Signals Designer, Transit and Rail

Gannett Fleming; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Signals Designer in Toronto, ON to develop innovative designs for transit and railway projects. This role involves detailed design work, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring support staff. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in transit systems. The position offers a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work environment

Wellness programs

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience working on transit or Class 1 heavy rail systems.
• Proven experience with microprocessor-based systems and signal circuit design.
• Strong command of signalling principles in the North American railway and transit context.

Responsibilities

• Develop final signal designs for wired locations.
• Provide support for Vital Microprocessor Application Logic Programming.
• Perform detailed design calculations and develop material/equipment specifications.

Skills

Signal design

Microprocessor-based systems

Design Manuals and Guidelines

AutoCAD

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

GFT is seeking a Signals Designer to join our Public Transit team in Toronto, ON. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Toronto office.

Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. Specializing in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transit networks. Together, we are transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting communities through state-of-the-art public transportation infrastructure. Explore some of our signature public transit projects here.

Responsibilities

What you’ll be challenged to do:

As a Signals Designer, you will be at the forefront of critical transit and railway projects, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Develop final signal designs for wired locations—your plans will be shop-ready and implementation-focused.

• Provide support for Vital Microprocessor Application Logic Programming.

• Perform detailed design calculations, develop material/equipment specifications, and prepare preliminary sketches and technical notes.

• Create system design layouts and equipment sizing for complex transit and rail signal projects.

• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines and attend design meetings with clients and internal teams.

• Prepare high-quality, electronically generated drawings that meet rigorous technical and visual standards.

• Identify and report technical challenges or work that exceeds your current scope to senior designers/engineers.

• Review shop drawings, maintain change records, and keep multidisciplinary teams aligned with updated plans.

• Support construction coordination and participate in site inspections as needed under supervision.

• Assist with field data collection and on-site system verifications.

• Supervise and mentor drafters assigned to your projects.

• Contribute to project specifications and help tailor documentation to specific project requirements.

• Represent the firm in professional organizations to enhance technical reputation and visibility.

• Tackle non-routine assignments that demand creativity, adaptability, and advanced problem-solving.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferred), OR equivalent experience with multiple years of hands-on signal design.

• 8+ years of experience working on transit or Class 1 heavy rail systems.

• Proven experience with microprocessor-based systems and signal circuit design.

• Strong command of signalling principles in the North American railway and transit context.

• Skilled in reading, interpreting, and applying Design Manuals and Guidelines.

• Proficient with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation as well as the full Microsoft Office Suite.

• A commitment to quality, safety, and collaboration across disciplines.

Preferred

• Familiarity with North American transit agency specifications and design standards.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex projects with minimal supervision.

• Experience mentoring or leading drafting/design support staff.

Enthusiasm for contributing to and growing within professional associations that shape the future of rail and transit infrastructure.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits:

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.

• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations

• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life.

We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together, we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Location: Toronto, Ontario

No relocation assistance will be provided for this position.

Local candidates will be given preference.

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

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