Testing & Commissioning Manager_Railway / Metro Projects

Confidential Careers; Al Ain; On-site; AED 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers in the United Arab Emirates seeks a seasoned Testing and Commissioning leader to guide railway and metro projects. You will oversee strategy development, testing plans, and the safe, timely integration of signalling, train control, onboard and wayside systems.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams, manage interfaces with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers, and ensure compliance with safety standards, project specs and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Railway Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in railway or metro projects, particularly in Testing and Commissioning.
• Proven experience managing Testing and Commissioning activities for major railway, metro or rail infrastructure projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of railway signalling systems, interlocking, track circuits, point machines, onboard and wayside equipment.
• Experience in system integration, testing procedures, commissioning strategies and railway operational readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all testing and commissioning activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop, review and implement Testing and Commissioning strategies, plans, programmes and procedures.
• Oversee testing and commissioning of railway signalling, train control, onboard and wayside systems.
• Ensure proper execution of subsystem testing, integration testing, functional testing and final commissioning.
• Coordinate testing activities in accordance with project milestones and approved schedules.
• Ensure readiness of systems, equipment, resources and documentation before commencing testing activities.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic planning

Technical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

To lead, manage and coordinate all Testing and Commissioning (T&C) activities for railway and metro projects, ensuring the safe, systematic and timely testing, integration and commissioning of railway systems in accordance with project specifications, approved procedures, contractual requirements, safety standards and applicable railway regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all testing and commissioning activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop, review and implement Testing and Commissioning strategies, plans, programmes and procedures.
• Oversee testing and commissioning of railway signalling, train control, onboard and wayside systems.
• Ensure proper execution of subsystem testing, integration testing, functional testing and final commissioning.
• Coordinate testing activities in accordance with project milestones and approved schedules.
• Ensure readiness of systems, equipment, resources and documentation before commencing testing activities.

B. Railway Signalling & Systems Integration

• Oversee testing and commissioning of railway signalling and control systems, including interlocking, track circuits, point machines and associated equipment.
• Manage interfaces between signalling, rolling stock, telecommunications, electrical and other railway subsystems.
• Coordinate with engineering, installation and design teams to resolve technical issues and interface discrepancies.
• Review technical drawings, signalling layouts, control tables and testing documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable railway standards and system safety requirements.

C. Project Coordination & Management

• Coordinate with Project Directors, Project Managers, Engineering, Installation, Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Manage internal and external technical interfaces with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and third parties.
• Monitor Testing and Commissioning progress against approved project schedules and contractual milestones.
• Identify potential technical and operational risks and implement corrective actions.
• Manage T&C manpower, equipment, tools, materials and spare parts requirements.
• Provide regular progress reports and technical updates to project management.

D. Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all testing and commissioning activities comply with approved quality procedures, EHS requirements and project specifications.
• Review and approve testing procedures, method statements, inspection records and commissioning reports within delegated authority.
• Ensure all testing activities are performed by competent and authorised personnel.
• Monitor non-conformities, technical deviations and outstanding issues and ensure timely closure.
• Maintain accurate testing records, test certificates and commissioning documentation.
• Support system safety assurance and the preparation of documentation required for safety certification and operational acceptance.
• Lead and supervise testing engineers, subsystem leaders, testers and commissioning personnel.
• Allocate responsibilities and resources based on project requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to testing teams.
• Monitor team performance, productivity and competency.
• Promote a strong safety culture and continuous improvement across all T&C activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Railway Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in railway or metro projects, particularly in Testing and Commissioning.
• Proven experience managing Testing and Commissioning activities for major railway, metro or rail infrastructure projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of railway signalling systems, interlocking, track circuits, point machines, onboard and wayside equipment.
• Experience in system integration, testing procedures, commissioning strategies and railway operational readiness.
• Railway Signalling and Train Control Systems.
• Testing and Commissioning Management.
• Mainline Railway and Metro Systems.
• Onboard and Wayside Testing.
• Interlocking Systems and Track Circuits.
• Railway Systems Integration and Interface Management.
• Testing Procedures, Method Statements and Technical Documentation.
• Quality Assurance and Safety Certification.
• Project Planning, Scheduling and Resource Management.
• Technical Risk Assessment and Troubleshooting.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of Testing and Commissioning milestones.
• Successful completion of testing activities within approved schedules.
• Compliance with project quality, safety and technical requirements.
• Timely closure of testing defects and technical issues.
• Successful system integration and operational acceptance.
• Effective utilisation of T&C resources and manpower.
• Timely submission and approval of testing and commissioning documentation.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team management.
• Strategic planning and decision-making.
• Technical problem-solving and troubleshooting.