Rail Systems Engineer VIII - Engineering Director

Who We Are:

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed to solving our customers' challenges and earning their trust through teamwork, continuous improvement, and service excellence. As a people first organization, we prioritize the safety, well being, and growth of our employees, fostering a culture of caring and support. We believe that when our people thrive, our company thrives.

Our mission is to enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents, passengers, and partner companies. We do more than just provide services; we are constantly innovating and staying informed of industry developments to help our customers succeed. Join us in our shared goal of keeping America moving and ensuring customer satisfaction in an environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged. Apply now and become a part of our exciting journey!

Job Summary:

The Engineering Director – Signals provides executive-level leadership for the organization’s railroad signal engineering practice. This role oversees the design, integration, testing, and commissioning of railroad signaling systems including wayside signals, interlockings, grade-crossing warning systems, and signal control systems.

The Engineering Director – Signals establishes technical strategy, engineering standards, and operational priorities for signal engineering services while ensuring successful project delivery and alignment with organizational growth objectives.

This role leads teams of engineers, signal specialists, and technical staff and serves as the primary authority on signal system engineering within the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Direct the planning, development, and execution of railroad signal engineering services
• Establish engineering standards, design methodologies, and system integration practices for signal systems
• Oversee design and integration of wayside signaling systems, interlocking systems, and grade crossing warning systems
• Provide technical oversight of signal system testing, commissioning, and operational acceptance
• Lead project meetings and make presentations
• Support major projects and programs by providing senior-level technical guidance
• Review and approve complex engineering designs and system integration strategies
• Assist project managers in resolving high-level technical challenges and risks
• Manage signal engineering staff including senior engineers, project engineers, and technical specialists
• Establish staffing plans and allocate engineering resources across projects
• Lead recruitment, development, and performance management of signal engineering personnel
• Support proposal preparation and project pursuits involving signal engineering services
• Participate in client presentations and technical strategy discussions
• Identify opportunities to expand signal engineering capabilities and services
• Maintain strong relationships with rail agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners
• Monitor industry developments in signal technology, standards, and regulatory requirements
• Represent the organization in industry forums and technical working groups
• Demonstrate leadership in railroad signal engineering and system integration
• Maintain strong client relationships and industry credibility
• Foster innovation, safety, and technical excellence within the signal engineering organization
• Uphold company policies, safety standards, and regulatory compliance requirements
• This position may require travel. On occasion, travel to RailPros headquarters, field offices, client offices, work sites and other project-related locations may be required
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture, free from behaviors that undermine morale, productivity, or organizational values
• Uphold the organization’s standards of integrity, accountability, and respect in all duties and interactions
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulation
• Other duties as assigned or required to meet the business needs

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency with electronic communication including e-mail and text, as well as standard office applications (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite)
• Possess exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Negotiate critical and controversial issues with top-level engineers and officers of other organizations and companies
• Conduct presentations and may participate in media interviews
• Represent his or her organization at important functions or conferences, including media interviews as required

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in railroad and transit signal systems engineering, project management, and technical leadership
• Demonstrated experience managing signal engineering and design operations, including wayside systems and railroad and transit system projects
• Extensive experience leading complex rail projects, providing PMO oversight, managing contracts, and coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams
• Proven ability to lead and develop signal engineering personnel, allocate resources, and oversee successful project execution
• Strong client relationship, contract negotiation, business development, and executive communication skills
• Experience supporting major freight, passenger rail, light rail, or transit signal programs

Additional Qualifications, Certifications, etc.:

• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Member of professional practice organization, recognized expert on national activity or spokesperson for the profession

Why RailPros? Build Your Career Where Culture Leads The Way

• A People First Culture (Caring): At RailPros, you’re more than an employee; you’re part of a team driven by genuine care and respect. Our Align29 pillar of Caring reflects our deep commitment to supporting your growth, well being, and success every step of the way.
• A Workplace Where Your Voice Matters (Sharing): Our Sharing culture encourages transparency, active dialogue, and collaboration across every level of the company.
• A Company Invested in Your Growth (Progress): Through continuous improvement of our systems, processes, and operations, our Progress pillar ensures you have the tools and support to excel.
• An Innovative, Industry Leading Environment (Innovation): Our Innovation pillar fuels creative problem solving, modern technology adoption, and breakthrough thinking that positions RailPros as a leader in the rail and transit space.

Benefits & Perks:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Additional Coverage Plans: Accident plan, critical illness plan, and hospital indemnity with employee to family coverage.
• Legal Shield, ID Shield, Pet Insurance: Added protection for you...and your pets.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Employer provided coverage with additional voluntary options available.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match includes pre and post deduction options.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): With carryover each year.
• Paid Holidays: For full time employees.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives and resources.
• Discount Programs: Exclusive discounts on products and services.
• Company Merchandise Allowance: Company funded allowance for our online store.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): With employer match.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Employer funded.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): For dependent care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Support for personal and professional challenges.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career growth.
• Balanced Work Environment: A culture that respects boundaries so employees can recharge and bring their best selves to work.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education or professional development.
• Professional & Career Growth: Through mentorship, continuous training, career path partnerships, goal setting, and succession planning.
• Culture & Recognition: Employee spotlights, annual Service Excellence Awards, alignment committee, philanthropy opportunities, company events, monthly new hire calls, monthly newsletters, feedback surveys, and quarterly town halls.

Choose a career where your work truly matters. At RailPros, you’ll be part of a stable, growing industry and a team driven by strong core values. We collaborate, innovate, and stay ahead of industry changes to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Our culture is built on trust, continuous improvement, and practical problem solving.

If you’re passionate about making an impact and want to grow with a dedicated, supportive team, join us and contribute to our success.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

RailPros provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations unless doing so would impose undue hardship. For accommodation requests, contact [email protected].