Associate Director - OCS Expert
Location: Sacramento, USA
Contract Types: Long Term Assignment
Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Salary: $160,000 - $185,000
Hours: Full time
Associate Director - OCS Expert
About Us
Network Rail Consulting (NRC) is the international consultancy arm of Network Rail, the owner and operator of Britain’s mainline rail system. We have been active in the North American, Australian and Middle East markets since 2013 and have successfully delivered more than 150 consultancy contracts for government, public and privately owned organisations.
Through our consulting services in the United States (US), we are assisting both public agencies and private clients in the transportation sector to accelerate transformation efforts, make step changes in major programme delivery, and achieve significant improvements in areas such as railway electrification, major projects, railway operations, strategic planning and advisory services.
Our work is driven forward by our values: agile, always safe, care about people, collaborative, impartial and passionate.
About the Role
Building on our continued success, we are looking for an experienced professional to join our team as an Associate Director - OCS Expert, based in Sacramento, California. We offer flexibility and hybrid working.
In this role, you will provide specialist technical leadership and expertise across Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) and rail electrification programmes. Working as part of integrated project teams, you will support clients through all phases of project delivery, from concept development and design through construction, testing and commissioning.
You will act as a recognised subject matter expert, providing technical assurance, strategic advice and leadership on complex rail infrastructure projects. Practical experience in OCS design, standards, implementation and system integration is essential. You will also be a strong communicator, capable of building trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
What will you be doing?
Key Accountabilities
- Work as part of an integrated project team to deliver rail electrification and transit systems that meet client requirements.
- Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in OCS design, implementation and assurance.
- Interpret business requirements and develop technical solutions in compliance with applicable standards, regulations and industry best practice.
- Provide advice and guidance on developments within the rail electrification industry to ensure projects benefit from emerging technologies and innovative solutions.
- Support system integration and manage interfaces between OCS and other railway disciplines.
- Provide expert technical support throughout the design, construction, testing and commissioning lifecycle.
- Lead technical reviews and independent assurance activities for OCS design deliverables.
- Contribute to the development of project requests for proposal (RFPs), bid submissions and contractor evaluations.
- Monitor project delivery and contractual commitments to ensure compliance with specifications, standards and project objectives.
- Support the development and mentoring of engineers and technical specialists within the business.
About You
Job Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Chartered Engineer (or eligible to become Chartered).
- Significant experience in OCS/OLE design, engineering and implementation.
- Strong understanding of rail electrification standards, design principles and industry best practice.
- Experience delivering projects through design, construction and commissioning phases.
- Strong railway systems background with an understanding of interfaces across a railway environment.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams.
- Experience undertaking technical assurance, design reviews and risk assessments.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards and regulatory requirements.
Desirable
- Experience working on high-speed rail, metro, light rail or major transit programmes.
- International project experience.
- Experience supporting business development, bids and work winning activities.
- Previous people leadership and team development experience.
- Fellow or Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution.
For the right person, this role presents a fantastic opportunity to develop their career, joining an established and passionate team with ambitious plans for growth.
International Assignment
This position is offered as an initial two-year international assignment based in the United States.
We understand that relocating internationally is a significant decision. Network Rail Consulting has extensive experience supporting employees on overseas assignments and will provide assistance throughout the mobilisation process, including visa and immigration support, relocation arrangements and onboarding assistance.
Our team will work closely with you to help ensure a smooth transition, allowing you to focus on delivering value to our clients from day one.
We Offer Benefits Such As:
- Competitive compensation packages
- A performance-related pay incentive scheme
- Healthcare insurance premiums (100% paid for by us)
- Generous vacation leave entitlement
- 401K with employer matching contributions
- Access to Employee Discount Programme via LifeMart
NRC supports flexible working practices, and we understand that work-life balance is an important part of our employees’ lives. We offer a wide range of flexible work-life balance options such as hybrid (home/office) working and flexible working hours where appropriate.
Apply
Network Rail Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or veteran status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
About Us
Network Rail Consulting (NRC) is the international consultancy arm of Network Rail, the owner and operator of Britain’s mainline rail system. We have been active in the North American, Australian and Middle East markets since 2013 and have successfully delivered more than 150 consultancy contracts for government, public and privately owned organisations.
Through our consulting services in the United States (US), we are assisting both public agencies and private clients in the transportation sector to accelerate transformation efforts, make step changes in major programme delivery, and achieve significant improvements in areas such as railway electrification, major projects, railway operations, strategic planning and advisory services.
Our work is driven forward by our values: agile, always safe, care about people, collaborative, impartial and passionate.
About the Role
Building on our continued success, we are looking for an experienced professional to join our team as an Associate Director - OCS Expert, based in Sacramento, California. We offer flexibility and hybrid working.
In this role, you will provide specialist technical leadership and expertise across Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) and rail electrification programmes. Working as part of integrated project teams, you will support clients through all phases of project delivery, from concept development and design through construction, testing and commissioning.
You will act as a recognised subject matter expert, providing technical assurance, strategic advice and leadership on complex rail infrastructure projects. Practical experience in OCS design, standards, implementation and system integration is essential. You will also be a strong communicator, capable of building trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
What will you be doing?
Key Accountabilities
- Work as part of an integrated project team to deliver rail electrification and transit systems that meet client requirements.
- Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in OCS design, implementation and assurance.
- Interpret business requirements and develop technical solutions in compliance with applicable standards, regulations and industry best practice.
- Provide advice and guidance on developments within the rail electrification industry to ensure projects benefit from emerging technologies and innovative solutions.
- Support system integration and manage interfaces between OCS and other railway disciplines.
- Provide expert technical support throughout the design, construction, testing and commissioning lifecycle.
- Lead technical reviews and independent assurance activities for OCS design deliverables.
- Contribute to the development of project requests for proposal (RFPs), bid submissions and contractor evaluations.
- Monitor project delivery and contractual commitments to ensure compliance with specifications, standards and project objectives.
- Support the development and mentoring of engineers and technical specialists within the business.
About You
Job Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Chartered Engineer (or eligible to become Chartered).
- Significant experience in OCS/OLE design, engineering and implementation.
- Strong understanding of rail electrification standards, design principles and industry best practice.
- Experience delivering projects through design, construction and commissioning phases.
- Strong railway systems background with an understanding of interfaces across a railway environment.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams.
- Experience undertaking technical assurance, design reviews and risk assessments.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards and regulatory requirements.
Desirable
- Experience working on high-speed rail, metro, light rail or major transit programmes.
- International project experience.
- Experience supporting business development, bids and work winning activities.
- Previous people leadership and team development experience.
- Fellow or Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution.
For the right person, this role presents a fantastic opportunity to develop their career, joining an established and passionate team with ambitious plans for growth.
International Assignment
This position is offered as an initial two-year international assignment based in the United States.
We understand that relocating internationally is a significant decision. Network Rail Consulting has extensive experience supporting employees on overseas assignments and will provide assistance throughout the mobilisation process, including visa and immigration support, relocation arrangements and onboarding assistance.
Our team will work closely with you to help ensure a smooth transition, allowing you to focus on delivering value to our clients from day one.
We Offer Benefits Such As:
- Competitive compensation packages
- A performance-related pay incentive scheme
- Healthcare insurance premiums (100% paid for by us)
- Generous vacation leave entitlement
- 401K with employer matching contributions
- Access to Employee Discount Programme via LifeMart
NRC supports flexible working practices, and we understand that work-life balance is an important part of our employees’ lives. We offer a wide range of flexible work-life balance options such as hybrid (home/office) working and flexible working hours where appropriate.
Apply
Network Rail Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or veteran status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
