Traction Power 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

The Traction Power Engineer is central to the development, integration, and assurance of railway electrification and traction power supply systems associated with the introduction of new rolling stock and network enhancements. The role encompasses assessment, design, testing, and operational readiness, ensuring that traction power solutions are robust, reliable, and fully compliant with technical requirements and regulatory standards.

Missions/Main Duties

• Analyze existing traction power infrastructure to identify gaps, capacity constraints, and upgrade needs in view of new rolling stock introduction and service improvements.
• Define and refine technical specifications for substations, feeder stations, distribution systems, and trackside equipment to ensure network resilience and compatibility.
• Review and validate engineering designs for new or upgraded traction power systems, assessing compliance with international and local standards and best practices.
• Participate in the technical evaluation of supplier proposals, assisting in procurement and vendor selection processes.
• Oversee the integration of traction power systems with rolling stock, SCADA, and signalling, ensuring interface coordination and systems interoperability.
• Develop, oversee, and support rigorous testing and commissioning activities for all traction power supply components.
• Resolve technical issues encountered during installation, testing, and handover to operations, ensuring seamless transition and full documentation.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and operational risks associated with traction power supply, ensuring adherence to safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., IEC, EN, IEEE) and regulatory frameworks influencing design and operational decisions.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including rolling stock engineers, signalling specialists, contractors, and client representatives, to ensure aligned project delivery.
• Provide expert guidance in project meetings, reviews, and technical workshops.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, as-built records, and operation and maintenance manuals as part of the project close-out and handover process.
• Support training and capability building for end-users and operations personnel.

Profile/Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience of relevant experience in similar rail projects.
• Demonstrable experience in traction power systems design, integration, or operational support, ideally within the railway or mass transit sector.
• Proficient in traction power supply design, including substations, power distribution, and interface management with rolling stock and rail infrastructure.
• Competency in interpreting electrical designs, protection systems, and single-line schematics.
• Skilled in troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning high- and low-voltage power solutions.
• Analytical, methodical, and solution-oriented, with strong documentation and communication abilities.
• Proven collaborator capable of contributing within multidisciplinary teams and dynamic project environments.
• Familiarity with asset management practices and power system lifecycle planning.
• Participation in the delivery of large infrastructure or electrification enhancement projects.
• Preferably with UAE or GCC experience.

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