Subject Matter Expert - Service Planner

About the role

DB E.C.O. North America offers specialized rail and transit consultancy services to public agencies, passenger and freight railroads. As part of the DB E.C.O. Group, the firm leverages Deutsche Bahn's global expertise to advance mobility and rail transportation across the U.S. and Canada. The cross-disciplinary team collaborates closely with clients to innovate their portfolios and elevate business performance, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize passenger rail service concepts, operating plans, and detailed timetables, with a focus on North American intercity, commuter and regional rail systems.
• Lead the design and evaluation of theoretical and operational timetables, including capacity and head-way analysis, rolling stock utilization, and infrastructure interface considerations.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners—including railroad operators, infrastructure owners, and planning agencies—to ensure integrated and feasible service plans.
• Mentor and review the work of consultants and analysts supporting service planning projects to foster technical development.
• Support workshops and presentations to communicate complex operational concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Leverage DB's international expertise and tools, coordinating with colleagues in Germany to transfer knowledge and adapt methodologies for North American applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Transportation, Business Administration or similar (M.Sc.).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in railway operations planning, timetable development, or service design.
• Deep understanding of railway scheduling methodologies, capacity planning, and coordination between infrastructure managers and train operators.
• Demonstrated proficiency with rail service planning tools, such as Viriato or similar timetable development or dynamic simulation software.
• Outstanding analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills and an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset; ability to work independently; aptitude to quickly grasp new concepts and effectively produce results.
• Passion for tackling complex challenges in mobility and railway transportation sector.
• Strong written and verbal presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience in using MS-Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) for performing analyses and developing quantitative models.
• Occasional domestic / international travel may be required.

Working conditions

• You may work from a well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.
• Occasional overnight travel by land and air.
• Ability to work at a computer workstation for periods up to 4 hours at a time.
• Ability to speak on the telephone for a total of up to 3 hours per day.
• Ability to sit for up to 3 hours without breaks at meetings.
• Ability to walk and stand for up to 4 hours without breaks at program site visits and meetings.

Pay

Annual gross salary between $124,000 and $156,000 + bonus (USD) for full-time employment, depending on professional qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Multiple options - Low to High Deductible plans
• Dental & Vision
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life & AD&D Insurance, Short-term, and Long-term Disability: Company-paid
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their household members
• Commuter Benefits: Use tax-free money to pay for eligible transit and parking expenses (Train, subway, bus, ferry, parking)
• Parental Paid Leave
• Supplemental Coverage: Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans with wellness benefits
• Retirement Savings (401k): Pre-tax or Roth contributions with company match
• Vacation & Holidays: Competitive time off plus 11 paid company holidays