Rail Systems Engineer (Requirements)

Joining Arup  

Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

We collaborate with public and private sector clients to unlock the transformative potential of railways. We offer a broad range of services spanning planning, design, delivery, systems integration, assurance, safety and security assessments, and optimization of railway operation and maintenance performance to unlock the financial value for investors, asset owners, operators and maintainers, while navigating the transition to low carbon and resilient rail. You would be joining our multidisciplinary team focusing on technical excellence and innovative solutions that shape a better future for people and the planet.

Given our growing business, Arup is looking for a Rail Systems Engineer to join our rail team in Seattle and support a portfolio of major rail and transit infrastructure programs across the United States and Canada. The Rail Systems Engineer will primarily contribute to the delivery of current rail and transit projects, supporting technical workstreams across design development and implementation.

This role will focus on requirements engineering, traceability, compliance, and systems integration activities within complex, multidisciplinary design and construction teams, including within a Prime Consultant environment. While there is a specific need for Requirements Management expertise, you will engage in a wide range of Rail Systems work as needed to support projects and multidisciplinary teams across Arup Americas Region. You will bring strong analytical capability and the confidence to interface directly with clients and stakeholders in technical workshops and formal review settings. Requirements management experience and familiarity with IBM DOORS Classic and/or DOORS Next (DNG) software is desirable. The position offers scope for developing existing skills and experience in a stimulating and challenging project environment, enhancing Arup’s overall systems engineering and rail capability.

The Opportunity

• Support systems engineering and integration activities for new and upgraded rail and transit systems, including system architecture development, requirements management, systems integration, EMC, and software coordination.
• Lead day-to-day requirements management as part of a co-located project team, with support and supervision from a senior Rail Systems Engineer.
• Maintain and continuously improve requirements database structure, workflows, and configuration control processes
• Develop, refine, and manage system, subsystem, interface, and verification requirements throughout all phases of the project lifecycle
• Ensure complete end-to-end traceability from contractual requirements through design and verification
• Work on other rail systems as needed.
• Support coordination between rail systems disciplines and multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, geotechnical, architectural, MEP, tunneling, ventilation, and fire/life safety.
• Assist Technical Project Managers and senior engineers with rail systems scopes, supporting technical delivery, interface management, and issue resolution.
• Support package‑level delivery of rail systems, including design coordination, procurement support, construction support activities, and quality assurance processes.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, and consultants to support meetings and technical discussions that align systems solutions with project objectives.
• Track design actions and decisions, supporting effective communication and information flow across project teams.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.  

You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve. 

Is this role right for you?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Civil, Mechanical, Electronic, Systems or similar) with 4+ years of experience supporting the delivery of complex rail and transit systems within a multidisciplinary project environment.
• Demonstrated experience in rail systems engineering and design coordination, including requirements development, standards application, systems integration, and assurance activities for large‑scale projects.
• Proficiency in IBM DOORS (Classic and/or DOORS Next Gen ), including module configuration, attribute management, traceability creation and validation, baselining, and structured reporting is a strong asset.
• Working knowledge of rail systems such as signaling systems (CBTC and conventional), rail operations, trackwork, and alignment; deeper specialization in one or more areas is an advantage.
• Understanding of system safety, RAMS, verification and validation processes, and relevant rail standards (e.g., CENELEC, AREMA, IEEE, EN), with experience applying these under senior guidance.
• Experience supporting design teams and technical workstreams, with exposure to client capital project drivers, procurement approaches, and design‑build delivery (including progressive design-build) considered a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Please note that all applicants must apply directly via the job portal. If this role is not quite what you are looking for, but you are interested in other opportunities for a future with purpose, please sign up to our Talent Community where you will be kept up to date with roles suitable for you to shape a better world.

What we offer you 

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. 

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.  

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.  

Benefits at Work - At Arup, we have a comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low. These benefits provide health and welfare security for you as well as paid time off for rest and renewal. As a member of Arup, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm’s financial performance). Our Global Profit Share Plan (paid bi-annually) provides an opportunity for you to share in the success of the Firm. As a valued employee of Arup, you can also choose to participate in our 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future 

Flexible Working - We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available 

Seattle Hiring Range – The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in Seattle is $100,000 to $110,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of Seattle will differ.  

Different People, Shared Values 

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.  

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.  

Our Application Process 

We will be reviewing our candidates for this position on a rolling basis. Once you have applied you will be evaluated and potentially moved on to the next round, at which point a member of the talent resourcing team will reach out to you directly. 

Arup is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of a protected veteran, or disability. 

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