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 Director of Engineering based in our Sacramento, CA office to provide senior technical leadership for permanent way systems on the California high-speed rail program. This role delivers end-to-end engineering oversight across design, construction, operations, and lifecycle management, establishing standards, ensuring system integration and safety compliance, managing technical risk, and optimizing track performance and asset strategies. The Director will lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate closely with designers, contractors, operators, and regulators to ensure the successful delivery of safe, reliable, and high-performance high-speed rail track infrastructure.

Technical Leadership:

Provide expert leadership on all permanent way (track) matters for high-speed rail infrastructure, including slab track and ballasted track systemsDevelop and implement track asset management strategies aligned with high-speed operational requirements and lifecycle cost optimizationEstablish engineering standards, specifications, and procedures in compliance with international HSR norms (e.g., EN, UIC, ISO, AREMA)

Design & Engineering Oversight:

Review and approve track design submissions, method statements, and technical calculations from designers and contractorsEnsure integration of track systems with civil works, structures, electrification (OHE), signaling, and rolling stock interfacesEnsure effective system integration and compatibility with operational performance, safety, and maintainability requirementsOversee Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and ensure interface risks are identified and managed by delivery partnersProvide technical guidance on track geometry, alignment tolerances, vibration mitigation, noise control, and track-structure interaction

Construction & Installation Management:

Oversee track construction and installation activities, including slab track, turnouts, expansion joints, and special trackworksProvide engineering assurance during track construction to confirm compliance with approved designs, specifications, and quality requirementsReview and accept construction methodologies, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and quality documentation submitted by contractorsUndertake site surveillance, audits, and technical inspections to verify construction quality and adherence to standardsReview and disposition non-conformances and technical change requests affecting permanent way systemsResolve technical issues arising during construction and provide engineering solutions to maintain progress and quality

Maintenance & Asset Management:

Define maintenance regimes and inspection standards for high-speed track infrastructureOversee predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance strategies using condition monitoring and data analyticsApprove maintenance plans, possession strategies, and renewal programs to ensure network availability and safety

Safety & Compliance:

Ensure all track activities comply with railway safety management systems, statutory regulations, and certification requirementsLead hazard identification, risk assessments, and safety assurance activities related to permanent way systemsSupport independent safety assessment (ISA), certification, and regulatory approvals

Performance Monitoring & Optimization:

Monitor track performance indicators such as geometry quality, ride comfort, availability, and degradation trendsInvestigate track-related incidents or performance issues and implement corrective and preventive actionsDrive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability and reduce lifecycle costs

Contract & Stakeholder Management:

Manage track-related contracts, consultants, and specialist suppliersLiaise with internal offices, construction operations and maintenance, safety, designers, and contractors on track engineering mattersSupport procurement activities by defining technical requirements and evaluating bidsProvide technical input into procurement strategies, tender documentation, and evaluation of track-related contractsSupport contract administration through technical assessments of variations, claims, and change proposalsAct as the primary technical interface between the designers, contractors, operators on permanent way matters

Safety, RAMS & Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure permanent way systems meet the Safety Management System and RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) requirementsSupport hazard identification, safety assurance, and risk management activities, including engagement with Independent Safety Assessors and regulatorsProvide technical input to safety cases, certification dossiers, and approvals for high-speed track infrastructure

Team Leadership & Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of track engineers, inspectors, and maintenance personnelEnsure competency management, training, and knowledge transfer within the track organizationProvide technical leadership and mentoring to track engineers and assurance teamsCapture lessons learned and ensure knowledge transfer into standards, specifications, and future projects.Support development of long-term asset strategies and transition to operations and maintenanceFoster a culture of safety, technical excellence, and accountability

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

BA/BS + 12 YORE or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 4 years of leadershipChartered Engineer or equivalent professional certificationExperience in both construction and operational phases of high-speed rail projectsFamiliarity with digital track monitoring systems and asset management platforms

Preferred Requirements:

Advanced technical expertise in permanent way engineeringStrategic thinking and decision-makingStrong leadership and team management skillsExcellent stakeholder and communication skillsHigh level of safety awareness and regulatory knowledge

Additional Information

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.