Safety Engineer

About the Role

Virginkar & Associates, Inc. (VAI) is seeking a Safety Engineer to join our team on major transit projects across key U.S. markets. The selected candidate will ensure projects and operation properties meet applicable FTA, FRA and State Safety Oversight (SSO) requirements and supports safe integration from design through construction, testing, startup, activation and revenue service. Some travel to transit agencies, project offices, yards and construction sites as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the System Safety process for transit projects, including:
• Hazard Identification, Hazard Analysis (PHA/SSHA/OHA as applicable), and hazard tracking/closure
• Development and maintenance of the Hazard Log/Risk Register
• Risk evaluation, mitigation planning, verification/validation, and closeout documentation
• Develop and administer Safety and Security Certification Plans
• Create/maintain certification deliverables, including:
• Project Safety & Security Design Criteria
• Certified Elements/Items Lists (CEL/CIL) and certification checklists
• Compliance evidence packages to support certification sign-off
• Track certification status across project phases (design, construction, pre-revenue testing, readiness, and revenue service)
• Ensure compliance with applicable FTA and FRA safety regulations, including coordination with State Safety Oversight entities
• Support development, update, and review of agency safety documentation such as:
• System Safety Program Plan (SSPP)
• Safety & Security Management Plans
• Audit protocols, corrective action plans (CAPs), and compliance matrices
• Plan and perform internal safety/security audits, triennial-style compliance reviews, and readiness assessments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Minimum: 10+years in rail or bus transit safety, system safety, rail or bus operations/O&M and rail or bus vehicle systems safety (including capital projects).
• Demonstrated experience supporting major transit capital projects and/or startup & activation, safety certification, and hazard management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Certified Safety Executive (CSE).
• Certified Safety & Security Director (CSSD).
• System Safety Engineering & Program Management.
• Hazard Analysis & Risk Management (PHA/SSHA/OHA), hazard log governance.
• Safety & Security Certification management (CEL/CIL, checklists, compliance evidence).
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and Rail transit operations & maintenance (LRT, commuter rail, heavy rail) Regulatory expertise: FTA SSO, FRA safety practices, rail safety certification.
• Strong understanding of signal systems and Positive Train Control (PTC) in operating environments.
• Audit execution and compliance verification (internal audits / readiness audits).
• Incident investigation methods and corrective action systems.

Why VAI?

We offer dynamic, impactful work on landmark infrastructure projects across the U.S. and abroad. Our team is known for professionalism, technical excellence, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. VAI provides competitive compensation, a full benefits package, and an inclusive workplace culture where your contributions are valued. Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

VAI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.

Pay: $65.00 - $80.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience with rail and/or bus vehicles?

Experience:

• reliability predictions: 3 years (Preferred)
• hazard analysis: 3 years (Preferred)
• maintainability analysis: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Remote