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Signaling engineers design and implement systems to control and signal trains, requiring coordination and automation skills. They meet with customers to discuss plans and design systems that integrate with other areas and have room for growth. Failsafes are essential to protect trains, people, and cargo. Engineers may travel to inspect sites and participate in installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
A signaling engineer develops systems used to signal and control trains. Rail traffic control requires significant coordination between systems and rail companies to keep trains operating safely and smoothly. Many control utilities have some degree of automation, which requires complex engineering skill. Working in this field usually requires a degree in engineering or a related field, along with at least five years of experience in the rail industry. Some positions also require the ability to pass a background check because signaling engineers typically work in critical infrastructure.
New railway installations require the design and implementation of an appropriate signaling system. Companies can also request retrofits to existing systems to bring them up to date, in response to regulations or a desire to improve efficiency and performance. The signage engineer meets with customers to discuss plans and may prepare or request a case study to learn more about the specifics of the installation. It can be important to know what kind of traffic is likely to pass through and how much growth is projected over the next few years.
Engineers work on a system that meets the needs. This includes on-track equipment to send messages to trains, as well as networked computers to allow signal operators to track trains, control signals and issue alerts. All of these systems need to integrate seamlessly with those in other areas so that operators can successfully pass trains to operators in neighboring regions, much like air traffic control does with aircraft. The sign engineer needs to design a system with room for growth so the company can expand over time.
Failsafes are an essential part of the design phase. It is common to work with a team to identify potential issues that may arise in the system and work through resolutions and safety measures to protect trains, people and cargo. For example, automation can send a stop signal when the system misses a train track, to stop all track users until the missing train can be located. Likewise, the signaling engineer can design systems that will not allow operators to issue conflicting instructions or commands, such as a start order for two trains on the same track.
Travel to work may be required to allow engineers to inspect sites and participate in equipment installation. If there are any problems, the signaling engineer can be involved in troubleshooting and repair. In the event of an accident or other catastrophe, engineers can conduct an investigation to find out what happened in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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