Senior Rail Operations and Maintenance Specialist

WSP; Toronto; On-site; CAD 104,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Toronto is seeking a Senior Rail Operations and Maintenance Specialist to lead operational planning for major rail projects. This role requires a strong engineering background with 10+ years of experience in rail transit operations. Responsibilities include developing maintenance plans and ensuring efficient transit systems. The position offers a competitive salary range of $104,500 – $143,900 CAD, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Career growth opportunities

Health benefits

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in Rail Transit operations and maintenance.
• Experience in developing Operating Plans, Maintenance Plans, and System Performance assessments.
• Proven experience with multi-phase project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational planning for major Rail Transit projects.
• Develop and negotiate Operating and Maintenance Agreements.
• Oversee operational simulation work and interpret modelling results.

Skills

Rail Transit operations

Operating Plans development

Leadership in operational modelling

Service planning and scheduling

Knowledge of rail asset management

Strong understanding of signalling systems

Experience in various rail environments

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Senior Rail Operations and Maintenance Specialist

Toronto, ON, Canada
Canada

Job Description

What if you could redefine what’s possible?

What if you could redefine what’s possible? With us, you can. You want Purpose. Growth. Opportunity. People who get it. We are the home of ambitious, passionate, and innovative world shapers. With an unmatched breadth and depth of engineering, advisory and science‑based expertise, our global minds unite to power local solutions. We are pathfinders and impact makers. We are Visioneers. We are WSP.

The Opportunity

Shape the World Around You – As a Senior Rail Operations and Maintenance Specialist in our Modelling and Operations team, you’ll help define how rail transit systems operate and evolve. You’ll guide operations and maintenance strategies from concept through delivery, ensuring transit systems are safe, efficient, reliable, and responsive to the people who rely on them. Your work will shape real‑world decisions that influence how cities move.

Your Impact

• Lead operational planning and analysis for major Rail Transit projects across all phases—from early planning through full operations and maintenance.
• Develop and negotiate Operating and Maintenance Agreements for transit projects.
• Provide O&M expertise as part of a multidisciplinary design team, including the development of ConOps, ConM, Operations Plans, Maintenance Plans, Operational Readiness Plans, Rules and Procedures, Training Plans, SPFMA, and O&M Specifications.
• Oversee operational simulation work, interpret modelling results, and present insights to transit agencies and client teams.
• Apply technical expertise to system‑level design considerations including rail operations, MSF layouts, track design, traction power, signalling and train control, tunnel ventilation, pedestrian movement, and traffic interfaces.
• Review technical reports, designs, and studies to confirm O&M requirements, validate design intent, and ensure stakeholder needs are addressed.
• Build strong client relationships and industry networks, delivering comprehensive, data‑driven operational solutions.
• Support growth of the Modelling and Operations practice, with a focus on expanding O&M capabilities across WSP Canada.
• Mentor and train junior staff, fostering collaboration across local and global teams.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• An engineering degree is highly preferred, and 10+ years of professional experience in Rail Transit operations and maintenance.
• Extensive experience developing Operating Plans, Maintenance Plans, ConOps, ConM, System Performance assessments, Failure Mode Analysis, and Service Plans.
• Proven experience leading operational modelling for capacity analysis, infrastructure improvement studies, timetable optimization, routing, and fleeting strategies.
• Strong understanding of service planning, scheduling, crew and stock rostering, operational performance, and stabling.
• Knowledge of rail asset management and maintenance best practices across stations, corridors, MSFs, OCCs, and customer‑facing systems.
• Strong understanding of signalling and train control systems including Fixed Block, ETCS, and CBTC.
• Experience with business planning, budgeting, operational costing, strategy development, and negotiation of Operating Agreements.
• Demonstrated experience with multi‑phase project delivery—from new build design through testing, commissioning, readiness, operations, and handover.
• Experience in various rail environments including LRT, metro, tram, commuter rail, and mixed‑traffic networks; freight railway exposure is an asset.
• Knowledge of major transport industry trends, regulations, and emerging priorities impacting transit agencies in Canada and globally.

Why Choose WSP?

We exist to shape communities to advance humanity.

• Proudly Canadian – we are a Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026.
• A global community of brilliant minds — your next idea, mentor, or opportunity is always within reach.
• Limitless opportunities start here — we support you to tailor your role to match your ambition because your growth drives ours.
• Flexible work, real balance — we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize yours.

Compensation:
AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $114,600 – $151,800
MB & ON: $104,500 – $143,900
NB, NL, NS, PEI & QC: $103,500 – $137,400

Disclosure:
The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Join Us in Making an Impact

If you're ready to shape the future of transit operations and deliver solutions that matter, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help us build safer, smarter, more resilient transportation systems for communities across Canada.

Job Info

• Job Identification 79351
• Posting Date 01/28/2026, 01:38 PM

About Us

WSP is one of the world's leading professional services firms. Our purpose is to future proof our cities and environments.

We have over 65,000 team members across the globe. In Canada, our 12,000+ people are involved in everything from environmental remediation to urban planning, from engineering iconic buildings to designing sustainable transportation networks, from finding new ways to extract essential resources to developing renewable power sources for the future.

At WSP:

• We value ourpeople and our reputation
• We are locally dedicated with international scale
• We are future focused and challenge the status quo
• We foster collaboration in everything we do
• We have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable

Please Note:

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations.

Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).

WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.