Architect, Data Communication System

Hitachi Rail; Toronto; On-site; CAD 102,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision plans

Retirement plan with company match

3 weeks vacation

Job summary

Hitachi Rail in Canada seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the design and deployment of CBTC communication networks. You will translate customer needs into system requirements, develop network designs, and guide on-site deployment, testing, and commissioning with cross‑functional teams.

The role requires 10+ years in industrial control networks, strong systems engineering, Linux/Windows experience, and excellent English communication.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in industrial control networks.
• University degree in computer science, engineering, or closely related discipline.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Experience with CBTC/rail signaling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer requirements into system and subsystem specifications.
• Develop detailed network designs and documentation for CBTC deployments.
• Lead deployment, verification, and commissioning activities on site.
• Collaborate with Software, Hardware, and IVVQ teams to resolve issues.

Skills

ICS nets

Systems engineering

Requirements analysis

Network design

Technical writing

English fluency

Education

University degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

DOORS

VMware

Docker

Kubernetes

Linux

Windows

Job description

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting‑edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi‑cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting‑edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi‑cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Job Description

The general mission is to address all design aspects of a mission‑critical communication system that supports the operation of the Communication‑Based Train Control (CBTC) system. This includes:

• Analysis of customer specifications (internal or external) to define DCS architecture, features and solutions.
• Development of system and subsystem requirements.
• Creation of a detailed network design.
• Development and hands‑on implementation of the solution.
• Participation in all deployment, verification, and validation activities, along with continuous support.

The incumbent ensures design work is accurate, cost‑effective, and completed within the defined schedule limits. Work is defined by the Work Package Manager and reviewed/approved in collaboration with the DCS Chief Architect and/or Manager. The systems engineer collaborates with a team of engineers to understand and define the project scope, performance outcomes, and verification methods, while taking a leadership role in executing design and deployment of solutions.

Key Accountabilities

Technical

• Propose and define innovative solutions to meet customer requirements, ensuring alignment with product/system technical strategy for communication‑based train control.
• Convert internal and/or external requirements into conceptual designs and associated documentation through analysis, simulations, and technical trade‑off studies of alternative configurations and functional features.
• Create new concepts or modify existing solutions based on customer specifications.
• Prepare system, subsystem, and interface requirement specifications by analyzing, decomposing, modeling, and refining customer requirements alongside train control domain standards.
• Perform technical analyses to define system designs and identify feasibility and key driving requirements.
• Develop detailed network designs and document their implementation.
• Deploy solutions in lab settings and on‑site, supporting testing and commissioning activities.
• Participate in technical reviews for component designs, installation plans, vendor selection, and similar domains.
• Provide high‑tier support for complex and high‑impact field issues.
• Prepare bids and proposals, including requirement compliance assessments, gap analysis, architecture design, simulation, feature trade‑offs, and estimation.
• Present technical designs and reports to stakeholders in clear, concise, and unambiguous language.
• Contribute to process and standards updates by leveraging systems engineering knowledge or specialized technical expertise.
• Perform operational design analyses and simulations to define performance limits and support overall design objectives.
• Build strong working relationships across related groups including Software, Hardware, and IVVQ teams for issue resolution.
• Lead technical discussions and present solutions to both internal and external stakeholders.

Management

• Supervise contractors and other systems specialists, defining work priorities, coaching, and monitoring progress.
• Estimate work packages based on project needs and prepare status reports for stakeholders.
• Identify and implement process improvement initiatives.

Safety and Security

• Promote a safety culture emphasizing product safety.
• Ensure safety and security considerations are embedded in the design to mitigate risks or defects early.

Key Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in developing industrial control networks.
• Education: University degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or closely related disciplines.
• Technical/Specialized Knowledge:
  • In‑depth knowledge of industrial control networks.
  • Proficiency in systems engineering principles, systems development life cycle, and installation design practices.
  • Strong site deployment and network commissioning expertise.
  • Experience with Microsoft client and server OS configurations, Linux OS administration, and VMware solutions.
  • Familiarity with IT support systems like telemetry monitoring solutions, runtime software infrastructure (Docker/Kubernetes), and automation tools (Powershell/Ansible scripting).
  • Networking expertise covering Ethernet/IP protocols, redundancy solutions, MPLS/VPN technologies, cybersecurity, RF networking, etc.
  • Desired knowledge of railway‑specific standards (IEC‑61375, EN‑50159) a-nd technologies like SDN/SD‑WAN solutions.
  • Advanced technical writing, marketing, and presentation skills.
  • Proficient in tools such as DOORS, Melody Advance; rail signaling knowledge is an advantage.
• Language: Fluency in English is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications

• P.Eng licenses are desirable.
• Familiarity with rail signaling, CBTC systems, and specification‑driven designs related to network operations (including hardware and software integration).

Salary Range: $101,700 - $130,450

The Company provides an extensive benefits program for all full‑time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Health, Dental and Vision plans - 100% of premiums are company‑paid
• Retirement Savings Plan with a company match
• Company paid holidays - 3 weeks of vacation
• Company provided Life and accident Insurance, LTD
• Worklife programs such as Flextime and a variety of Development and Training opportunities

This posting relates to an existing vacancy

Our hiring process uses both human and technology‑assisted (AI) tools to support candidate screening and assessment. All results are reviewed by people, and all hiring decisions are made by people.

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone.

We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view.

It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.