Principal Designer - Signals

GFT is seeking a Principal Designer, Signals to join our Transit & Rail Systems team. Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. Specializing in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transit networks.

Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting communities through state-of-the-art public transportation infrastructure. Explore some of our signature public transit projects here.

If you are looking for new and challenging ways to expand your range of experience in an exciting field of engineering practice, consider joining our world class team. The Senior Rail Signal Engineer will produce preliminary and final designs for a wide variety of clients and signal system technologies. Our client base includes commuter rail (heavy rail) mass transit (subway, elevated and other fixed urban guideway systems) and light rail.

We also provide services to signal equipment suppliers for large signal projects.

• Generate preliminary or final design signal drawings, technical specifications, technical reports, construction cost estimates, project schedules and cutover plans.
• Manage assigned project work including scope, schedule, and budget and provide timely, quality milestone reporting.
• Help generate technical content for customer proposals when required.
• Ensure that designs adhere to necessary federal, state, and local standards and laws, understanding of AREMA, FRA and CENELEC standards.
• Coordinate and guide CADD technicians to produce CADD drawings.
• Follow QA/QC policies and practices and identify possible quality and safety issues within the scope of the project.
• Review and seal design drawings, if licensed.
• Develop signal circuit designs.
• Mentor junior staff.
• Design of signal systems with the following technologies: CTC, cab signaling, fixed block, ATC, ATP, PTC, CBTC, micro‑processor‑based systems, highway crossing design, vital and non‑vital circuit design in ABS territory, and Interlockings.

• Technical degree or equivalent years of signal design experience will also be considered.
• 15+ years of related experience performing the tasks described above.
• Experience with signal equipment manufacturers, consultants, and railroads.
• Experience in leading rail teams.
• Experienced with the development of vital and non‑vital application programs, including compilation, debugging, and simulation for systems including Hitachi Microlok®, Alstom VPI, Alstom VHLC, Electro
  
  LogIXS, EC5 and similar platforms preferred.

The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $195,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Location:

PAC

Core Business

Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status:
Full‑Time