Senior Manager: Technical Rail Systems

Overview

Job Description

• Client Representation & Governance (Integrated Office)

• Act as the primary technical focal point for rail systems within the integrated client office.
• Represent the client in technical, design, integration, and risk meetings with consultants, contractors, systems integrators, independent reviewers, and authorities.
• Interpret, communicate, and safeguard employer’s requirements, system performance specifications, and technical standards for rail systems.
• Provide independent, objective advice and recommendations to client leadership on rail systems issues, risks, and impacts on scope, time, cost, and safety.
• Rail Systems Design Management & Technical Assurance
• Manage and oversee the rail systems design lifecycle (concept, preliminary, detailed design) for:
• + Signalling and train control
• + Telecoms (radio, CCTV, PABX, passenger information, data networks)
• + Control systems and SCADA
• + Platform systems (platform screen doors, edge doors, interface with signalling)
• + Automatic fare collection and ticketing systems
• + Security systems (access control, intrusion detection, public address)
• + Other line‑wide systems as applicable
• Review and challenge system design reports, drawings, architectures, software/hardware specifications, and interface control documents for compliance with:
• + Employer’s requirements and performance criteria
• + Local regulations and authority requirements
• + Relevant international and industry standards
• Chair or lead multi‑discipline rail systems design reviews and value engineering workshops to drive safe, robust, and cost‑effective solutions.
• Ensure requirements management and traceability for rail systems from capture through verification, validation, and close‑out.
• Oversee implementation of the technical assurance framework for rail systems, including formal design verification, independent safety assessments, and configuration control.

• Systems Integration & Interfaces

• Oversee, from a PMC perspective, the integration of rail systems with:
• + Track and rolling stock (train control, braking curves, speed profiles, headways)
• + Power supply and traction power systems
• + Stations and depots (room layouts, cable routes, equipment spaces, MEP interfaces)
• + Central control centres and back‑office systems
• Manage interface registers and interface control documents for rail systems; ensure early identification and resolution of cross‑system and cross‑contract issues.
• Support integrated system architecture development and ensure that all systems are compatible, scalable, and support operational concepts (normal, degraded, and emergency operations).
• Coordinate closely with civil, MEP, and architecture teams to ensure physical and environmental requirements for rail systems equipment are embedded in designs.

• Safety, RAMS & Regulatory Compliance (Non‑Operational)

• Embed safety by design principles across all rail systems and support demonstration of system safety and availability targets.
• Review and monitor rail systems RAMS documentation, including safety cases, hazard logs, risk assessments, FMEAs and FTA.
• Coordinate with the Engineering & Safety function, independent safety assessors and regulators/authorities on safety approval processes and evidence.
• Ensure that required safety approvals, certifications, and licenses for rail systems are planned, tracked, and obtained in line with project milestones.
• Support the definition and implementation of cybersecurity requirements and processes for safety‑critical and business‑critical rail systems.

• Design–Build Coordination & Construction Support

• Ensure rail systems designs are aligned with construction methodologies, phasing, and access constraints; identify constructability and installation risks early.
• Review contractors’ installation strategies, cable routing plans, equipment room layouts, and temporary works arrangements from a technical and safety standpoint.
• Support the client in evaluating and approving rail systems design changes, technical deviations, and value engineering proposals, including impact assessments on safety, performance, and interfaces.
• Provide senior technical input on RFIs, non‑conformance reports, and site technical queries related to rail systems.
• Oversee quality of as‑built documentation and verify alignment with approved designs and technical requirements.
• Testing, Commissioning & System Acceptance (Technical Oversight)
• Review testing and commissioning strategies, plans, and procedures for rail systems, including:
• + Factory acceptance tests
• + Site acceptance tests
• + Static and dynamic tests
• + Integration tests and trial running
• Monitor execution of testing and commissioning via reports and selective site attendance; assess readiness for key milestones (trial operations, safety certification).
• Evaluate test results, defects, and trends; ensure robust defect management and re‑testing strategies are implemented.
• Support the client in formal acceptance processes and performance demonstrations; confirm that rail systems meet functional, safety, and performance requirements before handover.
• Coordinate with Operations & Maintenance teams to ensure systems are operable, maintainable, and aligned with long‑term asset management strategies.

• Program, Cost & Technical Risk Management

• Monitor progress of rail systems design, procurement, installation, and commissioning activities against the integrated master program.
• Identify schedule‑critical dependencies such as power‑on dates, track access, and integration windows; propose mitigation and recovery plans where required.
• Support project controls and commercial teams with technical input for changes, claims, and variations related to rail systems.
• Maintain and update rail systems technical risk registers, including assessment of likelihood, impact, and mitigation strategies.
• Provide clear, concise technical, risk, and status reports for client governance and steering committees.

• Stakeholder, Authority & Third‑Party Coordination

• Coordinate with internal client stakeholders to ensure rail systems support operational concepts and customer service objectives.
• Interface with regulators, transport authorities, telecom and power providers, and other third parties involved in approvals, licenses, and interconnections.
• Support engagement with adjacent projects, developers, and other infrastructure owners where interdependencies exist

• Leadership, Team & Quality Management

• Lead and mentor a team of rail systems engineers and technical specialists within the integrated client–PMC environment.
• Promote a culture of safety, technical excellence, collaboration, and proactive risk management.
• Ensure robust QA/QC processes for rail systems design and construction deliverables, including systematic reviews, audits, and technical checkpoints.
• Capture, document, and disseminate lessons learned on rail systems design, integration, commissioning, and safety assurance across the program.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Telecommunications, Control/Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree in Railway Systems, Transportation Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Project Management is an advantage.
• Professional registration/chartership (CEng, PE, equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2) is an advantage.

Experience

• Typically 15+ years’ experience in rail systems engineering on major rail/metro/light rail/high‑speed rail projects.
• Substantial experience in a PMC, client, or major consultancy role managing rail systems scope on design and build contracts.
• Proven track record in rail systems design management, systems integration, and technical assurance on complex, multi‑contract programs.
• Demonstrable experience with signalling/train control
• Experience working within integrated client/PMC teams and coordinating with multiple contractors, consultants, and OEMs is highly advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep technical understanding of rail systems architectures, technologies, and standards.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering, integration, and RAMS principles,
• Excellent project management, planning, and coordination skills in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a structured approach to technical and program risk management.
• Highly effective communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues to non‑technical stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and client‑service orientation.
• Proficiency with standard office and project tools; familiarity with requirements management tools, modelling/simulation tools, platforms, and document control systems is an advantage.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); Arabic ideal.
• Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
• We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars!
• Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!
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