Senior Traction Power Engineer

ReqID: SAN00012J

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We collaborate with public and private sector clients to unlock the transformative potential of railways. We offer a broad range of services spanning planning, design, delivery, systems integration, assurance, safety and security assessments, and optimization of railway operation and maintenance performance to unlock the financial value for investors, asset owners, operators and maintainers, while navigating the transition to low carbon and resilient rail. You would be joining our multidisciplinary team focusing on technical excellence and innovative solutions that shape a better future for people and the planet.

Given our growing business, Arup is looking for an accomplishedSenior Traction Power Engineer based in our West Geography (California) supporting our client in Sacramento. You will be a key member of Arup’s engineering team on the California High Speed Rail, Track and Systems contract, and you will be instrumental in developing Arup’s business and capability in Traction Power and Electrification in North America. We are looking for someone with experience of delivering Traction Power systems, the focus very much on 2 x 25KVac electrification, but we are also interested in supporting other forms of electrification such as DC traction on metro / light rail schemes. We are looking for someone who has a real passion to learn, a high level of curiosity, and the versatility to understand and apply different technologies.Additionally, this person must be able to engage with people, and create a positive environment that encourages new engineers to join the team.

The opportunity

For our North American Business:

• Have strong domain knowledge in 2x 25KVac, including new technology such as Static Frequency Converters.

• Performing traction power simulations, understanding the inputs, different simulation tools, types of scenarios that are considered, and limitations.

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the Power SCADA system, and the safety /human factors aspects associated with operation and isolation.

• Be well-informed and curious about the electrification in general, in particular the pros and cons of different technologies and products.

• Experience in growing capability and developing business.

For the California High Speed Rail (CHSR) Project:

• Be part of a team delivering the CHSR Traction Power scope.

• Working collaboratively with other disciplines and partners within our Track and Systems Construction Contract (TSCC) consortium.

• Delivering preliminary designs for Traction Power ensuring full compliance with the Quality Management process.

• Providing the technical requirements to enable the procurement of suitable vendors to supply theTraction Power system.

• Reviewing the detailed designs from theTraction Powersystems vendors and overseeing the installation and testing of these systems.

• Lead the client engagement in your sub-discipline area(s).As such you need strong communication skills, self-awareness and the ability to articulate technical subject matter clearly and succinctly.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in engineering.

• Experience working directly with clients in a leadership role.

• 10 years of Traction Power experience, preferably 2x 25KVac, but we are also interested in candidates who have worked with DC traction.

• Strong preference for candidates who have been involved in a rail systems project from beginning to end and who have direct experience of the practical issues that arise during installation, testing & commissioning and entry into service.

• Proven understanding of the application System Safety Certification processes and RAMS.

• Knowledgeable in railway standards such as CENELEC, AREMA, MIL-STD, IEEE and EN.

• Engineering Concepts, including Design, Verification & Validation, and System Integration.

• Professional Engineer designation in California or equivalent is an asset.

• Demonstrable understanding of owner/client capital project drivers and priorities.

• Basic understanding of construction project procurement approaches, project schedule and cost estimate documents is preferred.

• Ability to plan, coordinate and lead design/consulting delivery teams.

Please note that all applicants must apply directly via the job portal. If this role is not quite what you are looking for, but you are interested in other opportunities for a future with purpose, please sign up to our Talent Community where you will be kept up to date with roles suitable for you to shape a better world.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Benefits at Work

At Arup, we have a comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low. These benefits provide health and welfare security for you as well as paid time off for rest and renewal. As a member of Arup, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm’s financial performance). Our Global Profit Share Plan (paid bi-annually) provides an opportunity for you to share in the success of the Firm. As a valued employee of Arup, you can also choose to participate in our 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future.

Flexible Working

We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available.

San Francisco Hiring Range

The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in San Francisco is $170,000 to $190,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note, hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of San Francisco may differ.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at

Our Application Process

We will be reviewing our candidates for this position on a rolling basis. Once you have applied you will be evaluated and potentially moved on to the next round, at which point a member of the talent resourcing team will reach out to you directly.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of a protected veteran, or disability.

Stay safe online

Recruitment fraud is on the rise, and Arup’s name, logo, and branding have been used in fraudulent job advertisements. Arup will never ask for bank information as part of our recruitment process.

#LI-VK1

Rail23

EOE-Protected Veterans/Disability