Senior Subject Matter Expert (Rail Vehicles) - Management Consulting

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.” 

Job Summary:

The Senior Subject Matter Expert - Railway Vehicles will support railway vehicle procurement and rebuild projects, covering locomotives, multiple units, and rail cars. A focus will be on alternative motive power provision, specifically hydrogen fuel cell – battery hybrids and battery powertrains. A strong technical background to lead complex rail and transit vehicle projects is required. This role involves managing all phases of rolling stock procurement and integration, from concept through commissioning and regulatory compliance. The person in the role will work closely with other subject matter experts, internal and external to DB, management consultants, railway vehicle manufacturers, prime contractors, regulators, and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative rail solutions. The person in this position works independently and as part of a team and will require supervision of team members and subcontractors.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Support rolling stock engineering projects from concept to completion in passenger rail and transit, including new vehicle procurement and modifications to existing equipment.
• Support teams, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and the timely delivery of vehicles to the specified quality level.
• Participate in design reviews and ensure that the design is fit for purpose, meets client requirements, safe, and maintainable over the life cycle.
• Implement QA/QC procedures to review rollingstock builder designs, construction, and testing.
• Support client relations, marketing activities, scope development, and contract negotiations.
• Lead procurement and delivery of passenger rail vehicles, with a focus on hydrogen fuel cell hybrid and battery powertrains.
• Manage project lifecycle activities: planning, budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams and ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and alternative propulsion concurrence.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, and readiness for revenue service of new rolling stock.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, including Technical Advisory Group meetings and coordination with clients, railroads, and transit agencies.
• Provide quality assurance services, including audits and inspections at manufacturing facilities and on customer premises.
• Draft, edit, and review technical specifications, maintenance manuals, and compliance documentation.

Requirements:

• Degree in engineering or related field and experience with rail vehicle procurements and rebuilds.
• 10 years or more of experience in rail vehicle procurement and rebuild projects.
• Experience with zero-emission rail vehicle procurement and implementation in the U.S.
• Experience working with passenger railway operators and railway vehicle owners, including State transportation departments, rail commissions / authorities, and transportation authorities.
• Experience with regulatory bodies, including the FRA and FTA in relation to rail vehicles.
• Proven track record in managing complex rail vehicle procurement and integration projects.
• Strong knowledge of FRA compliance, regulatory, and alternative propulsion concurrence processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Working Conditions and Travel:

You may primarily work from your home office and/or a well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. Travel will be required to attend client and stakeholder meetings, supervise project implementation, vehicle and component testing, and inspections of rail vehicles. Some 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
• Ability to inspect rail vehicles at facilities, which may include pits, platforms, and vehicles in various states of completion.

We offer an annual gross salary between $161,000 and $188,000 + 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.