Rail & Transit Traction Power Leader

Snc-Lavalin; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure engineering firm in New York is looking for a Technical Lead specializing in traction power and rail electrical systems. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of relevant engineering experience, a strong background in developing traction power designs, and expertise in rail electrical systems. Responsibilities include leading design efforts, ensuring compliance with standards, and coordinating with multiple disciplines for successful project outcomes. Excellent communication and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in rail/transit electrical systems focusing on traction power.
• Proven track record of developing traction power designs.
• Knowledge of MTA/NYCT standards and stakeholder coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of traction power and rail electrical systems.
• Oversee project quality, safety, and budget.
• Collaborate with various discipline leads for coordinated designs.

Skills

Rail electrical systems expertise

Power distribution knowledge

Communication skills

Leadership and mentoring

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

Traction Power Load Flow Study Software

ETAP

AutoCAD

Job description

* ## Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert for traction power and rail electrical systems, including:* ## **Direct and oversee the development of:** + ## Conceptual through final designs; technical specifications; contract documents + ## Drawings and deliverables such as site plans, duct bank/cable plans, grounding grids, single-line diagrams, schematics, conduit/wire schedules* ## Ensure compliance with relevant standards and requirements, including MTA/agency standards, NFPA 130, NEC, IEEE and other applicable codes and guidelines.* ## Provide oversight of quality, safety, scope, schedule, budget, and risk across assigned projects and task orders.* ## Collaborate with PMs and discipline leads (track, signals, communications, civil/structural, architecture, OCS/third rail, systems integration) to deliver coordinated solutions.* ## Support construction delivery by providing technical support for: + ## Field investigations, site walks, constructability reviews + ## Submittal/shop drawing review, RFI responses, and design clarifications + ## Factory/shop testing, witness testing where required, and commissioning/closeout support* ## Coordinate with utility companies and stakeholders to define service requirements, outages, interface responsibilities, and operational constraints.* ## Lead traction power studies and calculations (load flow/power-flow, short-circuit, cable sizing, protection coordination, grounding/step-touch, arc-flash) and translate results into robust designs, specifications, and drawings.* ## Hands on experience developing detailed design and specifications for DC systems (600/750/1000/1500V) and AC systems (12.5/25KV).* ## Traction power substations (AC utility interfaces, transformers, rectifiers/inverters as applicable), distribution, switching/sectionalization* ## Power supply and distribution for third rail and/or OCS, including feeder arrangements and interface requirements* ## Protection & relaying, controls, SCADA/communications interfaces, and system monitoring* ## Grounding/bonding, negative return, stray current mitigation concepts, and power quality considerations* ## Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (master’s preferred).* ## Professional Engineer (PE) license (New York strongly preferred; or ability to obtain within a defined period).* ## 15+ years of progressive experience in rail/transit electrical systems with significant focus in traction power and power distribution.* ## Proven experience developing traction power design including final/IFC designs and providing Engineering Services During Construction.* ## Demonstrate experience providing Traction Power Design for AC and DC rail systems in North America. Demonstrated experience delivering complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects in dense urban environments with active operations.* ## Working knowledge of MTA/NYCT standards, procedures, and approval processes; ability to navigate stakeholder and third-party coordination.* ## Strong communication skills to lead client discussions, develop technical narratives, and contribute to proposals and presentations.* ## Experience with relevant tools and platforms such as: + ## Traction Power Load Flow Study Software + ## Power system analysis/modeling (e.g., ETAP, SKM, or equivalent) + ## CAD/design production (e.g., MicroStation and/or AutoCAD; 3D modeling a plus)- ## Experience with: * ## MV/LV substations, 480V MCCs, UPS systems, emergency power interfaces * ## Protection coordination, SCADA integration, commissioning and test procedures * ## Alternative delivery procurement and delivery (Design-Build / Progressive DB)* ## Entrepreneurial seller-doer mindset with strong client instincts and pursuit discipline.* ## Recognized technical credibility and the ability to simplify complex concepts for executive decision-makers.* ## Proven leadership in mentoring teams and building collaborative, accountable project cultures.* ## Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; comfortable operating with ambiguity.* ## Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and delivering work that protects service continuity and operational reliability.