Subject Matter Expert - Service Planner

DB E.C.O. North America

$124K — $156K *
Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Transportation, Business Administration, or related field (M.Sc. preferred).
  • 10+ years in railway operations planning, timetable development, or service design.
  • Expertise in railway scheduling, capacity planning, and infrastructure coordination.
  • Proficient in rail service planning software such as Viriato or similar.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative mindset.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience using MS-Office tools for analysis and quantitative modeling.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and refine rail service concepts and operational plans with a focus on North American systems.
  • Lead design and evaluation of operational timetables and capacity analyses.
  • Collaborate with partners including railroad operators and planning agencies for service integration.
  • Mentor consultants and analysts to enhance technical skills in service planning.
  • Support client workshops and presentations explaining complex operational concepts.
  • Utilize international expertise and tools to adapt methodologies for North America.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical insurance options.
  • Dental and vision coverage.
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program for support services.
  • Tax-free commuter benefits for transit and parking.
  • Paid parental leave provisions.
  • Competitive vacation and holiday time off.
Full Job Description
Department: Consulting, Operations Domain

Location: Chicago, New York City, or Washington, D.C. (Hybrid)

Tasks & Responsibilities:
  • Develop and optimize passenger rail service concepts, operating plans, and detailed timetables, with a focus on North American intercity, commuter and regional rail systems.
  • Lead the design and evaluation of theoretical and operational timetables, including capacity and head-way analysis, rolling stock utilization, and infrastructure interface considerations.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners-including railroad operators, infrastructure owners, and planning agencies-to ensure integrated and feasible service plans.
  • Mentor and review the work of consultants and analysts supporting service planning projects to foster technical development.
  • Support workshops and presentations to communicate complex operational concepts to clients and stakeholders.
  • Leverage DB's international expertise and tools, coordinating with colleagues in Germany to transfer knowledge and adapt methodologies for North American applications.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Transportation, Business Administration or similar (M.Sc.).
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in railway operations planning, timetable development, or service design.
  • Deep understanding of railway scheduling methodologies, capacity planning, and coordination between infrastructure managers and train operators.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with rail service planning tools, such as Viriato or similar timetable development or dynamic simulation software.
  • Outstanding analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills and an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset; ability to work independently; aptitude to quickly grasp new concepts and effectively produce results.
  • Passion for tackling complex challenges in mobility and railway transportation sector.
  • Strong written and verbal presentation and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with strong interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in using MS-Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) for performing analyses and developing quantitative models.
  • Occasional domestic / international travel may be required.

Working Conditions and Travel:

You may work from a well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. Occasional overnight travel by land and air.

Physical Requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation:
  • Ability to work at a computer workstation for periods up to 4 hours at a time
  • Ability to speak on the telephone for a total of up to 3 hours per day
  • Ability to sit for up to 3 hours without breaks at meetings
  • Ability to walk and stand for up to 4 hours without breaks at program site visits and meetings

We offer an annual gross salary between $124,000 and $156,000 + bonus(USD) for full-time employment, depending on professional qualifications and experience.

Quick overview of our U.S. Health & Wellness Benefits:
  • Medical Insurance: Multiple options - Low to High Deductible plans
  • Dental & Vision
  • Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life & AD&D Insurance, Short-term, and Long-term Disability: Company-paid
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their household members
  • Commuter Benefits: Use tax-free money to pay for eligible transit and parking expenses (Train, subway, bus, ferry, parking).
  • Parental Paid Leave
  • Supplemental Coverage: Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans with wellness benefits.
  • Retirement Savings (401k): Pre-tax or Roth contributions with company match
  • Vacation & Holidays: Competitive time off plus 11 paid company holidays

Quick overview of our Canada Health & Wellness Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive, company-paid benefits program for employees and their eligible dependents. This includes Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Dependent Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, extended Health and Dental coverage, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

In addition, the Company supports your long-term financial well-being by subsidizing a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) of your choice with a contribution equal to 5% of your basic salary.

We also provide competitive vacation time along with 11 paid company holidays, so you have the time you need to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.

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