Job Description

The Senior Subject Matter Expert - Railway Vehicles (Implementation Management) will support railway vehicle procurement and rebuild projects, covering locomotives, multiple units, and rail cars, associated infrastructure, and interface management. In addition to conventional powertrains, a focus will be on alternative motive power provision, specifically battery powertrains and hydrogen fuel cell – battery hybrids. A strong technical and engineering background to lead complex rail and transit vehicle projects with many technically challenging and novel interfaces is required. This role involves managing all phases of rolling stock procurement and integration, from concept through commissioning and regulatory compliance in addition to supporting infrastructure and program management. The person in the role will work closely with other subject matter experts, internal and external to DB, management consultants, railway vehicle manufacturers, prime contractors, regulators, and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative rail solutions. The person in this position works independently and as part of a team and will require supervision of team members and subcontractors. In addition to the technical aspects of the rail vehicle procurement, the person in the role will manage zero-emission technology introduction for our clients, which includes stakeholder management, infrastructure required for the new vehicles such as fueling, charging, maintenance facilities, right-of-way interfaces such as platforms and grade crossings, and hazard and risk assessments.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Lead procurement and delivery of passenger rail vehicles, with a focus on battery powertrains and hydrogen fuel cell hybrids.
• Manage rolling stock engineering projects from concept to completion in passenger rail and transit, including new vehicle procurement and modifications to existing equipment.
• Manage technical programs to enable successful novel powertrain vehicle deployment, including associated infrastructure such as fueling and charging, maintenance facilities, and right-of-way modifications.
• Lead stakeholder engagements to support new vehicle procurements and associated infrastructure, including federal and local regulators, authorities having jurisdiction, and other railroads and rail operators.
• Manage hazard and risk processes associated with new vehicle introduction, infrastructure equipment, and operational hazard analyses.
• Support funding acquisition for projects, such as grant applications to state and federal agencies.
• Support teams, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and the timely delivery of vehicles to the specified quality level.
• Participate in design reviews and ensure that the design is fit for purpose, meets client requirements, safe, and maintainable over the life cycle.
• Implement QA/QC procedures to review rollingstock and infrastructure builder designs, construction, and testing.
• Support client relations, marketing activities, scope development, and contract negotiations.
• Manage project lifecycle activities: planning, budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams and ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and alternative propulsion concurrence.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, and readiness for revenue service of new rolling stock and associated infrastructure.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, including Technical Advisory Group meetings and coordination with clients, railroads, and transit agencies.
• Provide quality assurance services, including audits and inspections at manufacturing facilities and on customer premises.
• Draft, edit, and review technical specifications, maintenance manuals, and compliance documentation.

Requirements:

• Degree in engineering or related field and experience with rail vehicle procurements and rebuilds.
• 10 years or more of experience in rail vehicle procurement and rebuild projects.
• Experience with zero-emission rail vehicle procurement and implementation in the U.S. is essential.
• Experience working with passenger railway operators and railway vehicle owners, including State transportation departments, rail commissions / authorities, and transportation authorities.
• Experience with regulatory bodies, including the FRA and FTA in relation to rail vehicles, hazard and risk analyses, and alternative propulsion concurrence.
• Proven track record in managing complex rail vehicle procurement and integration projects, including associated infrastructure, such as fueling and charging, maintenance facilities, and right-of-way interfaces such as platforms.
• Strong knowledge of FRA compliance, regulatory, and alternative propulsion concurrence processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Working Conditions and Travel:

You may primarily work from your home office and/or a well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. Travel will be required to attend client and stakeholder meetings, supervise project implementation, vehicle and component testing, and inspections of rail vehicles and infrastructure. Some overnight travel by land and air.

Physical Requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• 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
• Ability to inspect rail vehicles at facilities, which may include pits, platforms, and vehicles in various states of completion.
• Ability to inspect construction progress of infrastructure supporting rail vehicle implementation, such as pits, maintenance buildings, rail yards, platforms, hydrogen fueling stations, battery-electric rail vehicle charging facilities.

We offer an annual gross salary between $161,000 and $188,000 + bonus for full-time employment, depending on professional qualifications and experience.