Traction Power Engineer

Mott MacDonald; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Medical insurance

Paid holidays

Job summary

Mott MacDonald is seeking an Austin‑based Traction Power Engineer to join an embedded client team for a major light rail program. You will design traction power systems and coordinate across multi‑discipline groups to deliver safe, reliable electrification solutions for a large urban rail corridor.

Requirements include 7+ years in traction power/rail electrification, a BSc/MSc in Electrical Engineering, and a Texas PE license or ability to obtain within 6 months; relocation support is available

Qualifications

• 7+ years in traction power or rail electrification design.
• BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering.
• PE license in Texas, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Experience in traction power systems design (TPSS, OCS).
• Strong knowledge of power system modelling and analysis.
• Familiarity with rail electrification standards (AREMA, IEEE, local/state).
• Experience in multidisciplinary rail design environments.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver traction power system designs including substations and OCS.
• Develop TPSS designs, layouts, equipment selection and configurations.
• Perform power system analysis, load flow and resilience assessments.
• Coordinate with track, civil, structural and systems teams.

Skills

Traction power design

TPSS

OCS

Power systems modeling

Rail electrification

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Job description

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee‑owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water.

We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career‑defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story.

If you share that vision, even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we'd still love to hear from you. We value potential and diverse perspectives as much as experience. Let's explore how we can support your growth and help you take the next step in your career, while contributing to an exciting new chapter for Mott MacDonald in North America.

We are seeking a Traction Power Engineer to join our team in Austin, Texas, supporting a major, high‑profile transit program that will transform mobility and connectivity across the city. Based within the client's office, you will work in a fully integrated delivery environment on a complex, urban rail corridor program.

In this role, you will support the design and delivery of traction power systems across a large‑scale light rail program. You will play a key role in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient electrification solutions, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate power systems within the broader rail and station environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver designs for traction power systems, including substations, overhead contact systems (OCS), and power distribution networks
• Contribute to the development of Traction Power Substation (TPSS) designs, including layouts, equipment selection, and system configuration
• Undertake power system analysis and modelling, including load flow, voltage drop, and system resilience assessments
• Coordinate closely with track, civil, structural, and systems teams, ensuring integrated design solutions
• Support coordination across key system interfaces, including signaling, communications, utilities, and station systems
• Assist with utility coordination and power supply interfaces, working with local providers to define supply points and connections
• Ensure designs meet safety, reliability, and operational requirements, as well as applicable codes and standards
• Contribute to grounding and bonding design, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and system protection strategies
• Support design reviews, constructability assessments, and value engineering activities
• Assist in the preparation of technical specifications, reports, and design documentation
• Support testing, commissioning, and handover activities for traction power systems
• Collaborate within the client‑embedded team, supporting coordination and decision‑making in a fast‑paced delivery environment

Candidate Profile

• 7+ years of experience in traction power or rail electrification design within transit or infrastructure sectors
• BSc / MSc in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Texas, or ability to obtain licensure within 6 months
• Experience in traction power systems design, including TPSS, OCS, and associated power systems
• Strong understanding of power system modelling and analysis, including load calculations and system performance
• Familiarity with rail electrification standards and best practices (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, local/state requirements)
• Experience working within multidisciplinary rail design environments, coordinating across systems and infrastructure interfaces
• Understanding of grounding and bonding, protection systems, and safety requirements for electrified railways
• Experience in client‑facing or embedded delivery teams is preferred
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem‑solving skills

Additional Information

• Full‑time Austin‑based, embedded within the client team
• Relocation support may be available for candidates looking to move to Austin
• Opportunity to contribute to a once‑in‑a‑generation infrastructure program with long‑term impact on how the city moves and grows

Benefits & Reward

At Mott MacDonald, our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing them with a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. We provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short‑term/long‑term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company‑paid life insurance.

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.