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Rail News

31st October 2024. Volume 10, Issue 5

2 days ago by Rail Personnel

​Dear Readers

We are pleased to be supporting AusRAIL 2024, taking place from 25-27 November at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Join over 3,000 rail professionals on the vibrant Gold Coast to share insights, advancements, and innovations in rail. AusRAIL’s comprehensive program will cover the big issues facing our industry, including promoting greater use of rail, addressing the skills gap, improving sustainability performance, creating an exceptional customer experience and much more.

Reasons to Attend

* Gain exclusive access to in-depth industry insights - With over 100 international and local keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and a record 13 concurrent sessions covering 20+ specialised topics, AusRAIL 2024 ensures there is something for everyone

* Connect with industry partners and leaders - Meet leaders and colleagues in the largest AusRAIL exhibition ever, and attend exclusive social events to broaden your sector networks, including the TRACKSAFE Charity Golf Day, the Women in Rail Breakfast, the Yellow Dinner and the inaugural Sunset Soirée

* Flexible registration rates for you and the team – There are a range of registration options available to help plan your AusRAIL experience. Book as an individual, or take advantage of group discounts and bring the team.

With three action-packed days, and over 3,000 rail industry professionals under one roof, this event is not to be missed.

For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://ausrail.com/

Our Jobs of the Week this week are in Australia where we are looking for a Commercial Operations Manager and Development Engineer to work in Sydney and a Senior Professional Electrical Engineer (location can be Sydney, Newcastle or Perth).

Best Regards

Rail Personnel ​

Rail News

30 October 2024. Australia. WA Gov awards funding for local rail manufacturing

The Western Australian Government is investing more than $340,000 in revitalising a local railcar manufacturing plant as part of efforts to boost the state’s railcar manufacturing industry. Western Australian Minister Assisting the State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister, Stephen Dawson, said the funding had been awarded to Gemco Rail through the government’s Local Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF).

Source: Infrastructure Magazine

29 October 2024. United States. Amtrak Awards Contract for Power System Upgrades

Amtrak has awarded the first of three contracts for its Zoo to Paoli Electrification Transmission Line Program, delivering power system upgrades along the Harrisburg Line. This multi-year project will upgrade the 18-mile section between the Zoo Substation in Philadelphia and the Paoli Substation in Chester County. The upgrades will ultimately improve service reliability for both Amtrak and SEPTA customers.

Source: Railway News

29 October 2024. Morocco. Moroccan high-speed line track component contracts awarded

The National railway ONCF has awarded Vossloh two contracts to supply track components for the construction of a 320 km/h high speed line between Casablanca and Marrakech. The 245 km project forms part of a 430 km extension of the existing 200 km Tanger – Kénitra high speed line to Marrakech. This is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

Source: Railway Gazette

29 October 2024. United States. California awards over $189m for LOSSAN corridor projects

The grant is part of a larger $1.3bn allocation from CalSTA's Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) has allocated over $189m to enhance the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor. This funding will support infrastructure upgrades and increase passenger and freight capacity along the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the US.

Source: Railway Technology

28 October 2024. United Kingdom. Telent has secured a prestigious contract to maintain fire safety assets across TfL rail network

Broadening its expansion into fire safety services, critical infrastructure specialist Telent is now responsible for the maintenance of fire safety assets across the London Underground and other Transport for London (TfL) rail sites. The contract, which runs for five years, involves the supply of fire maintenance services within stations, depots, and buildings across the Underground and Elizabeth Line, Overground and London Trams.

Source: Rail UK

24 October 2024. Taiwan. Gamuda JV receives $600m MRT design-build contract in Taiwan

The design-and-build project, expected to be completed within seven years, includes 5.78km of elevated viaducts and trackwork. Gamuda and its joint-venture partners have secured a RM4.3bn ($603.19m) contract for the Xizhi Donghu Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project in Taiwan. The contract, awarded by the Department of Rapid Transit Systems of New Taipei City Government, represents a significant milestone for the Malaysian infrastructure company, with a 75% stake in the joint venture, translating to a RM3.2bn ($448.88) share of the contract value.

Source: Railway Technology

Jobs of the Week

​Development Engineer, Sydney, Australia

Job ID#: 14949

Discipline: Mechanical

Language: English

Job Description:

Our client is a global railway infrastructure equipment and technology company and they are seeking a Development Engineer to be based in Sydney, Australia and be responsible for the design, development and testing of new and existing systems and components.

Key Areas of Activity and Responsibility

- Management of design and testing activities.

- Design, development and testing of products.

- Design checking and recommendations.

- Test selection, including site tests.

- Analysis and reporting of test results.

- Provide assistance as an additional resource for the Quality management systems.

- Conduct internal audits to the annual audit plan in a timely manner and assist the system owners in closing out issues identified during these audits. Assist the quality team in improving the effectiveness of the internal audit process.

- Special projects as required.

Job Requirements

1. Relevant experience in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).

2. Formal qualification or relevant experience in mechanical engineering or mechatronic engineering

3. Experience in materials and product testing.

4. Ability to confidently use computer packages (Word, Excel).

5. Desirable relevant experience in metallurgy and metal analysis

Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)

Commercial Operations Manager (Asia Pacific) Sydney, Australia

Job ID#: 14950

Discipline: Commercial

Language: English

Job Description:

Our client is a global railway infrastructure equipment and technology company and they are looking for a Commercial Operations Manager - Asia Pacific to, in conjunction with the MD, Asia Pacific, be resposnible for overall commercial sales and commercial operations of the company's operations in Asia Pacific Region as defined by the Management team regional boundaries.

Key Areas of Activity and Responsibility

Leadership & Team Development:

- Lead, coach, and mentor a high-performing commercial operations team.

- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.

- Promote cross-functional collaboration between sales, logistics, finance, and customer service teams.

Sales Strategy & Management:

- Develop and implement effective sales strategies to drive business growth.

- Lead and manage the sales team, setting clear goals, performance targets, and KPIs.

- Collaborate with marketing and product teams to align sales strategies with market trends and customer needs.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders.

- Develop a network of Lobbyists, Technical Consultants & Engineers throughout Asia Pacific Rail Network, including follow up, coordination, evaluation, commercial and technical support.

- Benchmark of the competing products and systems and coordinate with Group Technical Managers

Logistics & Supply Chain:

- Oversee the end-to-end supply chain operations, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of products/services.

- Optimize logistics processes to reduce costs while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

- Collaborate with procurement and warehouse teams to manage inventory levels and streamline operations.

Contracts & Negotiations:

- Lead contract negotiations with key suppliers, customers, and partners, ensuring favorable terms.

- Ensure compliance with legal requirements and contractual obligations.

- Review and manage all commercial agreements, ensuring alignment with business objectives and risk mitigation.

Job Requirements

- University degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or Commerce from a recognised tertiary institution

- Post graduate qualification in Management from a recognised tertiary institution.

- Proven experience and success over a number of years in a similar role.

- Proven people management skills with demonstrated ability to lead a team at all levels of management and employees.

- Excellent skills in strategic planning implementation and execution of business plans to ensure the continued success of the company in the Asia Pacific region.

- Proven track record in successful business growth and ensuring concession planning.

- Ability and track record in achieving all Stakeholder expectations

Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)

Senior Professional Electrical Engineer, Sydney, Australia

Job ID#: 14956

Discipline: Electrical

Language: English

Job Description:

Our client is an engineering consultancy and they are looking for a Senior Professional Electrical Engineer.

This position can be based in Sydney, Newcastle or Perth.

As a senior professional electrical engineer, and a senior member of the team, you will conduct technical reporting and analysis tasks, on-site testing and commissioning activities along with project management and client interfacing. Your engineering and project experience will be key to assist the client to deliver the following as part of collaborative team against relevant Australian and International standards:

- Earthing system design, analysis and compliance assessments.

- Lightning protection system design, analysis and compliance assessments.

- Low frequency interference studies.

- Protection grading studies and HV power system load flow investigations and analysis.

- Knowledge of Australian standards relating to high voltage and electrical installations.

- Prepare and review quality deliverables consistent with client expectations

- Manage projects and work packages to achieve quality, budgetary and programme expectations

- Assist the management team with business development and maintaining client relationships

- Assist and mentor less experienced team members

Job Requirements

- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree (or higher)

- Holds Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency

- Current drivers licence

- Minimum five to ten two years (post graduation) experience within high voltage design and commissioning fields

Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)