Communications Engineer

Network Rail Consulting; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare premiums paid by employer

Generous vacation leave entitlement

401K with employer matching

Job summary

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) is seeking an experienced Communications Engineer to join our Sacramento team. You will provide technical expertise for system performance specification, costing, and operation of communications systems within a multi‑discipline project group.

The role requires practical knowledge of railway communications, including radio and fiber, and strong communication with stakeholders across teams. Hybrid working is available in Sacramento, CA.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level with a relevant degree/equivalent experience.
• Incorporated Engineer working towards Chartered status.
• Strong background in communications systems, including railway fiber and radio systems.
• Knowledge of interfaces within high‑speed railway systems.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of an integrated project team to deliver a high‑speed rail system to meet client requirements.
• Interpret business needs and develop performance requirements for rail systems specification.
• Provide guidance on safety, technology and performance in rail systems projects.
• Support system integration and interfaces between rail systems and other works.
• Review project designs for safety, performance and compatibility and provide feedback.
• Contribute to development of RFPs and evaluation of contractor proposals.

Skills

Rail systems knowledge

Strong communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in related field

Incorporated Engineer towards Chartered status

Job description

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) is the international consultancy arm of Network Rail – the owner and operator of Britain’s mainline rail system. We have been active in the North American, Australian and the Middle East markets since 2013 and have successfully delivered more than 150 consultancy contracts for government, public and privately owned organizations.

Through our consulting services in the United States (US), we are assisting both public agencies and private clients in the transportation sector to accelerate transformation efforts, make step‑changes in major program delivery, and achieve leaps forward in areas such as asset management & maintenance, major projects, railway operations, strategic planning and advisory.

Our work is driven forward by our values: agile, always safe, care about people, collaborative, impartial and passionate.

About the Role

Building on our continued success, we are looking for an experienced professional to join our team as a Communications Engineer based in Sacramento California, we offer flexibility and hybrid working.

In this role, you will be working as part of an integrated project team, providing technical expertise for system performance specification, costing, system compliance and approval, construction, acceptance, maintenance and operation of communications systems and equipment.

Practical experience and knowledge of all railway communications systems, and emerging rail technology (including next generation radio systems) are must have skills for this role. You will also be a good communicator, a team player and able to build rapport with stakeholders.

What will you be doing?

Key Accountabilities

• Work as part of an integrated project team to deliver a high-speed rail system which meets the business requirements established by our client.
• Interpret business requirements and developing performance requirements for the rail systems specification in compliance with statute, system design, national and international standards, and best industry practice.
• Provide advice and guidance on development within the rail systems industry so that systems specification remains at the forefront of industry in terms of safety, technology, and performance.
• Offer specialist technical guidance and support to the system integration and interfaces between rail systems and other works.
• Provide technical support to others within the project team to ensure that specialist advice is available as and when required.
• Establish technical content for communication system requirements and standards for the project.
• Update Design Criteria relating to communications systems for incorporation into future contracts.
• Review, as directed, the overall safety, performance and compatibility of project designs and providing structured feedback and comment where necessary.
• Participate in, or leading, audits against requirements, process, contract, or law as required.
• Contribute to the development of project requests for proposal (RFPs) and to the evaluation of proposals from contractors/subcontractors.
• Monitor contractual commitments to check that work is being performed in accordance with specifications, drawings, and terms of contract.

About You

Job Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Educated to degree level with a relevant degree/equivalent experience.
• Incorporated Engineer working towards Chartered status.
• Strong background in communications systems, including railway fiber and radio systems.
• Strong railway system background with knowledge and understanding of the interfaces between different elements that make up a high-speed railway.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Plan and deliver appropriate systems to understand future demand, emerging technologies, and areas for improvement.
• Manage third parties so that service levels are met.
• Engineering management experience involving technical and business risk assessment.
• Ability to work across a multidisciplinary team and establish relationships at all levels.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, industry, and company standards.

For the right person, this role presents a fantastic opportunity to develop their career, joining an established and passionate team, with ambitious plans to grow.

We offer benefits such as:

• Competitive compensation packages
• A performance-related pay incentive scheme
• Healthcare insurance premiums (100% paid for by us)
• Generous vacation leave entitlement
• 401K with employer matching contributions
• Access to Employee Discount Program via LifeMart

NRC supports flexible working practices, and we understand that life balance is an important part of our employees' lives. We offer a wide range of flexible work/life balance options such as hybrid (home/office) working, flexible working hours where appropriate.

Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future.

Network Rail Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or veteran status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.