Traction Power and Overhead Contact Systems (TPS/OCS) Practice Leader

Traction Power and Overhead Contact Systems (TPS/OCS) Practice Leader

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Position Description:

The primary duties of the Traction Power and Overhead Contact Systems (TPS/OCS) Practice Leader involve the technical leadership for rail systems projects pertaining to traction electrification and overhead contact systems (OCS) and other distribution systems. Specific responsibilities include technical leadership, design management, design production, lead on specific design packages, as well as coordinating the assembly of plans and specifications and construction support. This position supports various rail and transit projects throughout North America to serve the contract requirements and respond to client needs.

The successful candidate will have experience in developing technical specifications, criteria and drawings for AC and DC traction power systems and the interfaces to train control, communications, rolling stock, operations control centers and other elements of rail systems. As such, the candidate will have the ability to pro-actively lead tasks between technical groups and be innovative in solving complex challenges.

Responsibilities:

1) Project work will include electrification distribution design for Streetcar, Electrified Bus, Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail and High Speed Rail Projects operating on Overhead Contact or Third Rail Systems.

2) Design work would include OCS design, sectionalizing, equipment sizing and protection, SCADA and control center interface, system feeders and returns, traction power distribution systems, bonding and grounding, etc.

3) Mentoring and development of staff in traction power and OCS design practices is

4) Project management work will include client needs coordination, scoping, fee preparation, scheduling, budget tracking, and delivery of work products.

5) Project pursuits, client development, opportunity tracking and proposal work is required.

6) Work location would include both Home Office and short term travel to cities installing or planning to install Electrified Transit Systems. Long term field assignments may also be available.

Skills and additional attributes:

- Individual must be technically competent, with recognized rail specialization that resolves problems of significant scope and complexity.

- The individual should have industry standing in technical committees in the electrification field, and have established relationships with rail and transit clients throughout North America.

- Experience in designing AC and DC traction power and distribution systems for trolley, streetcar, light rail, metro rail, commuter and high-speed rail systems.

- In addition to performing design work by themselves, the individual will be required to plan, organize, and coordinate the tasks and assignments for a group of professionals and technicians across multiple projects.

- Past experience leading teams and having direct client interface and complete project life-cycle (design, installation, testing and commissioning) is required.

- Experience as a group leader or Department Head for TPS/OCS work for an agency and consultant is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering)

Advanced degree preferred

PE license required

15+ years experience in railway electrification systems

Industry standing and involvement in AREMA, APTA, IEEE Technical committees

Solid experience with electrification systems for intercity, commuter systems, heavy rail, light rail, street car and electrified bus operations

AC/DC traction electrification, overhead contact and distribution system design and implementation is required

Experience with CADD tools and ability to complete designs individually

Must have excellent organizational and communication skills

Key word(s): electrification, transit systems, overhead contact system, electrical, traction power, rail transit, railway design, transportation, engineering, transit design, electrical, systems.