Director, Data Communication Systems

Hitachi Rail Limited; Toronto; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Rail Limited in Toronto seeks a Director, Data Communication Systems to lead a 20-person team designing, deploying, and maintaining mission-critical networks for railway signaling and control.

You will drive security, standards, and lifecycle processes, mentor engineers across RF, SR‑MPLS, and 5G domains, and collaborate with product management and bids to support proposals. This senior role requires deep technical leadership in transportation networks.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in data communications and networking
• 10+ years in leadership roles
• Experience with mission-critical systems in transportation/defense/industrial automation
• Strong systems engineering and lifecycle process knowledge
• Deep understanding of 3GPP standards
• Expertise in SR‑MPLS, RAN, Private 5G, LTE, RF, and network security

Responsibilities

• Lead design and deployment of secure, high-availability data communication systems for rail signalling and train control
• Enforce design policies, processes and high-quality network documentation
• Oversee FAT, SAT, SIT procedures and system integration
• Mentor a multidisciplinary team across RF, SR‑MPLS, and 5G domains
• Drive the strategic roadmap for communication technologies in line with product policy
• Collaborate with product management, bids and project delivery
• Represent the organization in technical committees and customer meetings
• Coach Work Package Managers for on-time, on-budget delivery
• Oversee staffing and recruitment for projects

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Systems engineering

Lifecycle processes

3GPP standards

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentorship

Strategic thinking

Education

Master’s or PhD in Engineering or Telecommunications

Tools

SR‑MPLS

RAN

Private 5G networks

LTE technologies

RF communications

VPN/IPsec/firewalls

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.

Job Description

The Director, Data Communication Systems will lead a team of 20 engineers and specialists responsible for the design, deployment, and lifecycle management of mission-critical networks supporting Communication Based Train Control and related applications. This role requires deep technical expertise in data communications, networking, SR-MPLS, radio access networks, cyber-security, OT Networks/applications, private 5G technologies, combined with strong leadership, mentorship, and program delivery capability. The position will support Hitachi Rail’s growth in worldwide markets through building a resilient and highly skilled design & delivery team.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the design and implementation of secure, high-availability data communication systems for rail signalling and train control.
• Enforce strict design policies, design processes, and high-quality network documentation.
• Ensure adherence to deployment processes and enforce FAT, SAT, and SIT procedures.
• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers across RF, SR-MPLS, and 5G domains.
• Manage the execution of the strategic roadmap for communication technologies, ensuring alignment with product policy and project needs.
• Oversee system integration, testing, and validation of communication subsystems.
• Ensure compliance with company processes for Data Communication Systems, industry standards, safety regulations, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Collaborate with product management, bids, and project delivery teams to support proposals and customer engagements.
• Represent the organization in technical committees, customer meetings, and industry forums.
• Provide support and guidance to teams for customer interactions on the delivery program.
• Manage and/or coach Work Package Managers delivering solutions to both internal R&D and commercial projects, with responsibility for scope management, on‑time, and budget delivery.
• Manage overall department staffing, recruitment, and work assignments for projects.

Key Requirements

• Education:
  • Master’s or PhD in Engineering or Telecommunications.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 15 years of experience in data communications and networking.
  • Minimum 10 years in leadership roles.
  • Experience with mission‑critical systems in transportation, defense, or industrial automation.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering and lifecycle processes.
  • Strong understanding of 3GPP standards.
  • Proven expertise in:
    • SR‑MPLS network architecture and operations.
    • Radio Access Networks (RAN), Private 5G networks, and LTE technologies.
    • RF communications (Wi‑Fi, UWB, Bluetooth, etc.).
    • Network security (VPN, IPsec, firewalls, authentication).
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills in a matrix environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Operational Technology (OT) and Mission‑Critical Networks.
• Experience with Communications‑Based Train Control systems.
• Familiarity with IEC 62443 and Cenelec 50701 standards.
• Familiarity with railway signalling standards and operational practices.
• Relevant certifications in networking (e.g., CCNP, JNCIP), wireless (e.g., CWNP), or cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP).
• This posting relates to an existing vacancy.
• Artificial intelligence may be used in the screening or assessment process for this role.

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.