DRS Technical Lead

Iquantaglobal; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is seeking a skilled DRS Technical Lead to drive technical coordination for the ETCS Development Program Sector 1 North. The role requires collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver FRMCS-enabled signaling and data systems across Brisbane, with travel to the Sunshine Coast.

You will oversee data centre planning, CSN integration, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with project milestones and broader rail telecommunications programs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in technical coordination and project management.
• Ability to lead and coordinate delivery in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Substantial knowledge of interdependencies between signalling systems and data radio discipline.
• Experience in rail and telecommunications with established Queensland relationships.

Responsibilities

• Technical coordination and integration of DRS and enabling works (CSN, cyber security, data centre, state lab).
• Targeted engagement with stakeholders to ensure inputs meet project requirements and outcomes.
• Development of project documents aligned with delivery for DRS and enabling projects.
• Project coordination and participation including program, subcontractors, meetings and technical coordination.
• Ongoing support to delivery teams related to DRS and enabling projects.

Skills

Technical lead

Project management

Rail signaling

FRMCS knowledge

Job description

(ETCS Development Program – ETCS Sector 1 North Project)

Brisbane with travel across Brisbane and Sunshine Coast

Type: Contract – Full Time

Initial Contract Term: 2 years

Extension Options: up to 12 months

Extension options may be exercised subject to TMRs discretion and performance review.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced DRS Technical Lead to support delivery within the ETCS Development Program.

Role Overview

The Digital Radio System (DRS) project is the transition to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). The current international standard for ETCS data communication, the Global System of Mobile communications – Railway (GSM-R), is becoming obsolete and TMR's ETCS Program will be responsible for the transition to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) from around 2027.

As the Sector 1 North Project between the Cross River Rail Northern Portal to Caloundra and the Wave (Rail), requires FRMCS for its first stage (being The Wave Stage 1) due to the available radio frequencies, the DRS project is progressing in conjunction with the Sector 1 North project.

As part of the development this project, it was determined that enabling projects including the DRS data centre and State Lab, onboard radio compatibility and requirements for the Control Systems Network (CSN) is required.

Working closely with the DRS and enabling projects Project Managers, TMR is seeking an appropriately qualified team lead to coordinate and liaise with relevant subject matter expertise to support continued project development, and project activities, such as:

The Control System Network design requirements

The DRS data centre and State Lab being planned at this time, including the procurement of a design and construct contractor

Rollingstock modifications with development studies and software development being investigated

Further, as the DRS project continues, future coordination of the GSM-R to FRMCS migration is anticipated. Planning for this migration, including relevant spectrum acquisition will be within scope.

Key Responsibilities

Core scope for this role will include, but will not be limited to:

Technical coordination and integration of DRS and associated Enabling works, such as CSN, cyber security, and the data centre and state lab.

Targeted engagement with key stakeholders to ensure appropriate technical inputs are received and meets project requirements/outcomes; and

Development of relevant project documents and ensure alignment with project delivery and project outcomes for DRS and enabling projects.

Project coordination and participation including program, subcontractor, meetings, technical coordination.

Continued support to delivery team for projects, relevant to DRS and enabling projects.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

Reports to Program Director (ETCS)

Works in relation to the following projects, and will interface with related projects, such as The Wave, LGC, CRRDA, NGR, and QTMP and stakeholders, such as Queensland Rail:

Data Centre and State Lab

Migration for the GSM-R to FRMCS

Network requirements, such as Control Systems Network

To ensure consistency across TMR's rail delivery and major projects portfolio, the role will be required to assist, provide advice and collaborate with The Wave project, B2N Project, Queensland Rail, Sequence Alliance, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and other project teams within TMR from time-to-time.

Shared lessons learned between projects (where appropriate) will be an important element of this role – ensuring a consistent approach to delivery across TMR's program. As a result, flexibility and a highly collaborative and respectful work style are key skills required for this role.

Role Requirements

5+ years relevant demonstrated experience working in related roles, providing technical coordination and project management.

Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate delivery in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Substantial knowledge of the interdependencies between signalling systems, including the data radio discipline. Strong technical knowledge and expertise in rail systems and telecommunication.

Experience working within the rail and telecommunication industry and established relationships within the Queensland rail industry and/or telecommunication industry.

Critical Behavioural Skills

Works collaboratively in a fast-paced, integrated project team, actively contributing as a key member of the team and demonstrates TMR’s values to the wider team.

Works collaboratively in absorbing stakeholder feedback and fostering positive relationships while drives accountability and outcomes on the Project and makes insightful decisions.

Provides well considered and well documented advice to the senior leadership team and peers.

Ensures productive and positive working relationships are maintained with key stakeholders.

Effectively communicates complex delivery matters to a broad stakeholder group.

Ability to lead and develop project information materials and relevant documentation (business cases, briefs, reports) for senior leadership team, external stakeholder engagement, and for the investment decision.