Vehicle System Engineer (Installation & Commissioning)

Lea+Elliott, Inc.; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Lea+Elliott, Inc. seeks a Cable / Gondola Vehicle System Engineer to oversee installation, testing, and commissioning of a passenger ropeway at Newark Liberty International Airport.

You will monitor on-site activities, verify conformance to contract requirements, and ensure safety and quality in collaboration with contractors and clients. You will lead technical oversight, review test procedures, and document system readiness, while addressing issues and steering actions toward successful

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical or related field.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in installation and commissioning of passenger ropeway systems.
• PE license preferred.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
• Hands-on experience with rigging and tensioning of wire ropes.

Responsibilities

• Installation Oversight: Monitor on-site installation and alignment of rope hauled transit vehicles and station equipment to conformance with contract requirements.
• Commissioning & Testing: Witness and validate system testing, speed verification, and emergency system validation.
• Rope Installation Activities: Verify rope pulling, splicing, tensioning, and alignment operations.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure activities meet ANSI B77.1, CSA Z98, and CEN standards and project safety rules.
• Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution: Identify, advise on resolutions, and manage punch list items through final acceptance.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare commissioning plans, test procedures, and system verification records.
• Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with suppliers, contractors, inspectors, and client representatives.

Skills

Installation oversight

Commissioning

Rope installation

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Coordination

Education

B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical)

PE license preferred

Job description

Vehicle System Engineer (Installation & Commissioning)

Lea+Elliott is seeking a highly skilled Cable / Gondola Vehicle System Engineer to serve in an Owner’s Representative / oversight capacity supporting the installation, testing, and commissioning of a passenger ropeway system at Newark Liberty International Airport. This role will provide technical oversight, monitoring, and verification of field engineering activities associated with mechanical and electrical system installation, ensuring compliance with applicable safety and performance standards (ANSI, CEN, or equivalent).

The successful candidate will work closely with contractors, system suppliers, and client stakeholders by monitoring progress, verifying compliance, and facilitating issue resolution, ensuring the system is delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, complex transportation project within a multidisciplinary consulting environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Installation Oversight:
  Monitor and oversee on-site installation, assembly, and alignment of rope hauled transit vehicles, detachable and fixed grips, hauling ropes, and station equipment verifying conformance with the contract requirements.
• Commissioning & Testing:
  Witness, review, and validate system testing and commissioning activities, including speed verification, acceleration and deceleration testing, and emergency system validation.
• Rope Installation Activities:
  Observe and verify rope installation operations, including pulling, splicing, tensioning, and alignment of wire ropes.
• Safety & Compliance:
  Ensure all installation and commissioning activities comply with applicable codes and standards, including ANSI B77.1, CSA Z98, and CEN, as well as project-specific safety requirements.
• Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution:
  Identify and resolve mechanical and electrical issues during installation and commissioning. Advise the Owner on resolution strategies and monitor contractor corrective actions, managing punch list items through final system acceptance.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including commissioning plans, test procedures, reports, and system verification records, providing independent assessments of contractor deliverables and system readiness.
• Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement:
  Coordinate with system suppliers, contractors, third-party inspectors, and client representatives to support efficient project execution and issue resolution.

• B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or a related field).
• Registered Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in installation and commissioning of passenger ropeway systems, including gondolas, rope hauled transit vehicles, or chairlifts.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, including gears, bearings, and hydraulic systems.
• Experience with electrical systems, including sensors, motor drives, and PLC-based controls.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and electrical schematics.
• Hands‑on experience with rigging, splicing, and tensioning specialized wire ropes preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work on‑site for extended periods during installation and commissioning phases.
• Experience supporting the evaluation of change orders and claims for rope hauled equipment, including technical review of scope, cost, and schedule impacts, and providing input to support contract decisions and negotiations.
• Ability to assess and document commercial risks during installation and commissioning of rope hauled equipment, including preparation of clear technical narratives to support equitable adjustments and dispute resolution efforts.

WHY JOIN LEA+ELLIOTT?

• Work on high‑visibility transportation projects, including major airport transit systems.
• Collaborate with industry‑leading experts in automated transit, ropeway systems, and system integration.
• Contribute to the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Opportunity for technical leadership and career advancement within a growing practice.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Be part of an Employee‑Owned organization.

If you are interested in a long‑term, growth‑oriented opportunity, we are interested in hearing from you!

Lea+Elliott is a transportation consulting firm that works with owners on the planning, design, procurement, implementation and operation and maintenance of rail, and automated transit systems.

Lea+Elliott is an equal opportunity employer.