Train Control Design Manager

Candu Energy; Lynnwood (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis in Lynnwood, WA is seeking a Train Control Design Manager to lead the discipline across the organization. You will oversee the design, integration, and commissioning of train control systems including ATP, ATO, and CBTC, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and successful project delivery.

Ideal candidates bring 15–20 years in rail/transit environments with 10+ years focused on train control, plus a P.E. license and strong technical writing capabilities.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• P.E. license is required.
• Familiarity with AREMA, IEEE, FRA, FTA standards.
• 15–20 years of rail/transit experience.
• 10+ years in train control-focused rail/transit projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in train control, signalling, and safety-critical systems.
• Strong technical writing and communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration, and commissioning of train control systems (ATP, ATO, CBTC).
• Ensure systems meet operational, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across signalling, software, and operations.
• Provide technical leadership during hazard analyses and safety certification.
• Interact with clients, regulators, and vendors as primary technical liaison.
• Scope train control projects and oversee planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Technical writing

Communication skills

Safety-critical systems

Education

BS/MS in Electrical or Systems Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a Train Control Design Manager to join our team in Lynnwood, WA .

Under general direction, serves as the Train Control Discipline Lead, providing technical authority, strategic direction, and people leadership for all train control activities across the organization.

Has line management responsibility for the entire Train Control team, including staffing, performance management, professional development, and resource planning.

Provides recognized technical expertise within the area of specialization for diverse engineering activities throughout the assigned area of responsibility and/or companywide. Functions as the primary technical authority and discipline lead for train control and signalling systems. Upholds engineering ethics and standards of conduct.

Your role

Leads the design, integration, and commissioning of train control systems, including but not limited to automatic train protection (ATP), automatic train operation (ATO), and communications-based train control (CBTC). Ensures all systems are engineered to meet operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance for passenger and freight rail environments.

Coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex train control projects, collaborating with signalling engineers, software developers, systems integrators, and operations staff. Oversees the development and review of system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures to ensure seamless interoperability between train control subsystems and legacy infrastructure.

Provides technical leadership during system hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety certification processes. Acts as the primary technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party vendors on all matters related to train control, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed industry best practices and client expectations.

Defines scope of train control projects, with full responsibility for interpreting, organizing, and executing project assignments related to signalling and train control systems.

Selects problems for investigation, developing novel approaches and solutions to technical challenges in train control and signalling.

Conducts quality control checks, reviewing calculations, designs, evaluations, and specifications developed by design staff for accuracy and completeness, performing on-site inspections and reviews of train control installations, and conducting or overseeing remedial design work.

Keeps abreast of state-of-the-art methods and developments in train control, signalling, and communications-based train control (CBTC) systems.

Recommends changes or improvements to train control plans and programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FRA, FTA).

May function as the project manager for routine to semi-complex train control projects. Responsibilities may include marketing, negotiating contracts, budgeting, financial management, schedule coordination, and resource allocation.

Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, particularly those related to train control and signaling systems.

Work involves coordination, research and problem solving on a variety of engineering projects with unique or controversial problems, the solution of which has an important effect on major organization programs.

Supervision received is essentially administrative, with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits. Acts independently on technical matters relating to his/her field.

Supervises and/or coordinates with other senior professionals and support staff.

Interfaces with senior technical professionals, technical managers, and administrative staff and managers as necessary.

Represents the organization in conferences with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies.

About you

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field. M.S. or graduate-level technical coursework preferred.

P.E. license is required.

Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, FRA, FTA) and safety certification processes.

Typical incumbent has 15 to 20 years of experience in rail/transit environments.

10 or more years of rail/transit experience focused on train control is required.

Demonstrated expertise in train control, signalling, and related safety-critical systems.

Strong technical writing and communications skills, proven through technical presentations, technical papers, and/or participation in technical committees.

Ability to process paper/electronic documents and utilize computer equipment; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; ability to visit project sites if necessary.

Job also requires ability to plan, prioritize and review project plans and documents, evaluate alternatives, and select appropriate solutions.

Rewards & benefits

AtkinsRéalis, our values-Safety, Integrity, Collab