Project Manager, Communications

The role

The Project Manager, Communications oversees the delivery of operational telecommunications systems on the California High-Speed Rail Program. This role manages scope, schedule, budget, risk, and contractor performance for communications work packages from design through operational handover.

What you will do

• Oversee the delivery of communications systems throughout design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning, and operational handover
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, risk, and contractor performance for communications work packages
• Coordinate delivery activities between communications, signaling, traction power, SCADA, stations, operations, and maintenance teams
• Oversee communications suppliers, contractors, consultants, and telecommunications service providers
• Oversee delivery and integration of fiber optic backbone networks, operational telecommunications systems, and IP/MPLS networks
• Oversee delivery and integration of Operations Control Center communications, wayside radio, maintenance radio, and dispatch communications systems
• Oversee delivery and integration of public address systems, CCTV transport networks, cybersecurity interfaces, and integrated operational communications and control systems
• Oversee FCC licensing and frequency coordination activities required for operational railway communications systems
• Oversee statutory, regulatory, and jurisdictional approvals associated with radio transmission systems, communications infrastructure, towers, antennas, equipment shelters, and communications faciliti
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities, telecommunications providers, public agencies, and local jurisdictions to obtain approvals required for construction and operation

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field, or demonstrable on-the-job work experience
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience delivering telecommunications, operational communications, or rail systems projects
• Minimum of ten (10) years of project management experience on major transportation or infrastructure programs
• Demonstrated experience managing communications systems from design through testing, commissioning, and final acceptance
• Experience overseeing contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary delivery teams
• Strong working knowledge of systems integration and operational railway communications
• Experience managing fiber optic backbone networks, IP networking, and mission-critical communications infrastructure
• Experience managing radio systems delivery, including frequency planning, coverage validation, and interference assessment
• Experience securing regulatory, statutory, and jurisdictional approvals for communications infrastructure
• Experience managing integrated testing programs across multiple systems disciplines
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Availability for travel of 25 to 50 percent along the alignment

Nice to have

• Experience on high-speed rail projects operating above 125 mph (200 km/h)
• Experience with California High-Speed Rail, HS2, European rail programs, or comparable large-scale rail programs
• Experience delivering wayside radio, maintenance radio, dispatch communications, or mission-critical communications systems
• Familiarity with FCC licensing requirements and U.S. telecommunications regulations
• Experience with fiber optic backbone networks, IP/MPLS systems, LTE, private wireless networks, or FRMCS
• Experience managing regulatory approvals, communications licensing, and entry into revenue service activities
• Budget and schedule accountability on contracts valued at $100 million or greater
• PMP, PRINCE2, PE, or comparable project management or engineering certification

About the company

Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. They are an ENR Top 500 Firm and an MEP Giant.