Senior Overhead Contact System (OCS) Engineer

Hatch Ltd.; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Hatch seeks a highly motivated Senior OCS (Overhead Contact System) Engineer to join our North American Infrastructure group in the Rail Systems team. Seattle, WA is the preferred location, with Vancouver as a possible base for select cases and visa processes.

The role requires 10–15 years of DC OCS design experience, direct work on high-voltage systems, and a professional engineer’s credential or EIT. Lead design, coordination, and project management across rail projects.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 10–15 years of experience with DC OCS systems design, incl. 600–1500V DC rail and 12–25kV AC transit systems.
• Strong knowledge of NEC and local codes.
• Professional engineer’s license or engineer-in-training is an advantage.
• Experience in North American transit/transportation is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter rail and streetcar with pantograph.
• Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design.
• Develop documents including specifications, drawings and cost estimates.
• Review project submittals and RFIs from contractors.
• Provide installation, testing and commissioning support to clients.
• Management of OCS projects.

Skills

OCS design

NEC knowledge

PE license

Transit/rail experience

Load calculations

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

STAAD

RISA

Job description

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Date: Sep 1, 2026

Company: Hatch

Requisition ID:101690

Join a company that is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. With more than 65 years of business and technical expertise inmining , energy , and infrastructure ,our 10,000 colleagues in 150 countries tirelessly work toward bettering the industries in which we operate. With practical solutions that are safe, innovative and sustainable, we think globally while acting locally.Are you looking for an opportunity to join a diverse group of professionals who are committed to remaining exceptional? We look forward to hearing from you.

Our expertise in infrastructure includes aviation, highways and bridges, planning and advisory services, ports, rail and transit, tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the infrastructure team is for you!

Looking to take the next step in your career?

Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior OCS (Overhead Contact System) Engineer to join our North American Infrastructure group in our Rail Systems team.

Location: Seattle, WA (Preferred)

We strongly prefer candidates who are able to relocate to Seattle. However, we also encourage highly qualified candidates in Vancouver to apply. In select cases, the successful candidate may initially be based in Hatch's Vancouver office while supporting Seattle-area projects and completing any required immigration or visa processes.

In this role the ideal candidate isa results-driven engineering professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment. Candidates must be detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills, have the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of quality, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

As the successful candidate, you will:

• Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter rail and streetcar with pantograph as well as streetcar and electrified buses with trolley poles.
• Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design.
• Develop documents including specifications, drawings and cost estimates.
• Review project submittals and requests for information from contractors.
• Provide installation, testing and commissioning support to clients.
• Management of OCS projects.

You bring to the role:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Relevant experience may be considered as a substitute for degree requirements.
• 10 to 15 years of experience with dc OCS systems design, includingthe design of 600 to 1500 volt dc rail as well as 12 to 25 kilovolt AC transit systems
• Thorough understanding of the National Electrical Safety Code (NEC) andlocal codes.
• Professional engineer’s license or engineer-in-training certificate is an advantage.
• Experience with the North American transit/transportation industry is highly desirable.

The following skills/experience are a plus:

• Tension and pole/foundation load calculations.
• AutoCAD or MicroStation experience.
• Experience with Structural engineering analysis software like STAAD and RISA is a plus.
• Experience in field testing of OCS systems.
• Knowledge of railway traction power systems.
• Collaborate on exciting projects to develop innovative solutions

Don't meet every single requirement? You don't need to. At Hatch, we are building a diverse, inclusive workplace that fosters innovation. If you're interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if your past experiences don't perfectly align with the skills we've listed.

Base Compensation:

$200,000 - $250,000 CAD (Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location). This salary range applies to candidates based in Canada. If the successful candidate relocates to Seattle, WA, compensation will be determined in accordance with the applicable U.S. salary structure and local market conditions.

At Hatch, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. In accordance with legislated pay transparency requirements, the expected salary range for this position is based on current market data and aligned with internal pay structures to ensure consistency and fairness.

Your individual compensation within this range will depend on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications and location. In addition to base pay, our total rewards package may include performance-based incentives, comprehensive benefits, and other programs designed to support your well-being and growth.