Senior Rail Communications Systems Architect

TYLin; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

TYLin, a global infrastructure consulting firm, seeks a Senior Communication System Designer to join the Rail + Transit team in Philadelphia, PA. The role focuses on designing and delivering complex communications and OT systems for major transit projects across the Northeast.

You will lead design activities, coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams, and own design packages from concept to commissioning. A PE license is preferred; extensive rail/transit experience is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in communications systems, electrical systems, rail/transit systems, telecommunications, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering communications systems for rail, transit, transportation, aviation, or other complex infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of communications networks, including fiber optic infrastructure, Ethernet, routers, switches, wireless communications, network architecture, and related technologies.
• Experience developing detailed engineering/design documentation, including contract drawings, specifications, equipment schedules, network diagrams, and system architecture documentation.
• Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar design platforms; familiarity with BIM/Revit environments is an asset.
• Ability to interpret and apply technical standards, specifications, codes, and client design criteria.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary designs and working directly with project managers, engineers, architects, contractors, vendors, and clients.
• Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle, from conceptual design through construction and commissioning.
• Ability to independently manage technical assignments, prioritize competing deadlines, and take ownership of deliverables.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, or demonstrated progression toward professional registration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience providing technical direction, mentoring, or quality review of junior staff is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform the design and technical delivery of communications and Operations Technology (OT) systems for complex rail and transit projects.
• Develop communications systems designs from concept through final design, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning.
• Prepare detailed contract drawings, specifications, calculations, equipment schedules, design narratives, and other technical documentation suitable for construction.
• Design and coordinate a range of transit communications systems, which may include fiber optic networks, radio and wireless systems, CCTV and video surveillance, PIS signage, CAD/AVL, SCADA, PACS, and server room infrastructure.
• Evaluate technical requirements, scopes of work, specifications, design criteria, directive drawings, and applicable standards.
• Develop system architecture, network diagrams, equipment layouts, interconnection diagrams, and detailed design documentation.
• Apply knowledge of networking protocols, network architecture, routers, switches, wireless technologies, and network security principles to transit environments.
• Coordinate designs with civil, structural, architectural, electrical, systems, signaling, track, and traction power disciplines.
• Review designs and technical work for quality, constructability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Develop and review construction cost estimates for communications systems, equipment, materials, and installation.
• Participate in client meetings, technical workshops, design reviews, site investigations, and construction support activities.
• Provide technical guidance to less-experienced designers and engineers and contribute to setting team standards and practices.
• Support field investigations, construction administration, shop drawings, RFIs, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Help identify technical risks and develop practical, cost-effective solutions that meet client, operational, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a high standard of technical quality across all deliverables and project phases.

Skills

Communications design

Rail/transit expertise

Project leadership

Network security

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

BIM/Revit

Job description

TYLin, a global infrastructure consulting firm, seeks a Senior Communication System Designer to join the Rail + Transit team in Philadelphia, PA. The role focuses on designing and delivering complex communications and OT systems for major transit projects across the Northeast.

You will lead design activities, coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams, and own design packages from concept to commissioning. A PE license is preferred; extensive rail/transit experience is essential for success.