Sr. Technical Advisor – Rail & Transit Signals and Train Control

About the role

HNTB is seeking a seasoned Sr. Technical Advisor to serve as a senior-level subject-matter expert on our Rail & Transit Signals and Train Control team. This role is responsible for providing independent technical direction, oversight, and quality assurance across complex signaling and train control programs from concept and alternatives analysis through detailed design, procurement, submittal review, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Technical Direction & Advisory: Serve as senior-level subject-matter expert and independent technical advisor across the full lifecycle of rail and transit signaling and train control projects, providing direction on concept, design, procurement, construction support, testing, and commissioning.

• System Engineering & Analysis: Guide the design and evaluation of vital and non-vital signal systems including relay-based and processor-based interlockings, cab signaling, wayside signaling, and grade crossing warning systems. Direct or perform braking calculations, control tables, routes and aspects, phasing plans, cutover plans, and system-level schematics.

• Design Peer Reviews & Quality Assurance: Conduct detailed independent checks and peer reviews of signal and circuit designs prepared by internal engineers or third-party consultants. Safeguard technical quality, safety, and configuration management on vital systems, and drive rigorous QA/QC across all deliverables.

• Standards & Compliance: Ensure all design elements conform to applicable industry codes and standards including AREMA Communications & Signals Manual, FRA Parts 234/235/236, MUTCD, NFPA, IEEE, and client-specific standards and Rail Operation Rules.

• System Design & Configuration Advisory: Advise on system requirements, functional specifications, and architecture for train control and signaling systems (e.g., PTC, CBTC, ATC, ATS, ATP, ATO, SSI, wayside signaling). Provide guidance on interface definitions, integration with communications and traction power, and system-level architecture reviews.

• Scheme Development: Develop and review signaling schemes compliant with AREMA principles and grounded in expert understanding of signaling hardware, software, and vital and non-vital circuits.

• Vital Logic Platform Guidance: Provide technical guidance on vital logic design and programming (Boolean and ladder logic) across platforms such as VHLC, MicroLok II (MLK-II), and ElectroLogIXS, and on interlocking simulation and development tools such as SATS, Vitalsim, or equivalent.

• Design & Documentation Oversight: Prepare or review detailed signal plans, book-of-plans packages for interlockings and grade crossings, control lines, typical installation drawings, technical specifications, procurement documents, cost estimates, and technical reports using AutoCAD or MicroStation.

• Installation, Testing & Commissioning Advisory: Support field implementation, factory and field acceptance testing, system cutover, and commissioning of interlockings, cab signaling, and onboard/wayside train control equipment. Review shop drawings, respond to RFIs, and coordinate directly with suppliers, contractors, and client representatives.

• Mentorship & Development: Mentor engineers, designers, and project teams, providing strategic technical direction and guidance in signal system design, peer review, and safety-critical delivery. Serve as an internal knowledge resource on standards, methods, and lessons learned.

• Client Engagement & Industry Representation: Interact with clients including Class I railroads, Amtrak, and transit agencies (SEPTA, NJ Transit, MARC, PRT, PATCO and others) on technical topics, standards interpretation, waivers, safety certification, and signal system approvals. Represent HNTB in industry forums such as AREMA committees, technical workshops, and client engagements.

• Business Development & Strategic Planning: Contribute to strategic planning of the Rail & Transit Signals practice by identifying emerging industry trends, recommending innovative solutions, and supporting proposal pursuits, technical writing, interviews, and identification of future opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 10 years of relevant experience, or

• In lieu of degree, 14 years of relevant experience

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum of 15 years of related experience in rail and transit signaling and train control systems, or in lieu of degree, 19+ years of relevant experience.

• Recognized subject-matter expertise in one or more vital logic platforms such as VHLC, MicroLok II (MLK-II), or ElectroLogIXS (Boolean and ladder logic).

• Hands-on experience with interlocking simulation and development tools such as SATS, Vitalsim, or equivalent.

• Experience producing and reviewing engineering plans including scheme plans, books of plans for interlockings, grade crossings, control lines, route and aspect charts, and typical installation drawings.

• Familiarity with PTC, CBTC, ATC, cab signaling, wayside signaling, Solid-State Interlocking (SSI), digital and conventional block signaling, and at-grade highway-rail grade crossing warning systems.

• Familiarity with AREMA Communications & Signals Manual, FRA Parts 234/235/236, MUTCD, NFPA, IEEE, and Amtrak / SEPTA / NJ Transit / MARC / PRT / Class I railroad standards and operating rules.

• Familiarity with data communications, fiber optics, and wired/wireless protocols supporting signal and train control systems.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers, lead peer reviews, and drive quality and safety on complex signal programs.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present and defend designs to agency clients, contractors, and regulatory stakeholders.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in one or more U.S. states strongly preferred but not required.

• Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) qualified or capable of receiving training.

• AREMA committee participation, technical publications, or recognized industry contributions a plus.