Senior Manager: Technical Rail Systems

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!   At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.   Job Description: The Senior Project Manager: Technical – Rail Systems is a senior, client‑facing role embedded within an integrated client–PMC office on a major transportation program with a heavy focus on rail (metro, heavy rail, light rail, high‑speed). This is a non‑operational position focused on managing and assuring the rail systems technical scope across the design and build lifecycle on behalf of the client, rather than operating or maintaining the railway. Sitting within the Engineering & Safety function, the role provides technical leadership, design governance, systems integration oversight, and safety‑by‑design assurance for all rail systems packages. Typical systems include signalling and train control, telecoms, SCADA, platform systems, fare collection, security, and line‑wide systems. The position ensures that consultants, contractors, and integrators deliver safe, compliant, interoperable, and constructible solutions that meet employer’s requirements, rail standards, and regulatory expectations. Key Responsibilities 1. Client Representation & Governance (Integrated Office) Act as the primary technical focal point for rail systems within the integrated client office. Represent the client in technical, design, integration, and risk meetings with consultants, contractors, systems integrators, independent reviewers, and authorities. Interpret, communicate, and safeguard employer’s requirements, system performance specifications, and technical standards for rail systems. Provide independent, objective advice and recommendations to client leadership on rail systems issues, risks, and impacts on scope, time, cost, and safety. 2. Rail Systems Design Management & Technical Assurance Manage and oversee the rail systems design lifecycle (concept, preliminary, detailed design) for: Signalling and train control Telecoms (radio, CCTV, PABX, passenger information, data networks) Control systems and SCADA Platform systems (platform screen doors, edge doors, interface with signalling) Automatic fare collection and ticketing systems Security systems (access control, intrusion detection, public address) Other line‑wide systems as applicable Review and challenge system design reports, drawings, architectures, software/hardware specifications, and interface control documents for compliance with: Employer’s requirements and performance criteria Local regulations and authority requirements Relevant international and industry standards Chair or lead multi‑discipline rail systems design reviews and value engineering workshops to drive safe, robust, and cost‑effective solutions. Ensure requirements management and traceability for rail systems from capture through verification, validation, and close‑out. Oversee implementation of the technical assurance framework for rail systems, including formal design verification, independent safety assessments, and configuration control. 3. Systems Integration & Interfaces Oversee, from a PMC perspective, the integration of rail systems with: Track and rolling stock (train control, braking curves, speed profiles, headways) Power supply and traction power systems Stations and depots (room layouts, cable routes, equipment spaces, MEP interfaces) Central control centres and back‑office systems Manage interface registers and interface control documents for rail systems; ensure early identification and resolution of cross‑system and cross‑contract issues. Support integrated system architecture development and ensure that all systems are compatible, scalable, and support operational concepts (normal, degraded, and emergency operations). Coordinate closely with civil, MEP, and architecture teams to ensure physical and environmental requirements for rail systems equipment are embedded in designs. 4. Safety, RAMS & Regulatory Compliance (Non‑Operational) Embed safety by design principles across all rail systems and support demonstration of system safety and availability targets. Review and monitor rail systems RAMS documentation, including safety cases, hazard logs, risk assessments, FMEAs and FTA . Coordinate with the Engineering & Safety function, independent safety assessors and regulators/authorities on safety approval processes and evidence. Ensure that required safety approvals, certifications, and licenses for rail systems are planned, tracked, and obtained in line with project milestones. Support the definition and implementation of cybersecurity requirements and processes for safety‑critical and business‑critical rail systems. 5. Design–Build Coordination & Construction Support Ensure rail systems designs are aligned with construction methodologies, phasing, and access constraints; identify constructability and installation risks early. Review contractors’ installation strategies, cable routing plans, equipment room layouts, and temporary works arrangements from a technical and safety standpoint. Support the client in evaluating and approving rail systems design changes, technical deviations, and value engineering proposals, including impact assessments on safety, performance, and interfaces. Provide senior technical input on RFIs, non‑conformance reports, and site technical queries related to rail systems. Oversee quality of as‑built documentation and verify alignment with approved designs and technical requirements. 6. Testing, Commissioning & System Acceptance (Technical Oversight) Review testing and commissioning strategies, plans, and procedures for rail systems, inc