Test and Commissioning Engineer - Onboard System

Who We Are

At Alstom, we design, build, and sustain mobility solutions that move people. From high-speed trains and metros to turnkey systems, signaling, infrastructure, and digital mobility, our end‑to‑end offerings span the full transport ecosystem. Every day, over 80,000 colleagues across 63 countries lead the way toward greener, smarter mobility—connecting cities, reducing carbon emissions, and replacing cars.

Join us in Pittsburgh, PA, as a Test & Commissioning (T&C) Engineer, and help deliver next‑generation onboard systems that drive the future of rail.

Purpose of the Role

As a Test & Commissioning Engineer – Onboard Systems, you will be accountable for planning, executing, and supervising the testing and commissioning of onboard systems on rail vehicles (and related transportation platforms). You will ensure that systems meet operational, safety, and performance standards before handover to operations, in full compliance with project, regulatory, and Alstom quality requirements.

You will:

• Lead validation and integration testing of signaling, control, communications, and onboard subsystems
• Troubleshoot system integration issues and coordinate with design / development teams to resolve root causes
• Oversee commissioning phases, ensuring correct configuration and performance under real‑world scenarios
• Document results, track nonconformities (NCRs), propose corrective actions, and capture lessons learned (REX)
• Enforce safety, environmental, and quality standards at all times
  
  

Key Accountabilities Governance & Standards

• Deploy and maintain T&C processes and methods aligned with Alstom standards and project requirements
• Ensure consistency, traceability, and compliance of test documentation and execution
  
  

Test Execution

• Execute functional, integration, and system-level tests of onboard systems according to approved test plans
• Record, analyze, and interpret test results; identify deviations or anomalies and drive resolution
• Deploy diagnostic tools and testing equipment (e.g. multimeters, protocol analyzers, software diagnostics)
• Validate compliance of signaling and control systems against specifications, contractual obligations, and relevant standards
• Commit to achievement of project milestones and deadlines
• Collaborate with engineering teams to address design or integration faults
  
  

System Commissioning

• Plan and coordinate commissioning with engineering, operations, and maintenance stakeholders
• Validate system performance under positive, negative, and operational stress scenarios
• Confirm that installation and configuration are correct and stable
  
  

Communication & Reporting

• Provide daily/weekly progress and KPI reports to project leadership
• Log NCRs and defects, detailing context and test conditions
• Report design issues via appropriate tools, ensuring clear descriptions and traceability
• Capture lessons learned (REX) and propose improvements to T&C processes, tools, and the T&C reference library
  
  

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Ensure all T&C work is compliant with safety, regulatory, and EHS standards (Zero Deviation)
• Participate in design and safety reviews, ensuring appropriate input into T&C strategies
• Validate that commissioning executes per Alstom documentation and project processes
  
  

Collaboration & Team Development

• Liaise with cross‑functional teams: system engineers, project managers, client representatives, maintenance teams
• Support continuous improvement of test tools, methods, and team competency
• Mentor and develop junior T&C engineers
  
  

Education, Experience & Competencies

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunications, Systems Engineering or equivalent experience
• Minimum ~4 years of hands‑on experience in testing & commissioning in rail or transportation systems
• Strong knowledge of railway signaling, onboard systems (ATC, TCMS, communication protocols), control systems, and rolling stock components
• Proficient with electrical / diagnostic tools (multimeters, oscilloscopes, software diagnostic tools)
• Experience troubleshooting hardware/software issues and integrating subsystems
• Willingness to travel (short‑ or long‑term missions across locations or countries)
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays when needed
• Rigor, attention to detail, and ability to operate within strict quality processes
• Strong analytical thinking and root‑cause analysis capabilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to interact with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments and adapting to shifting priorities
• Proactive in identifying technical challenges and driving solutions
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure
• Understanding of client needs and ensuring customer satisfaction during commissioning
• Quick uptake on new technologies and tools
• Valid driver’s license
  
  

Why Join Alstom?

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast—though you’ll likely become one. When you ride on one of our trains with friends or family, you’ll take pride in knowing you helped bring it to life. If you’re passionate about innovation, integrity, teamwork, and pushing boundaries in mobility—come join us.

Inclusion & Equal Opportunity

Alstom is a global, equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity across our 63 operating countries and are committed to building an inclusive workplace for all.