Senior Railway Vehicle Engineer (Mechanical)

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DB E.C.O. North America is seeking a Senior Subject Matter Expert (Railway Vehicles, Mechanical) to lead the mechanical scope of rail vehicle procurement and rebuild projects across locomotives, EMUs, light rail, and railcars. This role covers documentation review from specification through commissioning, ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and life-cycle maintenance, while collaborating with manufacturers, regulators, and transit agencies. Requirements: engineering degree, 10+ years in mechanical rail vehicle procurement, knowledge of NA standards (APTA, AAR, EN, ISO), and preferably a professional engineering license. Tips for applicants: tailor your resume to show project lifecycle delivery, design reviews, testing, QA, and stakeholder management; quantify outcomes; highlight leadership; note remote Canada eligibility and US work authorization.

DB E.C.O. North America (with “E.C.O.” representing “Engineering, Consulting and Operations") offers specialized rail and transit consultancy services to public agencies, passenger and freight railroads. DB E.C.O. North America is part of the DB E.C.O. Group and leverages Deutsche Bahn’s global expertise to advance mobility and rail transportation across the U.S. and Canada. Their cross-disciplinary team collaborates closely with clients to innovate their portfolios and elevate business performance. With a focus on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence, they strive to enhance the customer experience, increase rail usage, and “Transform The Future Of Mobility.” 

Job Summary:

The Senior Subject Matter Expert - Railway Vehicles (Mechanical) will support railway vehicle procurement and rebuild projects, including those involving locomotives, multiple units, light rail vehicles, street cars, and rail cars. A strong technical background in complex rail and transit vehicle procurement projects is required. This role involves the technical review of documentation for all phases of rolling stock procurement and integration, from specification development through commissioning and regulatory compliance, with a focus on mechanical systems. This role requires a strong understanding of rail vehicle systems, their design, and integration of sub-systems into the vehicle. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the person in this role will work closely with other subject matter experts, management consultants, railway vehicle manufacturers, regulators, and transit agency representatives to deliver innovative rail solutions. The person in this position will work independently, as part of a team, and may be required to manage the day-to-day activities of team members and subcontractors.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Support project management and technical teams, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and the timely delivery of project documentation to the specified quality level.
• Maintain working relationships with key project participants including car builders, regulators, operators, and State agencies.
• Participate in rail vehicle design reviews, testing activities, and manufacturing inspection activities to ensure that the design is fit for purpose, meets contractual and regulatory requirements, and is safe and maintainable over the life cycle.
• Support client relations, marketing activities, scope development, and contract negotiations.
• Support project lifecycle activities: planning, budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• As part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team, provide mechanical expertise to ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and alternative propulsion concurrence.
• Provide subject matter expertise in design review, testing, commissioning, and readiness of mechanical systems for revenue service for projects involving new and rebuilt rolling stock.
• Provide subject matter expertise supporting system safety and system integration.
• Provide quality assurance services, including audits and inspections of mechanical systems such as carbodies and trucks 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. An engineering license is an asset.
• 10 or more years of experience providing mechanical subject expertise in railway vehicle procurement projects, with strong knowledge of project phases and interdependencies.  Experience with zero-emission rail vehicle procurement is an asset.
• Experience with railway vehicle rebuild projects, especially mechanical aspects such as carbody, trucks, and structural elements.
• Experience working with passenger railway operators and railway vehicle owners, including State transportation departments, rail commissions / authorities, and transportation authorities.
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• Strong knowledge of relevant rail vehicle standards and recommended practices applicable to the North American market, including APTA, ASTM, AAR, EN, ISO, etc.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Quick overview of our U.S. Health & Wellness Benefits:

• Medical Insurance: Multiple options - Low to High Deductible plans
• Dental & Vision
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life & AD&D Insurance, Short-term, and Long-term Disability: Company-paid
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their household members
• Commuter Benefits: Use tax-free money to pay for eligible transit and parking expenses (Train, subway, bus, ferry, parking).
• Parental Paid Leave
• Supplemental Coverage: Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans with wellness benefits.
• Retirement Savings (401k): Pre-tax or Roth contributions with company match (50¢ per dollar up to 6% of pay)
• Vacation & Holidays: Competitive time off plus 11 paid company holidays

DB E.C.O North America, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements. DB E.C.O North America, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

For California applicants: We follow the California Fair Chance Act, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and/or Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. As is the case for applicants in any jurisdiction, you do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After providing a conditional offer and conducting a background check, we will consider hiring any qualified individual with arrest or conviction records in accordance with all relevant laws, and specifically will assess whether any conviction history directly relates to the job duties.  We will take into consideration the individual’s explanation and potential mitigating factors as defined by the law. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.