electronics / Railway Engineering, or related discipline.

Background

• Minimum 15 years’ of relevant experience in rail systems, with a strong focus on ETCS and high-speed rail projects.
• Proven experience in managing ETCS deployment (design, integration, testing, commissioning) on large scale rail projects—preferably in the Middle East.
• Strong knowledge of railway signalling systems, especially ETCS, CBTC, and interoperability principles.
• Familiarity with ISO, CENELEC, and GCC railway safety and technical standards.
• Professional certifications in railway signalling, project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2), or related fields.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Preferably with GCC and UAE Experience.
• Fluency in English.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.