Rail Systems Engineer VIII - Engineering Director

About the role

The Engineering Director – Signals provides executive-level leadership for the organization’s railroad signal engineering practice. This role oversees the design, integration, testing, and commissioning of railroad signaling systems including wayside signals, interlockings, grade-crossing warning systems, and signal control systems. The Engineering Director – Signals establishes technical strategy, engineering standards, and operational priorities for signal engineering services while ensuring successful project delivery and alignment with organizational growth objectives. This role leads teams of engineers, signal specialists, and technical staff and serves as the primary authority on signal system engineering within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Direct the planning, development, and execution of railroad signal engineering services
• Establish engineering standards, design methodologies, and system integration practices for signal systems
• Oversee design and integration of wayside signaling systems, interlocking systems, and grade crossing warning systems
• Provide technical oversight of signal system testing, commissioning, and operational acceptance
• Lead project meetings and make presentations
• Support major projects and programs by providing senior-level technical guidance
• Review and approve complex engineering designs and system integration strategies
• Aid project managers in resolving high-level technical challenges and risks
• Manage signal engineering staff including senior engineers, project engineers, and technical specialists
• Establish staffing plans and allocate engineering resources across projects
• Lead recruitment, development, and performance management of signal engineering personnel
• Support proposal preparation and project pursuits involving signal engineering services
• Participate in client presentations and technical strategy discussions
• Identify opportunities to expand signal engineering capabilities and services
• Maintain strong relationships with rail agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners
• Monitor industry developments in signal technology, standards, and regulatory requirements
• Represent the organization in industry forums and technical working groups
• Demonstrate leadership in railroad signal engineering and system integration
• Foster innovation, safety, and technical excellence within the signal engineering organization
• Uphold company policies, safety standards, and regulatory compliance requirements

Qualifications

• Proficiency with electronic communication including e-mail and text, as well as standard office applications (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite)
• Possess exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Negotiate critical and controversial issues with top-level engineers and officers of other organizations and companies
• Conduct presentations and may participate in media interviews
• Represent his or her organization at important functions or conferences, including media interviews as required
• Required Education And Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in railroad and transit signal systems engineering, project management, and technical leadership, extensive experience leading complex rail projects, providing PMO oversight, managing contracts, and coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams, proven ability to lead and develop signal engineering personnel, allocate resources, and oversee successful project execution, strong client relationship, contract negotiation, business development, and executive communication skills, Experience supporting major freight, passenger rail, light rail, or transit signal programs
• Additional Qualifications, Certifications, Etc.: Professional Engineer (PE), Member of professional practice organization, recognized expert on national activity or spokesperson for the profession

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional Coverage Plans: Accident plan, critical illness plan, and hospital indemnity with employee to family coverage. Legal Shield, ID Shield, Pet Insurance: Added protection for you...

Life & Disability Insurance: Employer provided coverage with additional voluntary options available. Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match includes pre and post deduction options. Paid Time Off (PTO): With carryover each year. Paid Holidays: For full time employees. Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives and resources. Disability Insurance: Employer provided. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): For dependent care expenses. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Support for personal and professional challenges. Professional & Career Growth: Through mentorship, continuous training, career path partnerships, goal setting, and succession planning. Culture & Recognition: Employee spotlights, annual Service Excellence Awards, alignment committee, philanthropy opportunities, company events, monthly new hire calls, monthly newsletters, feedback surveys, and quarterly town halls. Choose a career where your work truly matters. At RailPros, you’ll be part of a stable, growing industry and a team driven by strong core values. We collaborate, innovate, and stay ahead of industry changes to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Our culture is built on trust, continuous improvement, and practical problem solving. If you’re passionate about making an impact and want to grow with a dedicated, supportive team, join us and contribute to our success.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): RailPros provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations unless doing so would impose undue hardship. For accommodation requests, contact peopleoperations@railpros.com.