Job Summary

This position leads all Signal Positive Train Control (PTC) / Signal Vital Software laboratory and field testing, cut over and documentation efforts for safe and efficient train operation of Wayside Signal systems. It ensures compliance of signal system design with rules and regulations mandated by On Track Safety, GCOR, MUTCD, Federal Railroad Association (FRA), and the KCS Signal department. This role regularly communicates with other departments and outside agencies addressing concerns and potential critical issues. It is responsible for the safety objectives and goals of the organization, ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. This role provides guidance and training, estimates projects, supervising performance, involved with dispute resolution, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.

Recognized within the organization as a functional authority with niche depth and/or breadth of knowledge. Works independently, with guidance only in the most complex situations. Solves sophisticated problems; identifies new solutions using a broad perspective and understanding. Leads large-scale projects with meaningful resource requirements, risk, and/or complexity. May lead a project team with influence over contribution of others. Translates functional vision into plans and guides their execution. Exemplifies KCS Vision, Values, and Culture interactions with coworkers, business partners, customers, and stakeholders.

Accountabilities

• Leads and provides technical expertise for signal software design, development, accuracy, scheduling, and documentation. Involved with Signal projects from the initial planning stage through final design, construction, and commissioning. Provides inter-agency and multi-discipline coordination to ensure that projects are crafted in compliance with guidelines and requirements of federal, state, regional and all regulatory agencies for the Railroad environment. Provides vital information to the Communications department for FCC licensing. Communicates KCS Standards to Engineering Contractors.
• Participates in multi-functional test planning and execution for PTC integrated testing. Determines if engineering resources are available for KCS projects, supervises progress on all phases of PTC projects and provides PTC project status reports. Develops experience writing test strategy, test plans (for different test levels), test cases, and test scripts. Ensures vital PTC qualification test forms are created and approved. Works with the PTC Program Quality Manager to implement quality and testing for Wayside in compliance with the PTC Program Quality Management Strategy.
• Leads PTC software design schedule, contractors/consultants to ensure that the goals and objectives are met. Tests and de-bugs software in a lab environment to identify and corrects all issues prior to field implementation. Leads implementation and testing of new and revised software and recommend changes for improved operation.
• Leads creation of PTC WIU mapping and configuration files and related documentation. Works with other railroads on PTC testing issues for interlockers. Provides technical guidance of Wayside PTC design projects.
• Develops and leads compliance of Engineering design standards, test and cut over procedures, documentation, and software management. Owns the FRA mandated Software Configuration Management Plan and Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP). Responsible for Laboratory Segment Testing, Laboratory Integration Nearest Neighbor Testing (LINN), and Laboratory Integration End-to-End testing (LIEE). Responsible for Field Integration Test (FIT) and Field Qualification Test (FQT). Leads methods and procedures for installation, cut over, testing, maintenance and documentation of Wayside PTC/Signal systems. Evaluates software equations and recommend software changes that are needed to fix problems in a timely manner. Monitors and tests locations with frequently reoccurring problems to help come up with solutions. Ensures Field software changes both safety related and product improvement upgrades are properly handled. Provides PTC test training for inexperienced Signalmen.
• Exemplifies KCS Vision, Values, and Culture in each and every interaction with team, clients, and stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in a job related major field of study
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, including specialized knowledge of a field used to lead an area of our business, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Formal Training in Railroad Signal Engineering

Preferred

• 10 years Railroad Wayside Signal design and software development experience
• Knowledge and experience with Positive Train Control (PTC)

Working Conditions

• This position has a regular full time schedule with a normal work week of Monday through Friday. There may be a need for occasional work after hours or weekends.
• This position may require minimal travel up to 10% of the time.

We Offer:

• Complete health and welfare benefits package
• Competitive salary
• Incentive plan
• Railroad Retirement benefits
• 401k savings
• Leave/vacation plan

EEO Statement

We value a culturally diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer while providing reasonable accommodations for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Company Overview

In 1887, Arthur Stilwell constructed a north-south railroad while others were heading east and west, setting the tone for a century-old legacy of outstanding vision; entrepreneurial spirit; resilience in the face of adversity; and, willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Building on that legacy, our culture is further defined by a new vision for the future and a core set of values - Safety, Customer Focus, Communication, Teamwork, Initiative & Innovation, and Diversity & Civility. We believe that the way we do business is as important as the business we do.

In addition to a culture that allows employees to thrive, we encourage resourcefulness with an award, recognizing employees who see a problem (or opportunity), find a solution, and use whatever authority and resources are available to get a job done well - accomplishing what was previously thought could not be done.

If you want to do work that is creative and strategic, be heard, grow professionally, be valued by your employer, and know that you are making an important contribution to an essential industry, a global supply chain, and the larger economy, Kansas City Southern may be the place for you.