Project Testing & Commissioning Manager

Introduction

The GO Transit Train Control System (GTCS) project is a train control system which will integrate the control of Metrolinxs Rail Signalling Systems in the GO Transit Rail Network under one central control centre. The backbone of the GTCS project involves implementation of a primary ICONIS system at a specific site. As part of the commissioning of this project the testing and integration of communication lines for each rail line is to be performed within a specific sequence.

Job Overview

The projects Test & Commissioning (T&C) Manager is responsible for managing and successfully completing all signaling system commissioning activities directing the testing team and fully supporting the on-site execution. These activities often occur during non-revenue hours and as required to meet project milestones. The T&C Manager will also represent Alstom as the projects Tester in Charge ensuring the system is fully validated verified and integrated according to Alstoms processes and customer requirements. As Tester in Charge the engineer will be responsible for all testing and commissioning activities and shall be responsible for placing the Signaling Control System or any part thereof into service through final commissioning while interfacing with the customers Tester in Charge or representatives to achieve final customer acceptance.

The Projects T&C Manager role is safety-critical and essential for validating the signaling system per project and customer requirements. The T&C Manager will work with the Validation & Commissioning Manager T&C Department Head and various key stakeholders to define and allocate testing scope for various project stages. The T&C Manager manages the team structure for each project stage and may mentor junior testers as required. He/She will liaise with internal staff and client representatives at project meetings.

Reporting to the Testing & Commissioning Department Head the T&C Manager supervises the site Test and Commissioning team to ensure activities are executed according to approved strategies procedures and customer requirements while adhering to Alstoms EHS policies and the customers safety regulations. Responsibilities include directing sub-contractors daily engagement with the Project Manager Testers and planning team for synchronization of testing activities and resolving critical issues. The T&C Manager will also interact with other Alstom product lines Subsystem Engineering Leads Safety V&V Engineering Quality PrEM and Subject Matter Experts to support site activities and resolve technical issues.

Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface as Tester in Charge for the customer regarding commissioning activities
• Evaluates and validates the scope of testing to support commissioning requirements and site activities as required.
• Specify and design overall tests: test architecture (test plan) test design (test cases)
• Maintain detailed forecasts of testing timescales and resource requirements to deliver the allocated project stages.
• Maintain and take responsibility for budgets within tendered costs and programme timescales through the duration of site testing and commissioning.
• Deploys T&C processes in the field and ensures it is applied by the T&C teamandInteracts with Engineering Safety and V&V Sub-System leaders for optimizing site testing.
• Ensures that execution of activities in this brownfield project are executed in a safe manner and without impacting revenue operations.
• Defines together with the planningand project teams thetesting strategy and commissioning activitiesto ensure alignment with the Project Road Map.
• Reviews signs and approves field test procedures results and reports as .
• Identifies and communicates gaps/risks in overall testing strategy to Project Team and/or Customer as required
• Oversees T&C procedures and method statements preparation/approval in coordination with T&C V&V and other teams
• Ensures that railway safety/EHS restrictions and all applicable regulations are enforced and respected for tests to be carried out
• Manages & Oversees the capture of test configuration on-site.
• Supportsthe submittal and acceptance of all T&C supporting documentation and other teams (i.e. V&V Safety etc.)
• Supports the team and applies expertise to troubleshoot T&C technical issues.
• Captures anomalies detected on test bench or on site follows-up and interfaces with engineering team towards their resolution (CRs)and leads the validation of Change Requestsin the field.
• Reports to senior management through summary reports and KPIs the progress of activities on a weekly basis and completes the required customer reporting activities.
• Leads and/or attends technical meetings with the customer to represent T&C and protect Alstom interests
• Alerts or escalates to PM and superiors of any risk or issues identified prior or during the testing activities and captures them in the Risk Management Tools
• Pro-actively assists managing internal interfaces with project engineering installation and external technical interfaces with Partners Third Parties and Customers for T&C activities.
• Perform customer acceptance tests and participate to site tests
• Issues the Return on Experience on T&C activities and proposes update/improvement to the T&C processes/tools and Reference Library

Desired Skills Knowledge & Experience

Behavioral and Technical Skills/Competencies:

• Very good listener with strong communication skills at all management and customer levels
• Strong leadership methodical approach organizational skills sense of urgency and priority management
• Persuasive and team motivator able to facilitate resolution of issues in a diplomatic manner
• Strong ownership and accountability of activities assigned until completion and acceptance
• Proactive in order to promptly solve technical issues and anticipate all technical difficulties
• Rigorous to perform T&C activities in an organized manner and good quality
• Good relationship and reporting skills to management and customer
• Strong attention to detail time management and organization
• Safety and Team oriented with strong initiative and professional demeanor
• Ability to be self-motivated to learn from technical resources and documentation
• Punctual reliable responsible and eager to mentor junior team members
• Performs responsibilities with minimal direction/supervision
• Adheres to the use of PPE as defined by the Project EHS plan Alstom rules and customer Safety requirements
  

Previous Experience & Technical Skills:

• At least 15years of experience in Commissioning Railway Signaling systems in large scale projects
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role for system validation or testing (V&V T&C or Site Integration)
• Strong knowledge and experience in leading teams for the testing and commissioning of Railway Signaling systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting in the field in a brownfield environment.
• Good understanding of system development process.
• Knowledge of Alstom Products considered an asset
• Working knowledge of Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) considered a strong asset
• Must hold a P. Eng. designation in Ontario (or application already in progress).

• Education: As a minimum a Bachelors Degree in Engineering/Technology (electrical/computer/electronics communications)
• Travel Requirements: Ability to travel occasionally within Canada or to the USA
• Language skills: Fully Fluent in English (written and oral)
• Organizational Reporting:
  • Direct reporting:T&C Department Head
  • Indirect reporting: Project Manager and Project Director.