Traction Power Engineer

Role Overview

Traction Power Engineer at AtkinsRéalis. Design and oversee the implementation of traction power supply systems, ensuring reliable and safe delivery of electrical power to the rail network.

Company Overview

AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together with industry partners, clients, and a global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we engineer a better future for the planet and its people.

Role Purpose

Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert for traction power and rail electrical systems. Lead traction power studies, translate results into robust designs and specifications, and oversee implementation from conceptual design through construction delivery and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design

• Lead traction power studies and calculations (load flow, power-flow, short-circuit, cable sizing, protection coordination, grounding/step-touch, arc-flash) and translate results into robust designs, specifications, and drawings.
• Develop detailed design and specifications for DC systems (600/750/1000/1500V) and AC systems (12.5/25kV).
• Design traction power substations including AC utility interfaces, transformers, rectifiers/inverters, distribution, and switching/sectionalization.
• Design power supply and distribution for third rail and/or Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS), including feeder arrangements and interface requirements.
• Specify protection and relaying, controls, SCADA/communications interfaces, and system monitoring.
• Develop grounding/bonding, negative return, stray current mitigation concepts, and power quality designs.
• Prepare load flow analyses, short circuit studies, protection coordination calculations, and grounding/bonding designs.
• Develop technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), and design drawings for traction power equipment and infrastructure.
• Prepare and review technical reports, maintenance plans, and as-built documentation.
• Provide value engineering recommendations to optimize traction power system design and reduce lifecycle costs.

Design Development & Oversight

• Direct and oversee development of conceptual through final designs, technical specifications, and contract documents.
• Oversee preparation of drawings and deliverables such as site plans, duct bank/cable plans, grounding grids, single-line diagrams, schematics, conduit/wire schedules.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and requirements, including MTA/agency standards, NFPA 130, NEC, IEEE, IEC, EN 50122, EN 50124, and other applicable codes and guidelines.
• Provide oversight of quality, safety, scope, schedule, budget, and risk across assigned projects and task orders.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate with Project Managers and discipline leads (track, signals, communications, civil/structural, architecture, OCS/third rail, systems integration) to deliver coordinated solutions.
• Coordinate interface requirements between traction power systems and civil, track, signalling, and rolling stock disciplines.
• Interface with design groups (communications, fixed facilities, etc.) and with external team members (architects, code consultants, major suppliers, etc.).
• Coordinate with utility companies and stakeholders to define service requirements, outages, interface responsibilities, and operational constraints.
• Liaise with utility providers for grid connection requirements and power supply agreements.

Construction & Commissioning Support

• Support construction delivery by providing technical support for field investigations, site walks, and constructability reviews.
• Review and approve contractor design submittals, shop drawings, and equipment datasheets for technical compliance with project requirements.
• Provide submittal/shop drawing review, RFI responses, and design clarifications.
• Oversee installation, testing, and commissioning of traction power substations, OCS, and associated equipment.
• Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for traction power equipment.
• Conduct factory/shop testing, witness testing where required, and commissioning/closeout support.
• Support construction and installation activities in the field.
• Support for Test & Commissioning and setting to work of Power Systems.
• Interact with Operations and Maintenance teams.

Systems Engineering & Analysis

• Research and develop solutions to a wide range of railway EMC issues, including load flow and transient analyses, modelling and simulation, setting design guidelines, and application of mitigations for issues identified.
• Demonstrate knowledge of formal systems engineering assessment, validation and verification techniques and processes.
• Investigate traction power system faults and failures; conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Understand financial and commercial implications of EMC management from bid through to operational stages.

Team Leadership & Development

• Act as the nominated delegate for the Manager, Power Systems.
• Act as mentor and adviser to members of the Power Systems team in relation to their skill and career development.
• Assist the Manager, Power Systems in the development of the Power Systems team's range of product services and offerings, in conjunction with the Director, PS&D and the managers of Contact Systems and Consultancy & Services.
• Assist the Manager, Power Systems in the guidance and direction of training programs within the Power Systems team.

Project Administration

• Responsible for the technical content of power systems aspects of multiple projects, including but not limited to design, coordination, preparation of Works Submittals, and interface with Governmental Authorities, as delegated by the Manager, Power Systems.
• Assist the Manager, Power Systems to maintain data for current team utilization and forecast backlog of the Power Systems Team.
• Contribute to preparation and tracking of project RFIs and Design Queries.
• Contribute to coordination of risk review activities and register updates.
• Participate in regularly required project meetings.
• Participate in ad-hoc interdisciplinary meetings as required.
• Deliver design, construction, and interface control documentation.
• Provide information and support to allow component, sub-system, and system procurement.

Qualifications & Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering preferred (Electrical Engineering preferred).
• 15+ years' experience in engineering.
• 10+ years' experience in rail and transit engineering in Middle East.
• Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) is generally required. Extensive experience may be substituted in lieu of licensing.
• In-depth knowledge of high voltage A.C. and/or low voltage D.C. railway electrification systems and working knowledge of the other systems.
• Knowledge of high and low voltage electrical distribution systems applications and practice, including load flow and protection analyses.
• Knowledge of lightning protection and grounding, surge protection, EMI and EMC.
• Knowledge of substation ancillary plant and services including standby power generation and uninterruptible power supplies.
• Knowledge of traction propulsion equipment and characteristics, vehicle performance calculations.
• Experience gained on similar transit projects, or within a manufacturer or OEM who supplies transit equipment complying with relevant standards.
• Previous track record in process development, test plan development, and similar issues.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in power systems analysis software (ETAP, DIgSILENT, PSCAD).
• Detailed knowledge of DC traction systems (600/750/1500V) and AC systems (12.5/25kV).
• Experience with Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) design and third rail systems.
• Understanding of EMI/EMC requirements in rail electrification.
• Ability to perform detailed calculations, drawings, technical specifications, procurement documents, design and installation packages.
• Ability to develop and detail electrical power and distribution design concepts with architects, proponents, utilities, and other engineering disciplines.

Additional Information

Employment Type

Employee, Regular

Benefits

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Medical insurance.
• Annual leave balance.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Transportation and housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.