PTC (Positive Train Control) Test Engineer (Iowa City)

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced PTC (Positive Train Control) Test Engineer to perform testing and validation of Positive Train Control systems used in railway operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in railway signaling, train control systems, test execution, defect management, and system integration testing to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with applicable railway standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test procedures for PTC systems.
• Perform functional, integration, regression, and system-level testing of PTC components.
• Test PTC functionality involving onboard systems, wayside equipment, communication networks, and back-office systems.
• Validate train enforcement functions, including overspeed protection, movement authority, and braking responses.
• Analyze test results, troubleshoot failures, and document defects with supporting evidence.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, systems engineering, and field testing teams.
• Support laboratory testing, simulation, field testing, and commissioning activities.
• Maintain test documentation, traceability matrices, and test execution reports.
• Verify system behavior against requirements, interface specifications, and applicable safety standards.
• Participate in root-cause analysis and support corrective and regression testing.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 4–7 years of experience in software, systems, integration, or validation testing, preferably in railway signaling or train control.
• Knowledge of Positive Train Control (PTC), such as I-ETMS, ACSES, or another applicable train control system.
• Experience in test case development, test execution, defect tracking, and test reporting.
• Understanding of system integration, communication interfaces, and hardware/software interactions.
• Familiarity with requirements-based testing and tools such as Jira, DOORS, or equivalent.
• Ability to analyze logs, troubleshoot system issues, and document technical findings.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with railway signaling, onboard train control, wayside systems, or back-office applications.
• Familiarity with railway communication protocols, GPS, wireless communications, and event/log analysis.
• Experience with automated testing, scripting (Python or similar), or simulation tools.
• Knowledge of applicable railway safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Willingness to support field testing and occasional travel, as required.

Success Criteria

• Accurate execution of test cases with complete documentation.
• Timely identification, reporting, and resolution support for defects.
• Effective traceability between system requirements and test results.
• Reliable validation of PTC functions and interfaces before deployment.