Rail System Design, Testing & Commissioning Manager

About the role

We are seeking a Train & Safety Integration Manager in our Sacramento, CA Office to support the CA HSR project.

The Rail System Design, Testing & Commissioning Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end system integration across the California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) program, from design assurance through testing, commissioning, and readiness for revenue service.

The role ensures that all rail systems are integrated, compliant with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, and delivered in accordance with CHSRA program objectives, supporting certification, safety assurance, and operational readiness.

This position is based in Sacramento, CA and will require relocation for any candidates outside the local area.

System Design & Integration

• Lead integrated rail system design across CHSR including signaling (ETCS Level 2 as applicable), telecoms, SCADA, traction power and OCS
• Ensure design alignment across multiple delivery packages (e.g., civil works, track & systems, facilities, and operations)
• Provide system-level design assurance to confirm integration, operability, maintainability, and testability
• Ensure requirements (Authority, regulatory, and contract requirements) are correctly translated into design and are testable
• Oversee development and management of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and interface registers (CIL/ICD structures)
• Coordinate integration with civil infrastructure, guideway, stations, and operational systems

Testing & Commissioning (T&C)

• Define and manage all testing phases including FAT, SAT, Site Integration Testing (SIT), system testing, and trial running
• Establish test acceptance criteria linked to system requirements, safety, and performance targets
• Lead execution of static and dynamic testing, including high-speed test runs and operational scenario validation
• Ensure test readiness including configuration control, system availability, documentation, and access/possession planning
• Manage staged commissioning strategies aligned with construction sequencing and interim operational conditions

FRA Certification & Operational Readiness

• Lead integration inputs to FRA certification process, ensuring compliance with applicable FRA regulations and guidance
• Support development of certification deliverables, including testing evidence, safety demonstrations, and compliance documentation Data sensitivity - Public
• Ensure all systems meet FRA requirements for safety, performance, and interoperability prior to revenue service
• Lead system-wide trial running to demonstrate operational readiness under realistic service conditions
• Support transition to operations, including operator readiness, training interfaces, and maintenance handover

Program Coordination & Delivery

• Develop and maintain integrated schedules covering design, installation, integration, testing, and commissioning activities
• Align T&C activities with CHSRA program milestones, contractor delivery schedules, and phased construction strategy
• Identify and manage risks related to system integration, testing, and commissioning
• Ensure coordination of access, possessions, and work windows for testing activities
• Provide reporting on integration status, testing progress, risks, and readiness to CHSRA leadership

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FRA, FTA (where applicable), and relevant international standards (e.g., CENELEC where adopted)
• Ensure design and testing activities align with CHSRA safety, security, and certification frameworks
• Implement safe systems of work, testing procedures, permits, and method statements
• Support safety assurance, hazard resolution, and demonstration of system safety prior to service entry

Stakeholder & Contractor Management

• Lead coordination across CHSRA, delivery partners (e.g., TSCC contractors), designers, and system suppliers
• Chair system integration workshops, design reviews, test readiness reviews (TRR), and commissioning reviews
• Ensure clear interface management between contractors, avoiding gaps or overlaps in system responsibilities
• Act as key interface with FRA, operators, and other regulatory stakeholders during certification and commissioning phases

Qualifications & Requirements

Technical

• Expertise in design, integration, testing, and commissioning of high-speed rail systems
• Strong understanding of FRA regulatory framework and certification processes
• In-depth knowledge of rail systems including ETCS signaling, telecoms, SCADA, traction power, OCS, and rolling stock
• Experience with system engineering practices including requirements management, interface management, and verification
• Knowledge of testing methodologies including FAT, SAT, SIT, system testing, and trial running

Public Leadership & Management

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across complex, multi-contract rail programs
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including coordination with Authority, contractors, and regulators
• Experience managing system interfaces across large-scale infrastructure delivery programs
• Ability to drive delivery across design, construction, and commissioning under program constraints

Analytical & Problem-Solving

• Strong capability in troubleshooting system integration and testing issues
• Risk identification and mitigation planning across design and commissioning phases
• Ability to make critical decisions in complex, high-pressure operational environments

Experience Requirements

• 0-15+ years of experience in rail or major infrastructure programs
• Experience on high-speed rail or equivalent complex rail systems preferred
• Demonstrated experience in system design, design assurance, and testing & commissioning
• Proven experience in dynamic testing, trial running, and operational readiness
• Experience working within FRA or equivalent regulatory frameworks

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (or equivalent) Essential
• Degree in Engineering (Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or related discipline)
• Project/Program Management certification (e.g., PMP) desirable

Additional Information

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the expected compensation range for this role is $125,000 to $165,000 annually. Compensation offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education, certifications, geographic location, and other business and organizational needs.