Lead Power Supply Traction Engineer

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

Job Title: Power Supply Traction Engineer

About SYSTRA

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

As part of the General Consultancy joint venture for the landmark Cairo Metro Line 1 (CML1) Modernisation Project, SYSTRA is overseeing the comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of one of Africa’s busiest transit backbones. We are seeking an experienced Traction Power Supply Engineer.

Missions/Main Duties

The Traction Power Supply Engineer will act as a key technical expert responsible for the design review, technical approval, site surveillance, and testing & commissioning oversight of the traction power supply package for CML1.

The role covers the complete chain of traction power: Medium Voltage (MV) incoming distribution, Traction Substations (TSS), Transformer-Rectifier units, and DC Switchgear/Distribution (including negative return, stray current mitigation, and earthing & bonding). The position balances technical office assessments (deliverable compliance, calculations, interface management) with hands-on site supervision across stations, substations, and trackside installations in Cairo.   

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Review & Technical Verification

• Review, critique, and approve contractor/supplier submittals, including Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), schematic drawings, general layout plans, equipment sizing calculations, and technical specifications.
• Scrutinize calculations and system studies submitted by contractors: load flow, short-circuit levels, protection relay coordination, harmonics, voltage drop, and stray current collection.
• Verify design compliance for Traction Substations (TPSS/TSS), MV switchgear (AC distribution), rectifier transformers, silicon diode rectifiers, DC switchgear, disconnecting switches, and auxiliary systems (UPS, DC battery banks, auxiliary transformers).
• Ensure strict compliance with Project Employer’s Requirements, contract specifications, and applicable international railway norms (EN / IEC).

2. Interface & Systems Integration

• Coordinate technical interfaces between the traction power system and other lots: Overhead Contact System (OCS), Signaling/Interlocking, Telecommunications, SCADA/Power Automation, Rolling Stock, Trackwork, and Civil/Structural engineering (substation buildings, cable containment, duct banks).
• Interface with the local utility provider (Egyptian Electricity Transmission/Distribution Company) regarding MV supply reliability, incoming feeder schemes, and metering/protection boundaries.
• Manage Contractor Requests for Information (RFIs), design deviations, and field change notices.

3. Site Supervision & Quality Assurance

• Oversee site execution, equipment positioning, installation quality, cable laying, and panel assembly across all CML1 traction power sites.
• Conduct regular site audits, safety inspections, and quality walks; issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and monitor corrective action closure.
• Witness Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for major MV and DC electrical plant assets.

4. Testing, Commissioning & Handover

• Review and approve contractor Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), test protocols, energized switching sequences, and commissioning procedures.
• Witness on-site testing and integrated commissioning, including primary/secondary injection tests, relay verification, insulation resistance, trip tests, traction power energization, and integrated system tests with trains.
• Supervise the preparation of As-Built documentation, operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals, spare parts lists, and client handover dossiers.

Profile/Skills

• Languages: English (written, read, and spoken) is mandatory. Technical report writing and presentation skills must be of executive caliber. Arabic proficiency is a plus.
• Communication: Ability to represent the General Consultant with authority, diplomacy, and clarity in discussions with transit authorities, contractors, and multidisciplinary design partners.
• Mobility: Willingness and physical aptitude to conduct routine site inspections along operational metro infrastructure and under brownfield night/day shift conditions in Cairo.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.

Workplace Type

On-site