Director, OCS & Traction Power

Company:  

Come shape the future of American travel by joining the Brightline West team. We are working to reimagine greener, better, and faster train travel!

After Brightline Florida completed the first passenger rail system connecting Miami and Orlando, Brightline West was formed to connect Las Vegas and Southern California through the nation’s first true high-speed, electric passenger rail system. Reaching speeds of more than 186 miles per hour, this 218-mile high-speed rail service will take passengers from Las Vegas to the Greater Los Angeles area twice as fast as the normal drive time.

We are looking for talented individuals to join Brightline West, who share our pioneering mindset for building something that’s the first of its kind and have a bright vision for redefining the future of American travel.

Your Purpose: 

As a Director of Power and OCS you will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end development of the project's 25kV substations and OCS network, from initial design through final construction. Key responsibilities include managing project schedules and budgets, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and international standards, and coordinating with internal engineering teams, power utilities, and government agencies.

If you have the courage to lead, build strong relationships with people across different perspectives, and are driven to make things happen for your teammates, this is the perfect opportunity! 

Your Role: 

• Design and Construction – Systems/Civil: Develop and oversee the design and construction of 25kV substations and OCS network, including civil requirements (grading, drainage, buildings, structures, foundations, etc.), equipment specifications, layout designs, grounding systems, and protection schemes.
• Compliance: Knowledge of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, California and Nevada electrical safety laws, and environmental impact assessment processes. Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including the National Electrical Code (NEC), National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and environmental regulations. Familiarity with international governance frameworks and approval processes for high-speed rail projects.
• International Standards: Adhere to international standards and best practices for high-speed rail substations, such as those set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• Integration with Other Disciplines: Collaborate with other engineering teams (civil, structural, mechanical, power, communication and signaling) to ensure seamless integration of substation and OCS systems with other project components.
• Liaison and Management of Power Utility Companies: Coordinate with power utility companies to ensure proper integration of the substation into the existing power grid and manage all necessary approvals and agreements.
• SCADA Systems: Develop and implement Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for monitoring and controlling substation operations, ensuring integration with other project systems.
• Project Management: Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resources to ensure timely completion of project milestones and cost-effective solutions.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate with stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and suppliers, to ensure project requirements are met and issues are resolved promptly.
• Quality Assurance: Implement quality control measures to ensure the substation systems meet all technical and safety standards.
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation, including technical reports, design documents, project updates, and regulatory compliance reports.
• Integration Expertise: Proven ability to integrate complex electrical systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Schedule and Cost Management: Demonstrated experience in managing project schedules and budgets, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget

Please note that this Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the teammate for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

Experience & Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, construction, and management of electrical substations, preferably for high-speed rail or transportation projects with values of $500m+
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communication, proficiency in CAD and project management software.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required by the project.