Senior Signals Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical lead and subject matter expert for railroad and transit signal systems across all project phases, including design, construction support, testing, staging, and cutovers.
• Provide technical direction and oversight for signal system designs, ensuring compliance with applicable industry standards (AREMA, APTA, FRA, client-specific criteria, and regulatory requirements).
• Lead and manage major signal projects, including scope definition, technical execution, risk identification, and coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Cook up and execute construction phasing, staging plans, and testing/commissioning strategies for complex operating environments.
• Review and approve signal designs, specifications, plans, cost estimates, schedules, and technical submittals.
• Provide technical support during construction, including field reviews, contractor coordination, responses to RFIs, and resolution of design and installation issues.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level signal engineers and designers, promoting best practices and technical excellence.
• Participate in client meetings, technical reviews, and agency coordination activities as a senior representative of the firm.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of signal standards, technical approaches, and delivery methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• More than 25 years of experience in railroad and/or transit signal systems engineering.
• Extensive hands-on experience with signal systems design, construction, testing, staging, and phasing.
• Proven experience managing major signal projects in active railroad or transit operating environments.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate signal work with Operations, Track, Traction Power, OCS, and Communications disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements applicable to rail and transit signal systems.
• Excellent technical judgment, organizational skills, and ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary efforts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to clients, agencies, and project teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience working directly with transit agencies, freight railroads, and commuter rail operators.
• Previous experience serving as a technical authority or discipline lead on large-scale capital programs.