Job Description

Overview:

MxV Rail seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to lead the Communications and Train Control (C&TC) wireless communications team. MxV Rail places a high value on our leadership culture, emphasizing aspects such as creating a compelling vision, employee engagement and empowerment, supporting effective teams, and maintaining a positive, trusting work environment - we are seeking candidates that are passionate about leadership, dedicated to team success, and eager to help the team in advancing technology in the rail industry.





The C&TC wireless communications team is responsible for research and engineering programs related to current and next-generation railroad wireless communications and train control technology, as well as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certified licensing activities in Land Mobile Radio Service, including coordination of Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) railroad radio frequencies used in the United States. We seek a talented and highly motivated engineer to lead a team of engineers and frequency coordination staff in railway wireless communications research and frequency coordination efforts. The successful candidate will support the research and systems engineering of Positive Train Control (PTC) systems, railroad safety systems, automation technology, lifecycle management, and/or other C&TC areas of activity.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Principal Systems Engineer - Wireless Communications Staff Leader is responsible for leading a team of engineers and frequency coordination staff, providing professional engineering and scientific services to internal and external customers as directed by the AVP, C&TC. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team of engineers and frequency coordination staff, providing project leadership and technical oversight, as well as interfacing directly with railroad committees, vendors, suppliers, and stakeholders.





This role involves using knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF) voice and data communications systems, Positive Train Control (PTC) and other train control systems, railroad operations, engineering principles, systems engineering, data analysis, modeling and simulation, programming languages, and database management/querying. The successful candidate is expected to participate in all phases of projects by including proposal preparation, project planning, project execution, project oversight, technical oversight, mentoring of internal staff, customer interaction, and deliverable preparation.





Essential duties include, but are not limited to:


Leading a team of engineering and frequency coordination staff, including staff planning and forecasting, oversight of efforts, employee engagement, performance management, career development, mentoring, hiring, problem resolution, and supporting MxV Rail and C&TC management initiatives. Program management and leadership of C&TC wireless communications research and engineering projects. Technical leadership and support of C&TC wireless communications research and engineering projects, including, but not limited to, technical simulation and analyses, systems engineering and requirements development, RF propagation modeling, RF network planning and optimization, technology assessment, lab and field testing, and statistical analyses. Oversight of AAR Frequency Coordination efforts, including, but not limited to, review of FCC radio license applications, coordination of VHF and UHF railroad radio frequencies, filing of FCC applications and other forms, conducting interference analyses, and resolving interference complaints and other frequency coordination issues. Technical support of industry committees, such as the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Wireless Communications Committee (WCC) and National Wireless Communications Council (NWCC). Project management duties, including oversight of project activities and managing project schedules and budgets. Budgeting, revenue forecasting, and pricing review. Supporting industry strategic planning efforts related to wireless communications and the use of wireless spectrum for current and future railway applications. Participating in problem definition and technical needs analysis across various projects within the C&TC Team. Working independently or within a multi-disciplinary group composed of MxV Rail staff, railroad personnel, and vendor product development personnel. Identification and development of project opportunities and technical capabilities to support industry needs related to wireless communications and train control applications.

Required Skills & Abilities:

Open to learning and living the MxV Rail values (Momentum, Insight, Teamwork, Rigor, Purpose) in all facets of the organization's work. Bachelor's degree in engineering. Minimum of ten years of professional engineering experience in the areas of railroad wireless communications and systems engineering. A minimum of five years of professional experience in leadership and direct management of subordinate staff. Proven experience with wireless communication simulation tools such as Planet. Proficient in testing methods, data collection, analysis techniques, and reporting. Familiarity with radio frequency coordination processes. Experience with the following: + Working with engineering projects related to railroad wireless communications and train control systems, including PTC.
+ Projects involving the development of practical solutions to unique, open-ended problems.
+ Leading projects, including oversight of project activities, quality of deliverables, and management of project budgets and schedules.
+ Working across different levels within and outside an organization.
+ Industry committees and/or professional/technical organizations responsible for standards setting.
Familiarity with Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards and Federal regulations related to railroad wireless communications systems and train control systems. Ability to work independently and within a team from a hybrid work environment. Excellent verbal and written communication, along with demonstrable public speaking skills. Capable of preparing and delivering technical presentations to scientific groups. Demonstrable computer skills, with experience using Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. MxV Rail policy requires all prospective employees to complete a criminal background check (Disclosure for Consumer Reports Consent Form) and a pre-employment substance abuse screening (Applicant Consent for Drug Testing Form) as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

A master's degree in engineering. Understanding of railroad industry safety, operational efficiency, and reliability objectives and related strategies. Knowledge of FCC forms and the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS).

Working Environment and Level of Physical Activity:

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Environment

: Office and field environments. Must be able to walk in an industrial and/or railroad environment, including uneven surfaces such as ballast.

Vision

: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.

Hearing:

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Travel

: Travel will be required to support industry events and outreach. Travel is estimated at 15%.

Benefits Overview:

Health, Dental, Life, and Vision Insurance Railroad Retirement 401(k) Program with Company Match AAR Pension Plan Life Insurance (life, accident, or disability insurance) Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time Incentive Compensation Program Fortnight Schedule Remote Work Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Account Tuition Reimbursement Wellness Program

Salary Range:

$91,857 - $110,000 DOQ

About MxV

Rail:

Located near the foot of the beautiful Rocky Mountain Front Range, MxV Rail is the world's premier rail advisory because we have the expertise to keep our industry moving forward. Toward safer equipment and people. More transformative technology. Toward more efficient operations and fewer emissions. We are called MxV Rail because it is the formula for momentum, and that's what we deliver. We advance our industry, our clients, and the best ideas. We help set the standards and solve immediate and long-standing challenges. We put breakthrough technologies to the test, and train first responders how to do things right when things go wrong. In partnership, we safely experiment, learn, adapt, and advance, so our clients can thrive.




Commitment to Non-Discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.