Communications Design Manager - Rail & Transit

AtkinsRéalis; Lynnwood (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Company-paid life and disability

Employer-matched 401(k) with vesting

Paid Time Off

Flexible work options

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Communications Design Manager - Rail & Transit in Lynnwood, WA to lead design, integration, and commissioning of advanced communications systems for rail operations.

You will coordinate cross-disciplinary teams, oversee safety certification processes, and ensure compliance with AREMA, IEEE, FCC, FRA, and FTA standards while delivering reliable, interoperable solutions for passenger and freight networks.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• P.E. license is required.
• Familiarity with industry standards (AREMA, IEEE, FCC, FRA, FTA) and safety certification processes.
• 15–20 years of experience in rail/transit environments.
• 10+ years of rail/transit experience focused on communications.
• Strong technical writing and communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design, integration, and commissioning of communications systems including radio, fiber optic, network infrastructure, and CBTC.
• Coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex projects and ensure interoperability between subsystems and legacy infrastructure.
• Provides technical leadership during hazard analysis, FMEA, and safety certification processes; serves as primary liaison with clients, regulators, and vendors.
• Defines scope of communications projects and interprets, organizes, and executes assignments.
• Performs on-site inspections and reviews of communications installations; oversees remedial design work.
• Keeps abreast of state-of-the-art methods and developments in communications systems.
• Represents the organization in conferences with clients and regulatory agencies.

Skills

Technical writing

Communications skills

Leadership

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field

P.E. license

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Communications Design Manager - Rail & Transit to join our team in Lynnwood, WA.

Under general direction, provides technical expertise within the area of communications engineering for diverse activities throughout the assigned area of responsibility and/or companywide.

May function as lead designer or technical consultant. Upholds engineering ethics and standards of conduct.

Your role

• Leads the design, integration, and commissioning of communications systems, including but not limited to radio, Fiber optic, network infrastructure, and communications-based control systems. Ensures all systems are engineered to meet operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance for passenger and freight rail environments.
• Coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex communications projects, collaborating with communications engineers, network specialists, systems integrators, and operations staff. Oversees the development and review of system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures to ensure seamless interoperability between communications subsystems and legacy infrastructure.
• Provides technical leadership during system hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety certification processes. Acts as the primary technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party vendors on all matters related to communications, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed industry best practices and client expectations.
• Defines scope of communications projects, with full responsibility for interpreting, organizing, and executing project assignments related to communications systems.
• Selects problems for investigation, developing novel approaches and solutions to technical challenges in communications engineering.
• Conducts quality control checks, reviewing Cal communications installations and specifications developed by design staff for accuracy and completeness, performing on-site inspections and reviews of communications installations, and conducting or overseeing remedial design work.
• Keeps abreast of state-of-the-art methods and developments in communications systems and technologies.
• Recommends changes or improvements to communications plans and programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FCC, FRA, FTA).
• May function as the project manager for routine to semi-complex communications projects. Responsibilities may include marketing, negotiating contracts, budgeting, financial management, schedule coordination, and resource allocation.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, particularly those related to communications systems.
• Work involves coordination, research and problem solving on a variety of engineering projects with unique or controversial problems, the solution of which has an important effect on major organization programs.
• Supervision received is essentially administrative, with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits. Acts independently on technical matters relating to his/her field.
• Supervises and/or coordinates with other senior professionals and support staff.
• Interfaces with senior technical professionals, technical managers, and administrative staff and managers as necessary.
• Represents the organization in conferences with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies.

About you

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field. M.S. or graduate-level technical coursework preferred.
• P.E. license is Required.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, FCC, FRA, FTA) and safety certification processes.
• Typical incumbent has 15 to 20 years of experience in rail/transit environments.
• 10 or more years of rail/transit experience focused on communications is required.
• Strong technical writing and communications skills, proven through technical presentations, technical papers, and/or participation in technical committees.
• Ability to process paper/electronic documents and utilize computer equipment; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; ability to visit project sites if necessary.
• Job also requires ability to plan, prioritize and review project plans and documents, evaluate alternatives, and select appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in communications systems and related safety-critical systems.

Rewards & benefits

At AtkinsRéalis, our values—Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence—are more than just words. They are the foundation of who we are and how we work. These principles shape our culture, guide our decisions, and inspire us to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

Depending on your employment status, AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits. You can review our comprehensive benefits page here.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Additional information

Expected compensation range is between $120,000- $165,000 annually depending on skills and experience.

AtkinsRéalis is an equal opportunity, Drug-Free employer EOE/Veteran/Disability

Please review AtkinsRéalis' Equal Opportunity Statement here.

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