Installation Test Team Lead
 

LOCATION: Charlestown / Massachusetts (US-MA), United States | BRAND: KB Signaling | REQUISITION ID: 7711 | JOB GRADE: 17 |

ON-SITE/REMOTE: On-site 

KB Signaling delivers unparalleled end-to-end wayside and onboard conventional signaling Control, Command, and Signaling (CCS) platforms and solutions. A trailblazer, we are driven to provide the best solutions for improved safety, performance, and lower overall operating cost for today’s transit and freight railway systems and operators in North America and beyond. Our team is fueled by innovation and grounded in solid values, like giving back to the communities where we do business and embracing sustainability to help protect our planet. KB Signaling is part of a global, high-tech company that will challenge you and help you grow. Discover your potential.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Purpose of the Job

• Prepare, plan, execute and document installation tests and post installation check out (PICO) tests including equipment static tests and wayside static test activities for rail signaling systems in the field, in support to one or several projects.
• Serve as the project Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Lead for the project or multiple projects.
• Manage as a team leader T&C Engineers, some of which may be entry level and require coaching and on-the-job training. 
• Serve as the project material management leader
• Serve as the project coordination between the installation contractor and T&C activities.

Reports directly to:  T&C Manager

Direct reports:  T&C Engineers

Main Responsibilities

Key accountabilities: 

• Manage, prepare, plan, document and execute installation tests and post installation check out (PICO) tests including equipment static tests and wayside static test activities associated with commissioning signaling systems inclusive of the following:
  • Lead and perform post installation signaling system test activities including
    • Installation verification, inspections, point-to-point testing, circuit breakdown, and static testing preparing location for operational tests
    • Perform PICO walkthrough and Key Event Handover Inspections with the customer before operational testing is conducted.
    • Dynamic and static integration tests as required by project requirements
  • Lead T&C activities in the field, including management of material, tools, test fixtures, documentation, T&C personnel, access and logistics;.
  • Maintenance of location specific test plans, procedures, and data sheets to reflect the "as installed or as tested" condition of locations under test;
  • Application of T&C process to ensure tests are conducted in compliance with regulatory standards, project requirements and industry best practices;
  • Development and delivery of T&C plans such as daily testing schedule, 3-week look ahead testing schedule, 4M checklists for testing readiness at completion of installation, etc.;
  • Mentoring / Training / Coaching the project T&C team;
  • Tests on "live" circuits and on new or existing equipment;
  • Provide support to one or several Projects on railway signaling systems under the direction of T&C Manager instructions
  • Acts as the overall Installation Test Team Leader in accordance with project and contract requirements
  • As Installation Test Team Leader, coordinate multiple location interfaces to efficiently and effectively test vital safety circuits and systems that require T&C test engineers to be in multiple / adjacent locations to accomplish simultaneous tests
• Serves as the EHS Lead providing guidance and support for the T&C team ensuring safety is first and foremost for all installation and T&C activities conducted by the project team.
• Performs materials management for the project.
  • Monitor and periodically audit that the test tools are in perfect working order and calibrated.
  • Execute test equipment calibration.
  • Executes material orders and RMA processing for the project.
• Pro-actively manage the interfaces with installation contractor, customers, engineers, consultants and sub-contractors;
• Provide technical guidance and perform the installation and adjustment of various signaling equipment (switch machines, trip stops, track circuits, code systems, and carborne interfaces);
• Review test procedures and associated data sheets for accuracy and provide input for improvement and efficiency of execution in the field;
• Ensure the completion of test documentation, data sheets, discrepancy and other reports. 
• Maintain status of installation testing activities and estimation of time to complete by location; 
• Support execution of cutover and phasing plans, taking the lead for the phase 4 decommissioning support activities.
• Perform trouble shooting and drive corrective action to eliminate defects / discrepancies
• Deliver highest quality data as input to the commissioning field test reports.
• Deliver the highest performance in terms of Quality, Costs and Delivery and in compliance with KB Signaling policies, local standards and regulations (in particular EHS and Railway Safety).

Experience

Mandatory:

• 10 years of progressive, freight or commuter railroad or heavy rail transit work experience for installation or  testing and commissioning activities for rolling stock or signal systems or upgrades to existing signal systems, or maintenance of rolling stock or signal systems and equipment, including the job responsibilities as described above.
• Experience must include multiple years of experience with:
  • Automatic train control and signaling systems and/or rolling stock;
  • Electronics/electrical engineering testing;
  • Experience with test equipment including: VOMs, DMMs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and frequency counters; reviewing technical designs and documents; ensuring proper safety readiness for rail signaling projects.

Desirable:

• Test & Commissioning or maintenance experience with:
  • audio frequency track circuits;
  • iVPI, VPI, MicroLok or ElectroLogIXS microprocessor train control systems;
  • legacy vital relay train control systems;
  • Highway crossing warning systems
• Materials management experience or similar experience.

Competencies & Skills: 

• Communication and Interpersonal skills (teamwork and leadership) 

• Decision-making and problem-solving abilities 

• Analytical and critical thinking 

• Team building and coordination
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills to interface other teams, customers and partners
• Able to coordinate multiple teams and activities in parallel
• Quality-focused, rigorous, team-player
• Flexibility and mobility, must be available to work on projects at various, unanticipated sites throughout the United States.
• Available to work in harsh railroad wayside environment exposed to hazards such as live third rail during day and night shifts and weekend work activities such as cutovers.  
• Customer satisfaction and results orientated
• Ability to use and learn new technologies and tools
• Driver’s license

Education

Mandatory:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronic/Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent knowledge of English language (read, written, spoken)

Desirable:

• Formal railroad or transit system signal or train control training or equivalent.
• Training or knowledge of FRA Title 49 Rule and Regulations Governing Railroad Signal and Train Control Systems Parts 234 and 236.

The base pay range for this role is 89,000 USD – 165,000 USD. The company reasonably expects to pay within that range, however, KB Signaling considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

What does KB Signaling have to offer you? 
- Competitive Health Benefits, including Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision and Virtual visits
- Company-paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- Company-paid Short-Term Disability Coverage
- Voluntary life, Disability, and other Supplemental coverages
- Identity Theft and Legal Protection benefits
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Accounts
- Generous 401(k) plan
- Personal Paid Time Off
- Company-paid holidays 

KB Signaling Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.