Principal Commissioning Manager - ETCS Level 2 Deployment

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

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  Lead the overall Test & Commissioning delivery strategy for an ETCS Level 2 program comprising multiple work packages and delivery teams.

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  Establish and maintain integrated testing and commissioning schedules aligned with program milestones and operational requirements.

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  Coordinate all work package T&C Managers to ensure consistent processes, standards, reporting, and delivery methodologies.

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  Manage interfaces between signalling, telecommunications, rolling stock, infrastructure, operations, and maintenance stakeholders.

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  Oversee planning and execution of factory testing, site testing, integration testing, dynamic testing, shadow operations, operational proving, and entry into service activities.

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  Ensure all commissioning activities comply with project requirements, railway standards, safety obligations, and regulatory requirements.

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  Chair T&C governance forums and provide executive reporting on commissioning readiness, risks, issues, and progress.

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  Drive commissioning readiness reviews and ensure all technical, operational, safety, and assurance requirements are satisfied prior to commissioning milestones.

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  Support possession planning and operational integration activities to minimise disruption to live railway operations.

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  Lead the development and implementation of program-wide lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Degree qualification in Engineering or a related discipline with eligibility for membership of Engineers Australia and RPEQ registration [Preferrable] or equivalent

• Minimum 15 years of railway systems delivery experience, including significant experience in testing and commissioning leadership roles.

• Demonstrated experience delivering ETCS Level 2, ETCS Level 1, CBTC, ATP, interlocking, or major rail signalling projects.

• Extensive experience working within brownfield rail environments and operational railway networks.

• Strong understanding of systems integration, safety assurance, RAMS, configuration control, and systems acceptance processes.

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing multiple contractors and delivery partners.

• Experience working within Alliance, Design & Construct, or major infrastructure delivery models.

• Excellent risk management, stakeholder engagement, commercial awareness, and leadership skills.

• Experience interacting with railway operators, maintainers, safety regulators, and independent assurance bodies.

• Demonstrated experience leading the testing and commissioning of large-scale railway signalling programs, preferably involving ETCS, CBTC, ATP, ATO, or other complex train control systems.

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent work packages and coordinate delivery across diverse technical disciplines and stakeholder groups.

• Strong understanding of systems engineering, configuration management, assurance processes, and railway integration principles.

• Experience developing and implementing integrated T&C strategies, commissioning frameworks, stage works, possession plans, and entry-into-service programs.

• Strong understanding of railway operational requirements, safety assurance, systems acceptance, and regulatory compliance obligations.

• Ability to develop high-quality commissioning documentation, including commissioning management plans, integrated testing strategies, test specifications, readiness reviews, and operational commissioning reports.

• Demonstrated leadership capability in managing geographically dispersed teams and contractors across large, complex delivery environments.

• Ability to identify and manage program-level risks associated with testing, commissioning, integration, and operational transition.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills with experience interfacing with clients, operators, maintainers, regulators, alliance partners, and executive leadership teams.

• Commitment to achieving safe, efficient, and right-first-time delivery outcomes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

At Hitachi Rail, we know that a diverse business is a sustainable business. Working collaboratively with a range of internal networks, we’re continuously improving our policies and products. From accessible, sustainable design to achieving a better gender balance. We base these efforts on our core values: Harmony, Sincerity, and Pioneering spirit. And by aligning with these, we’re able to create a workplace where people not only feel comfortable but are given opportunities to thrive. We’re especially keen to hear from women and people of all genders considering a career in engineering, cybersecurity, and rail technology.