Railway Electrification Engineer Specialist

About the Position

Do you want to be part of a company where customer satisfaction, colleagues, and professional development are the cornerstones? If you identify with this, keep reading!

ABOUT THE JOB

Within our Railway Systems Area, we are looking for a senior traction power specialist to lead the design, integration, and delivery of 2x25 kV AC traction power systems for the California High-Speed Rail (CAHSR).

The role requires a hands-on technical leader responsible for the full lifecycle-from design development to commissioning-acting as IDOM’s technical authority for traction power and OCS, and coordinating multidisciplinary interfaces with civil, signalling, and system teams.

The California High-Speed Rail (CAHSR) – Track and Systems Construction Contract (TSCC) will deliver the first true high-speed railway in the United States, designed to European standards and based on a 2x25 kV AC electrification system. The programme includes full design, integration, installation, testing, and commissioning of traction power, OCS, signalling, and rail systems, with key engineering teams based in Sacramento, California.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and integration of 2x25 kV AC traction power systems for high-speed rail
• Oversee TPSS, autotransformer stations, grid connections, and system studies (load flow, protection, earthing & bonding)
• Manage interfaces with OCS, signalling, SCADA, civil, and rolling stock systems
• Ensure compliance with EN/TSI standards and adaptation to US/FRA requirements
• Lead technical reviews, assurance, and validation of design deliverables
• Coordinate with client, contractors, OEMs, and utilities
• Support construction, installation, testing, and commissioning activities on site
• Manage technical risks and ensure system performance and safety
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams

Requirements

• Education & Professional Qualifications
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng minimum, MSc preferred)
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng or equivalent) required
  • Membership of a recognized professional body (e.g., IET, IEEE)
  • Demonstrated continuous professional development in railway electrification
• Minimum 12–15+ years’ experience in traction power systems
• Proven delivery of high-speed rail electrification in Europe (>250 km/h)
• Direct experience in 2x25 kV AC systems (design, integration, and commissioning)
• Experience across the full lifecycle:
  • Concept and preliminary design
  • Detailed design
  • Construction support
  • Testing & commissioning
  • Participation in large-scale HSR projects (>100 km) with multidisciplinary interfaces

Technical Competencies

• Traction power system design (TPSS, AT stations, HV/MV networks)
• Load flow, protection, earthing & bonding studies
• Grid integration and utility coordination
• Integration with OCS, SCADA, signalling (preferably ETCS L2)
• Strong knowledge of:
  • EN/TSI and EN standards (50119, 50122, 50388, etc.)
  • System assurance, RAMS, and V&V processes

Professional Skills

• Strong leadership and team coordination capability
• Proven stakeholder management (clients, contractors, OEMs)
• Experience in international/JV environments
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to operate as technical authority in complex programmes

Mobility / Deployment

• Willingness to be based in Sacramento (full or partial time)
• Availability for extended site presence during key project phases
• Ability to work across US and European teams

We Offer

• Flexible working hours
• Remote work: 1 day per week or two afternoons
• Reduced summer hours (July and August)
• Flexible compensation (meal card, health insurance, transport card, childcare, etc.)
• Life and accident insurance
• Work-life balance
• Long-term career development focus
• Partnership opportunities for all people
• Multicultural, and multidisciplinary environment
• Strong culture of delegation beyond the norm
• Mutual commitment

About the Company

IDOM is an Association of Professionals working in the areas of Engineering, Architecture, and Consulting on projects that contribute to a more sustainable world. The ownership structure of IDOM creates a culture of engagement, to offer the best service for the client, while our people develop both professionally and personally in an environment of technical excellence.

IDOM's most important assets are the expertise and experience of our people. Our employees are deeply united, highly qualified, and skilled professionals. We work within a framework of professional liberty and integrity, with a strong commitment to progress, development, quality service, and innovation.

Since IDOM’s foundation in 1957, we have grown steadily to become a multidisciplinary and integrated multinational organization, with more than 5,000 people working in over 145 countries.

Are you ready to take the next step?

As a member of our TEAM, you will have the opportunity for career development at the highest level in an environment of respect and professional integrity.

Send us your CV if you share our philosophy and want to be part of our company.

We look forward to meeting you!