Senior OCS Engineer

Poutrix; Toronto; On-site; CAD 129,018 - 193,527; Full time

Job summary

Arcadis is seeking a Senior Engineer – Overhead Contact System (OCS) in Toronto, Ontario. The role requires leading electrified rail projects, providing technical leadership, and ensuring compliance with standards.

The ideal candidate will have 10–15 years of experience in railway electrification, proficiency in CAD tools, and a Professional Engineer designation. The salary range for this position is $93,280 - $139,920 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in railway electrification and OCS design.
• Experience on large‑scale rail projects such as GO Expansion.
• Strong knowledge of 25 kV AC electrification systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and delivery of electrified rail infrastructure projects.
• Oversee feasibility studies, concept design, and construction phases.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for project integration.

Skills

OCS design principles

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Ontario

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Bentley OpenRail

Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 34,000 people in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description

Arcadis is seeking a Senior Engineer – Overhead Contact System (OCS) to join our Mobility Global Business Area (GBA) in Canada. You will be responsible for leading the planning, design, and delivery of electrified rail infrastructure projects across Ontario. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in railway OCS systems, including design standards, construction support, and system integration, and will play a key role in advancing major transit and rail electrification programs.

Role accountabilities

Provide sound and effective technical leadership to the team, offering direction and technical advice and leading by example to achieve company goals and championing a quality culture. Oversee feasibility studies, concept design, detailed design, and construction phases, ensuring compliance with applicable standards (e.g., AREMA, Transport Canada, Metrolinx, CN/CP standards). Conduct reviews and approve design deliverables, including layouts, profiles, structure calculations, and system specifications.

Ensure designs meet applicable safety, quality, and environmental standards. Lead design reviews, audits, and constructability assessments, promoting best practices in OCS design, including reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle optimization.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, structural, track, power, signalling) to ensure seamless project integration. Support engineering design packages, cost estimates, schedules, and risk assessments. Provide support during procurement, construction testing, and commissioning phases, addressing RFIs, specific technical issues, and design changes during project execution.

Act as a key technical interface with clients, contractors, and various project stakeholders. Participate in technical presentations, design reviews, and workshops. Support business development and proposal presentations.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Ontario (or eligibility) required

Experience

• 10–15 years of experience in railway electrification and OCS design
• Proven experience on large‑scale rail projects (e.g., GO Expansion, LRT systems, high‑speed rail)
• Strong knowledge of 25 kV AC electrification systems and OCS components
• Experience in both design consulting and construction support is highly desirable

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of:
• OCS design principles (catenary systems, tensioning, registration, supports)
• Traction power integration and interfaces
• Structural loading and clearance requirements
• Proficiency in relevant tools such as:
• CAD platforms (MicroStation, AutoCAD)
• OCS design software (e.g., Bentley OpenRail, CATENARY tools)
• Familiarity with BIM and digital engineering practices is an asset

Key Competencies

• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced project environment

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working with Ontario transit agencies (Metrolinx, TTC)
• Knowledge of Canadian rail standards and electrification programs
• Experience supporting major infrastructure projects and public‑private partnerships (P3)

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non‑discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The salary range for this position is $93,280 - $139,920. The base salary represents Arcadis’ hiring range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and will be based on location, skills, experience, and qualification for the role.