US Rail Systems™ · 2 days ago
Subject Matter Expert, Overhead Contact Systems (OCS)
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$170K/yr - $210K/yr
12+ years expUS Rail Systems™ is seeking a Subject Matter Expert for Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) to oversee electrification programs across various rail environments. The role involves technical leadership, construction management, and stakeholder coordination to ensure compliance and successful project execution.
Information Technology & Services
No H1B
Hiring Manager
Crista Hughes
Responsibilities
Technical Leadership and System Design Oversight
Lead OCS system design development, reviews, and approvals in coordination with civil, traction power, and systems teams
Ensure OCS layouts, pole spacing, cantilever assemblies, tensioning, and wire configurations meet all operational, environmental, and structural requirements
Approve design submittals, value engineering proposals, and construction drawings to align with industry standards and agency-specific criteria
Construction Management and Field Oversight
Direct OCS field construction and installation activities across multiple sites and programs, ensuring compliance with plans, safety protocols, and electrical commissioning procedures
Coordinate with general contractors, civil works teams, and traction power leads to align foundations, pole erection, and tensioning schedules
Resolve field conflicts, oversee redlines/as-builts, and ensure full constructability and energization readiness of the OCS network
Project Delivery and Stakeholder Coordination
Represent OCS discipline in design-build meetings, progress reviews, technical workgroups, and joint venture coordination efforts
Engage with client agencies, utilities, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth approvals, permits, and inspections
Oversee testing, inspection, and turnover of OCS infrastructure, including system acceptance, punch lists, and energization events
Standards, Safety, and Quality Assurance
Ensure all OCS work complies with FRA, NEC, AREMA, NFPA 130, and relevant project-specific design standards
Lead internal QA/QC processes and support third-party verification of OCS works
Team Leadership and Mentorship
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of OCS engineers, inspectors, and field specialists
Develop internal training standards, field inspection checklists, and best practices for OCS construction and maintenance across US Rail Systems programs
Provide executive reporting on project progress, risks, and resource needs to the VP, COO and CEO
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering; or equivalent experience
Minimum 12–15 years of experience in OCS design, construction, operations, maintenance and management, with experience on major commuter transit, or high-speed rail programs
Deep knowledge of OCS structural design, wire dynamics, tensioning methods, and pantograph interaction requirements
Proven experience managing large-scale OCS installation in both greenfield and brownfield environments
Familiarity with industry standards including State level general orders and standards, AREMA, IEEE, EN, and FTA/FRA electrification safety requirements
Demonstrated leadership in both field and technical environments, including joint venture or design-build settings
Benefits
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance
17 Days PTO
7 Paid company holidays
Company
US Rail Systems™
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with strategic offices in Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington, US Rail Systems ™ is a nationally recognized authority in the oversight of maintenance, operations, and delivery of complex electrified and high-speed rail systems.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase