Project Testing & Commissioning Manager

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Introduction

The GO Transit Train Control System (GTCS) project is a train control system which will integrate the control of Metrolinx’s Rail Signalling Systems in the GO Transit Rail Network under one central control centre. The backbone of the GTCS project involves implementation of a primary ICONIS system at a specific site. As part of the commissioning of this project, the testing and integration of communication lines for each rail line is to be performed within a specific sequence.

Job Overview

The project's Test & Commissioning (T&C) Manager is responsible for managing and successfully completing all signaling system commissioning activities, directing the testing team, and fully supporting the on-site execution. These activities often occur during non-revenue hours and as required to meet project milestones. The T&C Manager will also represent Alstom as the project's Tester in Charge, ensuring the system is fully validated, verified, and integrated according to Alstom's processes and customer requirements. As Tester in Charge, the engineer will be responsible for all testing and commissioning activities and shall be responsible for placing the Signaling Control System or any part thereof, into service through final commissioning while interfacing with the customer's Tester in Charge or representatives to achieve final customer acceptance.

The Project's T&C Manager role is safety-critical and essential for validating the signaling system per project and customer requirements. The T&C Manager will work with the Validation & Commissioning Manager, T&C Department Head, and various key stakeholders to define and allocate testing scope for various project stages. The T&C Manager manages the team structure for each project stage and may mentor junior testers as required. He/She will liaise with internal staff and client representatives at project meetings.

Reporting to the Testing & Commissioning Department Head, the T&C Manager supervises the site Test and Commissioning team to ensure activities are executed according to approved strategies, procedures, and customer requirements while adhering to Alstom's EHS policies and the customer's safety regulations. Responsibilities include directing sub-contractors, daily engagement with the Project Manager, Testers, and planning team for synchronization of testing activities, and resolving critical issues. The T&C Manager will also interact with other Alstom product lines, Subsystem Engineering Leads, Safety, V&V, Engineering, Quality, PrEM, and Subject Matter Experts to support site activities and resolve technical issues.

Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface as Tester in Charge for the customer regarding commissioning activities
• Evaluates and validates the scope of testing to support commissioning requirements and site activities as required.
• Specify and design overall tests: test architecture (test plan), test design (test cases)
• Maintain detailed forecasts of testing timescales and resource requirements to deliver the allocated project stages.
• Maintain and take responsibility for budgets within tendered costs and programme timescales through the duration of site testing and commissioning.
• Deploys T&C processes in the field and ensures it is applied by the T&C team and Interacts with Engineering, Safety and V&V Sub-System leaders for optimizing site testing.
• Ensures that execution of activities in this brownfield project are executed in a safe manner and without impacting revenue operations.
• Defines together with the planning and project teams the testing strategy and commissioning activities to ensure alignment with the Project Road Map.
• Reviews, signs, and approves field test procedures, results, and reports as P.Eng.
• Identifies and communicates gaps/risks in overall testing strategy to Project Team and/or Customer as required
• Oversees T&C procedures and method statements preparation/approval in coordination with T&C, V&V and other teams
• Ensures that railway safety/EHS restrictions and all applicable regulations are enforced and respected for tests to be carried out
• Manages & Oversees the capture of test configuration on-site.
• Supports the submittal and acceptance of all T&C supporting documentation and other teams (i.e. V&V, Safety, etc.)
• Supports the team and applies expertise to troubleshoot T&C technical issues.
• Captures anomalies detected on test bench or on site, follows-up and interfaces with engineering team towards their resolution (CRs) and leads the validation of Change Requests in the field.
• Reports to senior management through summary reports and KPIs the progress of activities on a weekly basis, and completes the required customer reporting activities.
• Leads and/or attends technical meetings with the customer to represent T&C and protect Alstom interests
• Alerts or escalates to PM and superiors of any risk or issues identified prior or during the testing activities and captures them in the Risk Management Tools
• Pro-actively assists managing internal interfaces with project engineering, installation and external technical interfaces with Partners, Third Parties and Customers for T&C activities.
• Perform customer acceptance tests and participate to site tests
• Issues the Return on Experience on T&C activities, and proposes update/improvement to the T&C processes/tools and Reference Library

Desired Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Behavioral and Technical Skills/Competencies:

• Very good listener with strong communication skills at all management and customer levels
• Strong leadership, methodical approach, organizational skills, sense of urgency, and priority management
• Persuasive and team motivator, able to facilitate resolution of issues in a diplomatic manner
• Strong ownership and accountability of activities assigned until completion and acceptance
• Proactive in order to promptly solve technical issues and anticipate all technical difficulties
• Rigorous to perform T&C activities in an organized manner and good quality
• Good relationship and reporting skills to management and customer
• Strong attention to detail, time management and organization
• Safety and Team oriented with strong initiative and professional demeanor
• Ability to be self-motivated to learn from technical resources and documentation
• Punctual, reliable, responsible, and eager to mentor junior team members
• Performs responsibilities with minimal direction/supervision
• Adheres to the use of PPE as defined by the Project EHS plan, Alstom rules, and customer Safety requirements

Previous Experience & Technical Skills:

• At least 15 years of experience in Commissioning Railway Signaling systems in large scale projects
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role for system validation or testing (V&V, T&C or Site Integration)
• Strong knowledge and experience in leading teams for the testing and commissioning of Railway Signaling systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting in the field in a brownfield environment.
• Good understanding of system development process.
• Knowledge of Alstom Products considered an asset
• Working knowledge of Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) considered a strong asset
• Must hold a P. Eng. designation in Ontario (or application already in progress).

• Education: As a minimum a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Technology (electrical/computer/electronics, communications)
• Travel Requirements: Ability to travel occasionally within Canada or to the USA
• Language skills: Fully Fluent in English (written and oral)
• Organizational Reporting:
  • Direct reporting: T&C Department Head
  • Indirect reporting: Project Manager and Project Director.
  
  

Alstom is the leading company in the mobility sector, solving the most interesting challenges for tomorrow’s mobility. That’s why we value inquisitive and innovative people who are passionate about working together to reinvent mobility, making it smarter and more sustainable. Day after day, we are building an agile, inclusive and responsible culture, where a diverse group of people are offered opportunities to learn, grow and advance in their careers, with options across functions and geographic locations. Are you ready to join a truly international community of great people on a challenging journey with a tangible impact and purpose?

Equal opportunity statement:
Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local law.

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