Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Primary Responsibilities The primary duties of the Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer include design production for rail systems projects pertaining to traction electrification overhead contact systems (OCS) distribution. This person will be involved in electrified rail and transit projects throughout North America and Internationally. The engineer will have specific responsibilities performing design, providing leadership of specific design packages for multiple projects, as well as coordinating the assembly of plans and specifications, and construction support. This position supports various rail and transit projects throughout North America to serve the contract requirements and respond to client needs.

The successful candidate will have experience in developing technical specifications, criteria, drawings and calculations for AC and DC overhead contact systems, and the interfaces to traction power systems, structures and rail and bus vehicles. As such, the candidate will have the ability to proactively lead tasks between technical groups and be innovative in solving complex challenges.

• Project work will include overhead contact wire distribution design for Streetcar, Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail and High-Speed Rail Projects operating on Overhead Contact systems.
• Design work would include overhead contact system components, schematics, layouts and calculations needed for equipment sizing and allocation, general arrangements, typicals, and allocation drawings.
• Work location would include both Home Office and short-term travel to cities installing or planning to install Electrified Transit Systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7 years of experience from previous consultant firms, rail transit construction or transit agency experience.
• AC/DC traction electrification, overhead contact and distribution system design and implementation is required
• Experience in the construction of OCS electrification is desirable
• Experience with steel and concrete design and associated codes, i.e. AISC, ACI, AASHTO and other applicable codes.
• Familiarity with foundation design and associated software i.e. LPile
• Familiarity with structural design software such as SAP2000, STAAD, LARSA, or similar.
• Familiarity with the NESC and applying it in an OCS context.
• Must have excellent organizational and communication skills

Skills And Additional Attributes Individual must be technically competent, with recognized rail specialization that resolves problems of significant scope and complexity. The individual should have industry standing in technical committees in the electrification field. In addition to performing design work by themselves, the Individual will be required to coordinate work of a small group of professionals and technicians. Experience with direct client interface and complete project life cycle (design to commissioning) is highly desirable.

Keywords: Overhead Contact System (OCS), Traction Electrification Engineer, Rail Electrification Engineer, Railway Electrification, Transit Electrification, Power Distribution (Rail), Traction Power Systems, AC/DC Electrification, Electrified Rail Systems, Overhead Contact System Design, Contact Wire Distribution, Catenary Systems, OCS Components, OCS Schematics, OCS Layouts, Equipment Sizing & Allocation, Electrification Calculations, General Arrangement Drawings, Typical Sections & Allocation Drawings, Technical Specifications, Design Criteria Development, Interface Design (Power, Structures, Rolling Stock)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Pennsylvania-Philadelphia Other Locations: United States-Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh Industry: Transit Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Rail and Transit Systems Job Posting: May 19, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.