Traction Power Engineer
At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including, Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water.
We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story.
If you share that vision, even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we’d still love to hear from you. We value potential and diverse perspectives as much as experience. Let’s explore how we can support your growth and help you take the next step in your career, while contributing to an exciting new chapter for Mott MacDonald in North America.
We are seeking a Traction Power Engineer to join our team in Austin, Texas, supporting a major, high-profile transit program that will transform mobility and connectivity across the city. Based within the client’s office, you will work in a fully integrated delivery environment on a complex, urban rail corridor program.
In this role, you will support the design and delivery of traction power systems across a large-scale light rail program. You will play a key role in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient electrification solutions, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate power systems within the broader rail and station environment.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver designs for traction power systems, including substations, overhead contact systems (OCS), and power distribution networks
Contribute to the development of Traction Power Substation (TPSS) designs, including layouts, equipment selection, and system configuration
Undertake power system analysis and modelling, including load flow, voltage drop, and system resilience assessments
Coordinate closely with track, civil, structural, and systems teams, ensuring integrated design solutions
Support coordination across key system interfaces, including signaling, communications, utilities, and station systems
Assist with utility coordination and power supply interfaces, working with local providers to define supply points and connections
Ensure designs meet safety, reliability, and operational requirements, as well as applicable codes and standards
Contribute to grounding and bonding design, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and system protection strategies
Support design reviews, constructability assessments, and value engineering activities
Assist in the preparation of technical specifications, reports, and design documentation
Support testing, commissioning, and handover activities for traction power systems
Collaborate within the client-embedded team, supporting coordination and decision-making in a fast-paced delivery environment
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a technically strong and collaborative engineer with experience in rail electrification:
7+ years of experience in traction power or rail electrification design within transit or infrastructure sectors
BSc / MSc in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
Professional Engineer (PE) license in Texas, or ability to obtain licensure within 6 months
Experience in traction power systems design, including TPSS, OCS, and associated power systems
Strong understanding of power system modelling and analysis, including load calculations and system performance
Familiarity with rail electrification standards and best practices (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, local/state requirements)
Experience working within multidisciplinary rail design environments, coordinating across systems and infrastructure interfaces
Understanding of grounding and bonding, protection systems, and safety requirements for electrified railways
Experience in client-facing or embedded delivery teams is preferred
Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills
Additional Information
Full-time Austin-based, embedded within the client team
Relocation support may be available for candidates looking to move to Austin
Opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation infrastructure program with long-term impact on how the city moves and grows
Benefits & Reward
At Mott MacDonald, our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing them with a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. We provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term/long-term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company paid life insurance.
Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.
Collaboration at Our Core
At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we’re together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet client, team, and personal commitments.
Equal opportunity is the law.
We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.