Overhead Cantenary Systems Engineer (OCS)

Modern Railway Systems; Lynnwood (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership ESOP

Health insurance fully paid by company

HSA and FSA plans

Life insurance 2.5x salary

Job summary

Modern Railway Systems is seeking a specialized Overhead Catenary Systems Engineer (OCS) to lead the design, development, construction support, estimating and commissioning of OCS and Traction Power Feeder Systems for light rail vehicles, streetcars, and high-speed rail projects in Seattle.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering and at least five years of relevant experience, with proficiency in AutoCAD and MicroStation.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in OCS or related disciplines.
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and structural analysis software.
• U.S. driver’s license in good standing and ability to travel for project needs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design & Engineering: lead detailed engineering shop drawings for AC/DC OCS electrification systems.
• Technical Documentation: develop O&M manuals and training materials.
• Estimating Support: perform quantity takeoffs and vendor inquiries.
• Construction Support: provide site engineering, troubleshoot installations, and assist commissioning.
• System Integration & Coordination: interface with track, signal, and power engineers; support testing and commissioning.

Skills

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Structural analysis

Overhead power systems

Team collaboration

Valid U.S. Driver's License

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Civil or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overhead Cantenary Systems Engineer (OCS)

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Seattle

Compensation: $120,000 - $150,000 / year

Description

Modern Railway Systems is seeking a specialized OCS professional responsible for the engineering, design development, construction support, estimating and commissioning of OCS and Traction Power Feeder Systems associated with light rail vehicles, streetcars and high-speed rail.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Design & Engineering: Develop and lead detailed engineering shop drawings designs for both AC and DC OCS electrification systems. Perform calculations for support structures such as pole and foundation loading, catenary tension, cantilevers, and wire sag/rise conditions.

Technical Documentation: Developing operations and maintenance (O&M) manuals and training materials.

Estimating Support: Performing quantity takeoffs and vendor inquiries.

Construction Support: Provide site engineering support, troubleshoot installation issues, and perform testing/commissioning. Conducting site investigations to collect field data. Provide support to development of project staging and installation methods and procedures alongside Construction Manager and Superintendent. Evaluate and approve field changes, deviations, and alternative construction methods or approaches as required.

System Integration & Coordination: Interface with track, signal, and power substation engineers to ensure compatibility. Support system integration testing and commissioning of the OCS system. Develop project specific test plans, providing onsite support for final measurements, testing, and record documentation development.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

**Please note--Requirements are essential, but preferences have flexibility. **Education: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university preferably in Electrical, Civil or Mechanical Engineering.

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
• Ability to work flexible hours/ shifts to accommodate project needs
• Proficiency in design tools like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and structural analysis software.
• Strong understanding of OCS components, tensioning systems, and overhead power distribution.
• Ability to understand specifications and design drawings, being able to interpret into shop drawings.
• Ability to perform thorough quantity takeoffs and material selection.
• Experience managing and interacting with design subs.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills both written and verbal.
• Have a valid U.S. Driver’s License in good standing.
• Ability to travel for project needs, corporate events and training.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Ability to create scope documents for task orders, subcontractors, and proposals.
• Prior experience working alongside owner reps.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and contractors.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis on existing infrastructure.
• Adaptability to both design office work and field construction support.
• The ability to work under pressure in fast-paced construction or maintenance environments.

What we have to offer:

• Award-winning contractor with a dynamic business model and an excellent reputation.
• We are a 100% employee-owned company with a competitive ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
• Company pays 100% of employee premiums for health insurance; employee pays up to $15 per week for family premiums. **Benefits and employee costs are subject to change**
• HSA and FSA plans that will allow you to divert pre‑tax money.
• Life insurance provided by the company at 2.5 times your yearly salary.