Project Engineer, Overhead Contact System

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AECOM is seeking a Project Engineer, Overhead Contact System (OCS), for one of our offices in Sacramento, Fresno, or Bakersfield, CA. This is an on-site role.

SUMMARY:

The Project Engineer, Overhead Contact System (OCS), provides engineering leadership for 25kV AC railway electrification systems on a major transportation infrastructure project. The position covers catenary, contact and messenger wire systems, cantilever assemblies, registration equipment, auto-tensioning systems, sectioning facilities, switching stations, neutral sections, overlap zones, grounding and bonding systems, traction return systems, and OCS monitoring systems. Responsibilities include reviewing OCS designs, wiring plans, structure layouts, electrification studies, interface documentation, and construction packages while coordinating interfaces with traction power, SCADA, trackwork, structures, signaling, communications, stations, maintenance facilities, operations, and rolling stock. Reporting to the Project Manager, OCS, the position provides technical support throughout installation, testing, commissioning, and energization, with travel of approximately 25–50% along the alignment.

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and review OCS engineering deliverables, construction packages, technical specifications, interface documentation, design changes, and technical submissions
• Lead review of OCS designs, wiring plans, structure layouts, electrification studies, and construction packages
• Review catenary layouts, structural interfaces, grounding and bonding requirements, and electrical clearances
• Review geometry requirements, system performance requirements, and dynamic interaction criteria
• Coordinate interfaces between OCS, traction power, trackwork, structures, signaling, communications, and rolling stock
• Coordinate OCS interfaces with traction power substations, SCADA systems, stations, maintenance facilities, and operations
• Provide engineering support for 25kV AC OCS systems, catenary systems, contact wire systems, and messenger wire systems
• Provide engineering support for cantilever assemblies, registration equipment, and auto-tensioning systems
• Provide engineering support for sectioning facilities, switching stations, neutral sections, and overlap zones
• Provide engineering support for grounding and bonding systems, traction return systems, and OCS monitoring systems
• Provide engineering support during installation, testing, commissioning, and energization activities
• Support technical issue resolution, field design clarifications, and implementation challenges
• Review contractor technical submissions and turnover documentation
• Develop and review testing procedures, commissioning documentation, and energization programs
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, integrated testing, dynamic testing, and operational readiness activities, and review test results supporting system acceptance

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS + 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Railway Engineering, Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience supporting OCS systems from design through testing, commissioning, and final acceptance
• Experience reviewing engineering deliverables on large transportation infrastructure projects
• Strong working knowledge of railway electrification interfaces and operational requirements
• Experience reviewing catenary layouts, structure layouts, wiring plans, and electrification studies
• Working knowledge of grounding and bonding, traction return systems, and electrical clearance requirements
• Experience coordinating OCS interfaces with traction power, trackwork, structures, signaling, and rolling stock
• Experience developing and reviewing testing procedures, commissioning documentation, and energization programs
• Experience participating in Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, and integrated testing programs
• Strong technical writing, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure; additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of licensure
• High-speed rail project experience
• Experience delivering 25kV AC OCS systems
• Experience with high-speed catenary systems and electrification infrastructure
• Familiarity with EN standards, FRA requirements, and AREMA guidance
• Experience supporting dynamic testing and pantograph-catenary interaction assessment
• Experience supporting operational readiness activities and system certification
• Experience supporting entry into revenue service on an electrified passenger railway

• Relocation is provided for this role.
• Sponsorship is provided for this role.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.