Director of Systems & Rolling Stock

About the role

Parsons is seeking a Director of Systems & Rolling Stock to lead the technical vision and engineering delivery of a fully automated (GoA4) driverless rail system in Saudi Arabia. The role will operate client‑side within a dynamic, developer‑led environment, bridging master planning and core rail system implementation.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the ultimate technical authority for all railway subsystems, including GoA4 signaling (CBTC), rolling stock, power supply/traction, telecommunications, SCADA and depot equipment.
• Lead interface architecture, ensuring civil, structural and architectural integration of rail infrastructure with master‑planned developer sectors.
• Oversee international engineering consultants, PMOs and specialized operators, holding partners accountable to deliverables, quality and timelines.
• Establish and execute technical review gateways, safety assurance (RAMS) protocols and configuration control boards in line with international standards and local regulations.
• Identify technical risks early, run value‑engineering studies and implement mitigation strategies to optimise capital expenditure.
• Coordinate with real‑estate development teams to align rail alignment, station footprints and utility corridors with mixed‑use projects.
• Apply a commercial mindset to balance delivery schedules, construction phasing and rail boundaries within the broader master plan.
• Resolve complex technical conflicts and ensure seamless stakeholder integration.

Required profile

• Proven senior engineering leadership experience in driverless or high‑automation rail projects (GoA4 preferred).
• Extensive experience managing large‑scale international consulting teams and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of international railway standards, safety assurance (RAMS) and local Saudi regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessment, value engineering and cost optimisation.
• Excellent commercial acumen and ability to work within a developer‑led environment.

Required skills

• CBTC (GoA4) signaling systems
• Rolling stock engineering
• Power supply/traction systems
• Telecommunications and SCADA
• Safety assurance (RAMS) processes
• Configuration control and systems engineering
• Interface architecture for rail‑infrastructure integration
• Risk management and value engineering