Subject Matter Expert - Service Planner

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.”

Department: Consulting, Operations Domain

Location: Chicago, New York City, or Washington, D.C. (Hybrid)

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize passenger rail service concepts, operating plans, and detailed timetables, with a focus on North American intercity, commuter and regional rail systems.
• Lead the design and evaluation of theoretical and operational timetables, including capacity and head-way analysis, rolling stock utilization, and infrastructure interface considerations.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners—including railroad operators, infrastructure owners, and planning agencies—to ensure integrated and feasible service plans.
• Mentor and review the work of consultants and analysts supporting service planning projects to foster technical development.
• Support workshops and presentations to communicate complex operational concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Leverage DB’s international expertise and tools, coordinating with colleagues in Germany to transfer knowledge and adapt methodologies for North American applications.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation, Business Administration or similar (M.Sc.).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in railway operations planning, timetable development, or service design.
• Deep understanding of railway scheduling methodologies, capacity planning, and coordination between infrastructure managers and train operators.
• Demonstrated proficiency with rail service planning tools, such as Viriato or similar timetable development or dynamic simulation software.
• Outstanding analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills and an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset; ability to work independently; aptitude to quickly grasp new concepts and effectively produce results.
• Passion for tackling complex challenges in mobility and railway transportation sector.
• Strong written and verbal presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience in using MS-Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) for performing analyses and developing quantitative models.
• Occasional domestic / international travel may be required.

Working Conditions and Travel:

You may work from a well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. Occasional 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 $124,000 and $156,000 + 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

• 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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Quick overview of our Canada Health & Wellness Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive, company‑paid benefits program for employees and their eligible dependents. This includes Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Dependent Life Insurance, Long‑Term Disability, extended Health and Dental coverage, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

In addition, the Company supports your long‑term financial well‑being by subsidizing a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) of your choice with a contribution equal to 5% of your basic salary.

We also provide competitive vacation time along with 11 paid company holidays, so you have the time you need to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.