Rail and Transit Mechanical Engineering Lead

Rail and Transit Mechanical Engineering Lead

Arcadis is seeking a highly experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to lead the planning, design, and delivery of mechanical systems for major rail, transit, and heavy freight infrastructure projects in Western Canada.

Role focuses on essential mechanical systems—drainage, sump pumps, tunnel ventilation, and fire protection (standpipe and sprinkler systems)—across environments including subway tunnels, elevated guideways, stations, train yards, and freight corridors. The successful candidate will guide interdisciplinary coordination and provide technical leadership through all phases of project development, from concept design to commissioning. Focus areas include high-capacity transit networks in Vancouver (TransLink : SkyTrain), Calgary (City of Calgary and Calgary Transit : Green, Blue and Red Lines LRT), and Edmonton (City of Edmonton and ETS : Capital Line, Metro Line and Valley Line), as well as freight rail (CP, CN), National Rail (Via and Amtrak), and high-speed rail (HSR).

Role accountabilities

Establish and maintain strong client relationships and grow Arcadis' portfolio. Lead bids from conception through RFQ and RFP to successful completion, working with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies to meet and exceed project requirements. Lead mechanical design for drainage and dewatering systems, including sizing sump pits, pump stations, and stormwater controls; design trackside and yard drainage systems for heavy freight and intermodal facilities; ensure compliance with Class I rail and CN / CP standards; integrate drainage with civil and structural works for constructability, resilience, and maintainability.

Design and deliver NFPA-compliant standpipe and sprinkler systems for underground stations and tunnels, passenger and freight facilities, intermodal terminals, and control centers. Perform hydraulic calculations and develop layouts and specifications per NFPA 13, 14, 130 and local codes. Lead the design of normal and emergency tunnel ventilation systems for subways and LRT, including jet fans, axial fans, smoke extraction systems, and ventilation shafts; manage interface for emergency egress and conduct CFD coordination and egress analysis.

Lead HVAC and mechanical ventilation design for freight maintenance shops, fueling facilities, and logistics hubs, considering occupational safety, hazardous exhaust, and climate control. Develop mechanical requirements, system schematics, and interface documents; coordinate with civil, electrical, fire life safety, signaling, and architecture. Provide technical leadership through preliminary and detailed design, construction phase services, FAT / SAT, commissioning, and turnover.

Project types include urban LRT and subway systems (underground and elevated), commuter, regional, and intercity rail, as well as heavy freight rail corridors, yards, terminals, and shops. Design ventilation and emergency systems for tunnels and shafts, train operations centers, and O&M facilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Alberta and / or British Columbia or eligible
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical systems design for rail, transit, or freight infrastructure

Salary range for this position is $128,000 - $178,000. The base salary represents Arcadis’ hiring range for this position and actual salaries vary based on location, skills, and experience.

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

Arcadis is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. We are committed to non-discrimination in employment on any basis prohibited by law.

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