Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is seeking an Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer in Pittsburgh. This role involves designing for rail systems projects focusing on traction electrification overhead contact systems. Responsibilities include technical specifications, project leadership, and construction support.

The ideal candidate will have 7 years of experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and relevant software proficiency. This full-time position values strong organizational communication skills and commitment to employee-owned culture.

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in consulting firms, rail transit construction, or transit agencies.
• AC/DC traction electrification and OCS design experience.
• Knowledge of steel and concrete design codes (AISC, ACI, AASHTO).
• Familiarity with NESC in an OCS context.
• Strong commitment to employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Design electronic traction OCS and develop technical specifications.
• Coordinate design with traction power systems and rail/bus vehicles.
• Produce systems components and allocation drawings.
• Provide site support during installation or planning.

Skills

Technical competence in rail electrification

Organizational communication skills

Leadership in coordinating teams

Client interface experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Professional Engineering license (PE or P.Eng)

Tools

Microsoft Office

PLS CAD

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Revit

Foundation design software (e.g., LPile)

Structural design software (SAP2000, STAAD, LARSA)

Job description

Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer

The primary duties of the Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer include design production for rail systems projects pertaining to traction electrification overhead contact systems (OCS) distribution. This includes involvement in electrified rail and transit projects throughout North America and internationally. Responsibilities include performing design, providing leadership of specific design packages for multiple projects, coordinating the assembly of plans and specifications, and providing construction support.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design electronic traction OCS, AC and DC overhead contact systems, develop technical specifications, criteria, drawings and calculations.

• Coordinate with technical groups, interface design with traction power systems, structures and rail/bus vehicles.

• Design overhead contact wire distribution for Streetcar, Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail and High‑Speed Rail projects.

• Produce system components, schematics, layouts, sizing and allocation drawings, general arrangements, typicals and allocation drawings.

• Provide support at home office and short‑term travel to installation or planning sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in consulting firms, rail transit construction or transit agencies.

• AC/DC traction electrification, OCS design and implementation.

• Experience in construction of OCS electrification.

• Knowledge of steel and concrete design codes such as AISC, ACI, AASHTO.

• Familiarity with foundation design software (e.g., LPile). Familiarity with structural design software such as SAP2000, STAAD, LARSA.

• Familiarity with NESC and its application in an OCS context.

• Excellent organizational communication skills.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineering license valid in the jurisdiction of the position (PE or P.Eng).
• Previous experience in project execution within the power market sector.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard power market sector design software (PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, Revit).
• Strong commitment to the employee‑owned culture.

Skills and Attributes

• Technical competence in rail electrification with recognized expertise solving complex problems.

• Proven leadership in coordinating small professional or technical teams.

• Experience with direct client interface and complete project life cycle from design to commissioning.

Additional Information

• Industry: Transit
• Schedule: Full‑time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Job Posting Date: May 15, 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.