CBTC & NextGen Systems Engineering DIrector

STV is seeking a CBTC & Next Gen Engineering Director to join our Systems Department in our Pittsburgh, PA office.

This senior leadership position will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), Next Generation Train Control Systems, Systems Integration, Rail Signaling, Safety Assurance, and Transit Modernization programs throughout North America and select international markets.

The CBTC & Next Gen Engineering Director will serve as a recognized technical authority and trusted advisor, leading multidisciplinary teams responsible for the planning, design, integration, verification, validation, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness of complex transportation systems. This individual will collaborate with transit agencies, rail operators, technology suppliers, contractors, and STV project teams to successfully deliver large-scale infrastructure programs from concept development through revenue service.

In addition to project delivery leadership, the Director will play a critical role in advancing STV's rail systems practice through client engagement, business development, strategic planning, technical innovation, and talent development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering & Integration Leadership

• Lead systems engineering activities for CBTC, Next Generation Train Control, PTC, ATO, ATS, moving block systems, digital interlockings, and advanced rail technologies.
• Establish technical direction and engineering governance for major transit and rail modernization programs.
• Oversee systems architecture, requirements management, interface management, integration planning, and lifecycle systems engineering activities.
• Guide multidisciplinary project teams through design development, implementation, testing, commissioning, and operational transition.
• Ensure alignment of signaling, communications, cybersecurity, rolling stock, traction power, facilities, track, and operational systems.

Technical Leadership & Governance

• Serve as a senior technical authority for CBTC and advanced train control technologies.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, methodologies, best practices, and quality procedures.
• Perform technical reviews and provide executive-level oversight of complex engineering deliverables.
• Support project governance, risk management, issue resolution, and technical decision-making.
• Mentor and develop technical leaders while fostering a culture of innovation and engineering excellence.

Safety, Assurance & Risk Management

• Direct RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety) activities and safety assurance programs.
• Lead hazard analyses, system safety assessments, and safety certification efforts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, regulations, and project requirements.
• Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and operational safety strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with owners, operators, safety assessors, and regulatory authorities.

Verification, Validation & Operational Readiness

• Lead verification and validation (V&V) strategies for safety-critical transportation systems.
• Oversee factory testing, site testing, systems integration testing, trial operations, and commissioning programs.
• Direct operational readiness planning and revenue service implementation activities.
• Ensure technical performance requirements are successfully achieved prior to system acceptance.
• Coordinate testing interfaces among suppliers, contractors, and operating agencies.

Stakeholder & Supplier Coordination

• Act as a primary technical liaison with transit agencies, rail operators, technology suppliers, contractors, and owner representatives.
• Facilitate technical workshops, design reviews, integration meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Manage relationships across multidisciplinary teams and external project partners.
• Support procurement review activities, technical evaluations, and supplier performance assessments.
• Provide strategic guidance on project delivery challenges and technical risk mitigation.

Innovation & Strategy

• Monitor emerging technologies impacting rail systems, digital infrastructure, automation, and intelligent transportation systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through advanced signaling and train control technologies.
• Support development of innovative service offerings and technology adoption strategies.
• Represent STV at industry conferences, client events, technical committees, and professional organizations.
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives and the advancement of the firm's rail systems capabilities.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Support strategic pursuits, proposal development, technical approaches, staffing plans, and client presentations.
• Assist with capture planning and positioning for major rail and transit opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with transit agencies, transportation authorities, rail operators, and industry partners.
• Identify opportunities for continued growth of STV's systems engineering and rail modernization services.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert during business development activities and executive client interactions.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop systems engineering professionals across multiple disciplines.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and career development initiatives.
• Build succession plans and strengthen technical capabilities within the Systems organization.
• Promote collaboration across offices, business units, and technical disciplines.
• Foster a culture centered on safety, innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in rail transit, signaling, train control, systems engineering, or transportation infrastructure.
• 10+ years of experience supporting CBTC, advanced train control, or systems integration programs.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex project delivery efforts.
• Extensive experience with: Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) Rail Signaling Systems Systems Integration Requirements Management Interface Management Verification & Validation (V&V) Testing & Commissioning Operational Readiness Safety Assurance Programs
• Strong understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes and transportation infrastructure delivery.
• Experience working directly with transit agencies, rail operators, suppliers, and contractors.
• Excellent leadership, communication, client-facing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple assignments and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or Business Administration.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• INCOSE Certification (ASEP, CSEP, ESEP).
• Experience with: Automatic Train Operation (ATO) Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) Positive Train Control (PTC) Digital Interlockings ETCS Platform Screen Door Integration Cybersecurity for Operational Technology Systems
• Familiarity with: AREMA Standards APTA Standards FRA Requirements IEC Standards IEEE Standards
• Experience supporting major transit agencies such as MTA, WMATA, SEPTA, NJ Transit, MBTA, CTA, Sound Transit, Metrolinx, TTC, or similar organizations.

Compensation Range:

STV offers the following benefits • Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) • Disability insurance • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment • 401(k) Plan • Retirement Counseling • Employee Assistance Program • Paid Time Off • Paid Holidays • Back-Up Dependent Care • Parental Leave • Continuing Education Program • Professional Licensure and Society Memberships

STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV’s good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.

Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV’s work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don’t always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.