Principal Telecom Engineer, Interoperable Train Control Messaging
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Telecom Engineer, Interoperable Train Control Messaging based in United States.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced telecommunications and systems engineering professional to support critical rail technology infrastructure in a fully remote environment. In this role, you will oversee the administration, reliability, and interoperability of train control messaging systems that enable safe and efficient freight rail operations. You will work on highly available messaging platforms, network communications, and enterprise infrastructure while collaborating with internal teams and external industry partners. The position combines hands-on technical expertise with strategic problem-solving to ensure secure, compliant, and resilient communications across complex rail networks. This role is ideal for professionals who thrive in mission-critical environments and enjoy driving operational excellence through innovative technology solutions.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Telecom Engineer, Interoperable Train Control Messaging based in United States.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced telecommunications and systems engineering professional to support critical rail technology infrastructure in a fully remote environment. In this role, you will oversee the administration, reliability, and interoperability of train control messaging systems that enable safe and efficient freight rail operations. You will work on highly available messaging platforms, network communications, and enterprise infrastructure while collaborating with internal teams and external industry partners. The position combines hands-on technical expertise with strategic problem-solving to ensure secure, compliant, and resilient communications across complex rail networks. This role is ideal for professionals who thrive in mission-critical environments and enjoy driving operational excellence through innovative technology solutions.
Accountabilities
- Administer, configure, deploy, and maintain interoperable train control messaging environments across back-office systems, wayside infrastructure, and locomotive platforms.
- Monitor messaging queues, communication channels, and system performance to ensure secure, reliable, and real-time data exchange across the network.
- Coordinate interoperability configuration updates and routing changes with external rail partners to maintain seamless industry-wide communications.
- Utilize monitoring tools and telemetry data to proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve communication or messaging issues.
- Troubleshoot complex transport-layer failures, routing anomalies, and system performance problems while implementing effective corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate configuration management records for software versions, routing tables, hardware assets, and infrastructure changes.
- Participate in production support activities, including an on-call rotation, to ensure continuous availability of critical operational systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, operations, and external stakeholders to support system reliability, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in technical, telecommunications, systems administration, or operational technology environments.
- At least 5 years of experience managing enterprise messaging middleware, systems administration, or railroad signaling and communications infrastructure.
- Strong expertise with messaging technologies such as Apache ActiveMQ, Red Hat AMQ, Apache Qpid, or other AMQP-based messaging platforms.
- In-depth knowledge of networking protocols including TCP/IP, Electronic Message Protocol (EMP), AAR Messaging Standards, and enterprise network architecture.
- Strong experience administering Linux/Unix systems and developing automation using scripting languages such as Bash or Python.
- Knowledge of Positive Train Control (PTC) regulations, I-ETMS architecture, Meteorcomm ITCnet operations, or similar rail communications technologies is highly desirable.
- Previous experience within a Class I railroad, transit agency, or transportation infrastructure environment is considered an advantage.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to perform effectively in high-availability operational environments.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment sponsorship.
- Full-time, fully remote position available anywhere within the contiguous United States.
- Competitive annual base salary ranging from $107,000 to $145,000, based on experience, skills, and location.
- Annual performance bonus eligibility.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, and wellness benefits.
- Employer-funded life and disability insurance.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions.
- Industry-leading 401(k) retirement plan and Railroad Retirement benefits.
- Family-focused benefits including parental leave, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, pediatric support, and dependent care assistance.
- Generous paid time off and leave programs.
- Employee discounts on travel, fitness memberships, counseling services, and wellness resources.
- Business travel expenses fully covered for required work-related travel (up to approximately 20%).