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Senior Subject Matter Expert (Rail systems/PSD) - Management Consulting

Washington D.C., US

DB E.C.O. North America (with “E.C.O.” representing “Engineering, Consulting and Operations") offers specialized rail and transit consultancy services to public agencies, passenger and freight railroads. DB E.C.O. North America is part of the DB E.C.O. Group and leverages Deutsche Bahn’s global expertise to advance mobility and rail transportation across the U.S. and Canada. Their cross-disciplinary team collaborates closely with clients to innovate their portfolios and elevate business performance. With a focus on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence, they strive to enhance the customer experience, increase rail usage, and “Transform The Future Of Mobility.” 

Location: Washington D.C. 

A Senior Subject Matter Expert at DB E.C.O. North America provides leading expertise in areas such as Platform Screen Doors (PSD) and other rail systems. The expert shall lead and support across all phases of the V-Cycle (per EN 50126/8/9, CENELEC) including but not limited to system concept, system definition, system specification, risk management, requirements management, design management, interface management, verification, validation, and certification to DB E.C.O. North America’s portfolio of projects. 

Tasks & Responsibilities: 

  • Provide expert technical consultancy and lead technical deliverables throughout the project system's lifecycle to ensure project deliverables align with client expectations, industry standards and regulations. 
  • Act as a senior subject matter expert for PSD engineering with a focus on system implementation, providing specialized knowledge and guidance to project teams. 
  • Lead and coordinate supplier proposals, studies, quantitative analyses, and technical workshops, ensure on-time, on-budget completion and adherence to scope and quality resulting in the highest level of client satisfaction. 
  • Lead technical evaluations and negotiations, chair vendor meetings and design reviews. 
  • Lead supplier evaluations, RFI/RFP development, and technical clarifications; participate in workshops and design audits. 
  • Develop the Concept of Operations and technical scope; draft specifications/SOW and interface requirements. 
  • Define PSD system architecture and configurations. 
  • Oversee interface management with CBTC/signaling, ATS, train borne doors, traction power, tunnel ventilation, fire/life safety (NFPA 130), SCADA/OCC HMI, and station subsystems. 
  • Direct deployment strategies, including staged installation, access planning, passenger service continuity, and safety controls; review readiness for FAT/SAT, trial running, and acceptance. 
  • Guide RAMS and safety case activities. 
  • Participate in site surveys. 
  • Prepare project proposals, including the creation of methodologies, budget estimations, and project timelines. 
  • Support business development initiatives by contributing to client acquisition strategies, delivering presentations, and maintaining strong client relationships. 
  • Contribute to the strategic development of PSD systems engineering services by enhancing service offerings and monitoring external market trends to identify and secure future project opportunities. 
  • Attend business fairs, client meetings, and industry conferences to represent DB E.C.O. North America, build professional networks, and promote business growth. 
  • Support the client feedback process and drive continuous improvement in service delivery to meet and exceed client expectations. 
  • Mentor and educate consultants and engineers on PSD systems and systems engineering principles, promoting skills development, professional growth, and knowledge sharing within the team. 

Requirements: 

  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.Sc.).  
  • At least 14 years of related experience in consulting/engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical) for railway projects; experience with CBTC systems is a plus. 
  • At least 9 years of related experience in PSD systems and in one or more other rail systems. 
  • Brownfield experience strongly preferred (e.g., participation in at least one brownfield PSD implementation). 
  • Experience in system integration, mechanical and structural engineering. 
  • Familiarity with relevant industry standards, regulations and safety requirements. 
  • Expertise in writing technical specifications and technical proposals. 
  • Strong leadership and decision-making qualities are required. 
  • Demonstrable technical and project management experience, including the ability to perform under pressure. 
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills. 
  • Business-focused attitude. 
  • Resilient, flexible, independent and well-structured working approach. 
  • Strong written and verbal presentation and communication skills. 
  • Experience in using MS-Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). 
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with strong interpersonal skills. 
  • Occasional domestic / international travel may be required. 

Working Conditions and Travel: 
You may work from your home office and/or a well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.  Minimal overnight travel by land and air. 

Physical Requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation: 

  • Ability to work at a computer workstation for periods up to 4 hours at a time 
  • Ability to speak on the telephone for a total of up to 3 hours per day 
  • Ability to sit for up to 3 hours without breaks at meetings 
  • Ability to walk and stand for up to 4 hours without breaks at program site visits and meetings 

We offer an annual gross salary between $150,000 and $210,000 + bonus (USD) for full-time employment, depending on professional qualifications and experience.

Quick overview of our U.S. Health & Wellness Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance: Multiple options - Low to High Deductible plans
  • Dental & Vision
  • Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life & AD&D Insurance, Short-term, and Long-term Disability: Company-paid
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their household members
  • Commuter Benefits: Use tax-free money to pay for eligible transit and parking expenses (Train, subway, bus, ferry, parking).
  • Parental Paid Leave
  • Supplemental Coverage: Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans with wellness benefits.
  • Retirement Savings (401k): Pre-tax or Roth contributions with company match (50¢ per dollar up to 6% of pay)
  • Vacation & Holidays: Competitive time off plus 11 paid company holidays

DB E.C.O North America, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements. DB E.C.O North America, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

For California applicants: We follow the California Fair Chance Act, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and/or Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. As is the case for applicants in any jurisdiction, you do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After providing a conditional offer and conducting a background check, we will consider hiring any qualified individual with arrest or conviction records in accordance with all relevant laws, and specifically will assess whether any conviction history directly relates to the job duties.  We will take into consideration the individual’s explanation and potential mitigating factors as defined by the law. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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