Rail System Design, Testing & Commissioning Manager

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

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…