Senior Engineering Technician – Signals & Communications

The Senior Engineering Technician, Signals & Communications (S&C) is a specialist technical role responsible for advanced maintenance, diagnostics, fault analysis, and performance optimization of signaling and communications systems across the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (ECLRT) corridor. The incumbent’s deep technical knowledge of CBTC architecture and OEM signaling systems is central to the effectiveness of this role.

This role operates in a 24/7 safety-critical environment and demands a blend of rigorous electronic engineering knowledge, rail industry experience, and the professional discipline required to work on systems where failure has direct safety consequences.

• Lead the technical diagnosis and resolution of complex or recurring faults in ECLRT signaling and communications systems, including the Alstom CITYFLO 650 CBTC platform, interlockings, train detection systems, wayside equipment, and associated OT infrastructure.
• Perform advanced electrical, electronic, and software-level testing and analysis of S&C systems; interpret diagnostic outputs, event logs, and system data to identify failure modes and determine root cause.
• Execute scheduled preventative maintenance, inspections, and testing of all S&C systems and equipment in accordance with CTSM maintenance procedures, OEM specifications, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Apply in-depth working knowledge of the Alstom CITYFLO 650 CBTC system — including Zone Controllers (ZC), Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Operation (ATO), Wayside Interface Units (WIU), and associated communications architecture — to support maintenance, fault resolution, and system performance activities.
• Draw on familiarity with signaling systems and platforms from other major OEMs (Alstom, Hitachi, Siemens) to support cross-system analysis, benchmarking, and knowledge transfer within the S&C team.
• Interface with (Alstom) technical support and field service teams as required for escalated fault resolution, software updates, or system modifications; represent CTSM’s maintenance interests in technical discussions with OEM representatives.
• Support the evaluation, testing, and acceptance of software updates, firmware changes, or hardware modifications to CBTC and associated S&C systems, in coordination with the S&C Manager and relevant engineering stakeholders.
• Monitor CBTC system performance data and diagnostics outputs on an ongoing basis; identify trends, anomalies, or leading indicators of system degradation and communicate findings proactively to the S&C Manager.
• Lead or support formal root cause analysis (RCA) for significant S&C failures, service-affecting incidents, and recurring defects; prepare clear written technical reports with findings and recommend corrective or preventative actions.
• Analyze signal failure patterns and maintenance history data to identify systemic issues and recommend improvements to maintenance procedures, inspection intervals, or equipment configurations.
• Support the S&C Manager in the development and revision of maintenance procedures, technical instructions, and safe work documentation informed by field experience and OEM guidance.
• Contribute technical input to the continuous improvement of CMMS work order content, preventative maintenance task lists, and S&C documentation standards.
• Provide on-the-job technical coaching, guidance, and knowledge transfer to junior S&C Engineering Technicians, supporting their development in CBTC system operation, fault diagnosis, and safe work practices.
• Assist the S&C Manager in identifying training needs and development priorities for the S&C technical team.
• Support testing and commissioning activities for new, modified, or relocated S&C infrastructure, including CBTC wayside equipment, communications systems, and interlocking modifications.
• Work collaboratively alongside other CTSM maintenance groups — including OCS/TPSS, Track, and Building Services & Systems Technology (BSST) — to coordinate maintenance and commissioning activities.
• Maintain ongoing communication with TTC or Metrolinx representatives to report progress, coordinate access, and manage operational impacts of S&C…