Traction Power Engineer

ABOUT CARA ENGINEERING CARA Engineering, P.C. is a New York-based, woman-owned engineering firm that supports rail and transit owners, design partners, and construction teams. Our traction power work includes AC and DC system design, substations and circuit breaker houses, third-rail and overhead distribution, grounding and bonding, field investigations, construction support, testing, and commissioning. Position Overview CARA Engineering is seeking an early-career electrical engineer to support the design and delivery of traction power work for rail and transit projects in the New York metropolitan area. Under the direction of senior engineers, this position contributes to AC and DC system design, calculations, drawings, technical documentation, field investigations, and construction-phase services. The role offers direct exposure to both office design and operating railroad environments, with increasing technical responsibility as the engineer develops project experience and demonstrates sound engineering judgment. Key Responsibilities Traction power design Support the design and rehabilitation of AC and DC traction power systems, including traction power substations, circuit breaker houses, utility and medium-voltage interfaces, transformers, rectifiers, AC and DC switchgear, feeder breakers, disconnect switches, traction feeders, third-rail or overhead distribution, surge protection, grounding and bonding, and auxiliary power systems. Drawings and design packages Prepare and revise one-line diagrams, elementary and wiring diagrams, schematics, equipment layouts, site and floor plans, sections, cable and conduit routing, duct-bank layouts, grounding details, and lighting and heating plans using company and client CAD standards. Calculations and studies Assist with equipment and cable sizing, voltage-drop calculations, load-flow and short-circuit studies, grounding calculations, lighting calculations, quantity takeoffs, and related technical analyses under senior review. Technical documentation Develop and update specifications, design reports, project requirements documents, work plans, site-condition memoranda, cost estimates, progress reports, comment responses, drawing lists, and supporting calculations. Field investigations Participate in substation and wayside walkdowns, soil-resistivity testing, field verification, photo documentation, and collection of dimensions and existing-condition information in active rail and construction environments. Coordination and quality control Coordinate with traction power, civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, track, signals, communications, utilities, construction, and CAD/BIM teams. Incorporate redlines and review comments and support CARA Engineering's QA/QC process. Construction support Assist with submittal and shop-drawing reviews, requests for information, field questions, record drawings, test documentation, installation support, commissioning, and cutover activities as assigned. Project delivery and document control Maintain organized project records in ProjectWise, SharePoint, Bluebeam, and other client systems. Complete assigned work within established scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements and communicate status or risks promptly. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited program. Zero to three years of relevant engineering experience. Qualifying internships, co-op assignments, research, or rail and transit project experience may be considered. Foundational knowledge of electrical circuits, AC and DC power systems, three-phase power, transformers, switchgear, protection, grounding, and power distribution. Ability to read and develop electrical plans, one-line diagrams, schematics, details, calculations, and technical specifications under supervision. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, with clear written and verbal communication skills and strong attention to technical detail. Ability to manage multiple assignments, follow established procedures, and work collaboratively with office, field, and multidisciplinary project teams. Ability to travel locally, complete required agency safety training, use personal protective equipment, and work occasional nights or weekends when site access requires it. Preferred Qualifications Passed Fundamentals of Engineering examination or Engineer in Training certification. Internship or project experience involving traction power, substations, electrical distribution, rail systems, construction, or field investigations. Experience with MicroStation, AutoCAD, OpenBuildings Designer, ProjectWise, Bluebeam Revu, or comparable design and document-management tools. Exposure to ETAP, SKM PowerTools, EasyPower, or other power-system analysis software. Familiarity with NFPA 70, NFPA 130, IEEE and AREMA guidance, and standards used by MTA Construction & Development, New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, or Metro-North Railroad. Work Environment and Schedule Work is performed in an office setting and at operating rail facilities, substations, circuit breaker houses, wayside locations, tunnels, yards, shops, and construction sites. Field assignments may involve uneven surfaces, stairs or ladders, restricted spaces when authorized, extended standing, and work near energized or operating infrastructure under approved safety procedures. CARA Engineering will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as required by applicable law. Pay: From $85,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Relocation assistance Work Location: In person