Lead the development and implementation of the System Safety Assurance and Certification Framework to achieve regulatory approval and revenue service readiness for the California High-Speed Rail system. The role ensures full compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, CFR regulations, and Authority standards across design, construction, testing, and commissioning.
This position is based in Sacramento, CA and will require relocation for any candidates outside the local area. Key Responsibilities
1. Safety Governance & Assurance
- Establish and maintain the System Safety Management Program Plan (SSPP) aligned with FRA expectations
- Lead hazard identification, risk assessment (PHA, SHA), and mitigation tracking
- Ensure integration of safety across civil, systems, and operations
2. Certification Strategy & Delivery
- Develop and implement the Certification Management Plan aligned with the safety management system.
- Oversee production of Certificates, Declarations, and Compliance Evidence
3. Regulatory Interface (FRA / Federal Compliance)
- Act as the primary interface with the Federal Railroad Administration
- Manage submissions for safety certification, waivers, and approvals
- Ensure alignment with 49 CFR (Parts 236, 238, 270, etc.)
4. Integration with System Engineering
- Ensure certification is embedded in the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP)
- Manage requirements traceability design verification validation certification
- Coordinate across track, OCS, signaling, rolling stock, and operations
5. Testing, Verification & Validation (V&V)
- Define certification requirements within Testing & Commissioning Plans
- Ensure all safety-critical systems meet acceptance criteria prior to revenue service Data sensitivity - Public
- Oversee Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) activities
6. Interface & Program Integration
- Manage certification across multi-contractor interfaces (civil, rail systems, TSCC, etc.)
- Ensure consistency of safety and certification approach across all CP packages
7. Audit, Compliance & Readiness Lead technical audits, safety reviews, and compliance checks
- Support System Readiness Reviews and Go/No-Go decisions
- Provide certification input into Revenue Service Readiness (RSR)
Key Deliverables
- System Safety Program Plan (SSPP)
- Certification Management Plan (CMP)
- Hazard Log & Safety Case
- Verification & Validation Matrix (V&V)
- Certification Status Reports & Dashboards
- Safety Certification Package for FRA approval
Qualifications- 12-15+ years in rail safety, assurance, or certification (HSR preferred)
- Strong knowledge of FRA regulations (49 CFR) and U.S. compliance frameworks or international equivalent standards e.g CENLELLEC
- Experience on large-scale rail programs (>$1B) with multi-contract integration
- Background in systems engineering, testing & commissioning, or assurance
- Experience working with regulators and independent assessors
This job description may be adjusted as project needs evolve.
Additional InformationIn accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the expected compensation range for this role is $160,000 to $205,000 annually. Compensation offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education, certifications, geographic location, and other business and organizational needs.
