Discipline Lead - Traction Power

Location: Philadelphia, PA, us

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Traction Power Lead to join our team. This position offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the design, analysis of DC or AC traction power systems for railways, light rail transit (LRT), or other electrified transportation networks. The candidate will work closely with experienced engineers and contribute to real-world projects, gaining practical knowledge in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Responsibilities:

• Assist Management in the design and analysis of AC and DC traction power distribution systems, including substations, overhead catenary systems (OCS), and third rail systems.

• Lead the design, analysis, and delivery of traction power distribution systems, including substations, overhead catenary systems (OCS), and third rail systems, ensuring technical excellence and consistency.

• Develop and implement discipline standards, best practices, and QA/QC procedures across traction power projects.

• Oversee and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment layouts prepared by the team, providing technical direction and approval.

• Direct and perform advanced power system studies, including load-flow, short circuit, grounding/bonding, and harmonic analysis.

• Assist management with staff assignments, workload distribution, and mentoring of engineers.

• Serve as technical liaison with clients (SEPTA, Amtrak, WMATA, NJ Transit, PATH, etc.) and represent the discipline in meetings, workshops, and project presentations.

• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines and project stakeholders to ensure fully integrated multidisciplinary designs.

• Provide technical leadership in testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of traction power equipment.

• Lead development of technical reports, specifications, and construction documents for discipline deliverables.

• Contribute to business development by preparing discipline-specific proposal content, methodologies, and staffing plans.

• Support strategic initiatives such as simulation practice expansion, other rail discipline expansion, digital delivery, and new tool adoption.

• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and codes (IEEE, NESC, NFPA, AREMA) across all discipline deliverables.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering .

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in traction power design with demonstrated leadership in project teams.

• Proven experience leading traction power work for major transit clients (SEPTA, Amtrak, WMATA, NJ Transit, PATH, etc.).

• Strong track record of mentoring and developing engineers.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the discipline to senior stakeholders and clients.

• Demonstrated ability to assist in managing discipline budgets, staffing, and technical risk across multiple concurrent projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 years work experience in performing AC and DC Traction Power Design projects.

• Expertise in AC and DC traction power concepts, system modeling, and load-flow simulation software (OpenPowerNet, ETRAX, Train, ETAP, SKM).

• Electrical Engineering Degree with a focus on Power Systems.

• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies.

• Desire to work in a fast-paced dynamic work environment.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this role
• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.