Dear Readers
The South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA) will be hosting the 2024 Heavy Haul Conference on 26-29 August 2024 at Emperors Palace Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Theme of the Conference is: Positioning Heavy Haul for Success. This conference will provide a platform for the industry players to discuss our logistics challenges, solutions and opportunities, and pave pathway towards the achievement of a globally competitive Heavy Haul system. The scope of the conference will cover the Heavy Haul logistics value chain, from train loading at the mines, rail hauling to vessel loading at the ports (pit to port system).
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://sahhaconf.co.za/
And it's a bumper week for Job of the Week this week!
In Australia, we are looking for a Systems Engineer, Martime to work in Sydney and in Perth, we are looking for Communications Systems Technicians. Please note that for both roles, our clients will not consider overseas candidates.
In Indonesia, we are looking for a Business Development Manager (must be Indonesian and have rail experience) to work in Jakarta and in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, we are looking for a Head of Asset Management.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
2 July 2024. United States. Amtrak Awards Construction Contract for New Connecticut River Bridge
Amtrak has awarded a contract to a joint venture formed of O&G/Tutor Perini to construct the new Connecticut River Bridge on the Northeast Corridor (NEC). This project will replace the existing 116-year-old bridge to enhance reliability and reduce delays for Amtrak’s intercity services, the Connecticut Shore Line East commuter service, and freight operators. The contract award follows Amtrak’s success in gaining permit approvals from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Source: Railway-News
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has appointed a joint venture of Systra and Typsa to design the track and overhead electrification for the initial section of the line. The contract has an initial value of up to $131·2m. It covers the production of high-level designs for the 275 km Merced to Bakersfield route, including detailed designs for the 190 km section which is currently under construction. The contractor will then collaborate with the future construction manager and general contractor.
Source: Railway Gazette
2 July 2024. Germany. Knorr-Bremse to supply systems for Alstom EMU fleet
Alstom has commissioned Knorr-Bremse to equip 42 high-performance electric multiple units (EMUs) with state-of-the-art braking, entrance and sanitary systems. The fleet of EMUs is based on the Coradia Max platform, with the four-car units destined for regional rail services in Schleswig Holstein, in northern Germany. Knorr-Bremse will start to supply system solutions for the project in early 2025, with deliveries running until late 2027.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has cleared environmental assessments for another section of its project, a 494-mile high-speed line between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The authority’s board approved the penultimate section of phase 1 of the project, a 38-mile segment between Palmdale and Burbank, after reviewing its environmental impact report and impact statement. The Authority has been appointed as the “lead agency” for the project, under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Source: Railway Technology
1 July 2024. Brazil. Alstom Unveils Design of São Paulo Metro Line 6-Orange Trains
Alstom and Linha Universidade (LinhaUni) have revealed the design for the São Paulo Metro’s Line 6-Orange trains. These trains are characterised by distinctive orange accents and are equipped with modern features that aim to enhance the passenger experience and optimise energy efficiency. For example, lightweight materials will enable the trains to consume less electricity, while the layout prioritises passenger flow and accessibility. Large windows and doors will also offer clear views for passengers.
Source: Railway-News
1 July 2024. Australia. Consortium awarded $7B tram operation contract
Transdev and John Holland have formed a consortium to run Melbourne’s tram network for the next nine years, securing a $6.8 billion contract for the works. Victorian Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, confirmed the contract award to operate the world’s largest tram network, which manages 500 trams, 1,600 tram stops, 24 routes and more than 250km of double track. Commencing on 1 December 2024, Transdev and John Holland will operate under the Yarra Trams brand and progressively deliver improvements to services and customer experience.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
28 June 2024. Brazil. Belo Horizonte operator orders CRRC metro trains
Belo Horizonte metro operating concessionaire Metrô BH announced the purchase of 24 four-car metro trainsets from CRRC on June 10. The vehicles are to feature Automatic Train Operation equipment, passenger information screens and large windows. The final fit-out of the trains is still being undertaken by CRRC and is yet to get final approval from Metrô BH. According to the concessionaire, CRRC has already started production of the trainsets. The first is expected to arrive in Brazil in early 2026 and the trains are to enter service starting from the first half of that year.
Source: Metro Report International
28 June 2024. Africa. Thelo Group to develop intermodal corridors in Africa with DB
Logistics solutions company Thelo Group has ended its joint venture with Deutsche Bahn’s DB Engineering and Consulting (DB E&C) to form an ‘exclusive strategic partnership’ with the German company supporting its delivery of integrated multi-freight transport corridors through Africa. The African company has run the Thelo DB joint venture alongside the DB subsidiary since 2019 but will now move to run its own operations with DB E&C acting as its technical partner.
Source: Railway Technology
Jobs of the Week
Business Development Manager, Jakarta, Indonesia
Job ID#: 14842
Discipline: Permanent Way
Language: Indonesian, Malay, English
Job Description:
Our client is a leading manufacturer of rail fastenings and an industry leader in aluminothermic welding. They design, develop and manufacture a variety of equipment to make constructing and maintaining railways more efficient and they are looking for a Business Development Manager to support their activities in Indonesia and possibly Malaysia. This role is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and will report to the Managing Director.
Main Purpose of Job:
* Define the business strategy of the company brand in the Indonesian market and deploy it with the support of the team.
* Market and promote the sale of the company products through proactive regular contact with Customers, Agents, Consultants, Suppliers, and other stakeholders such as Government officials and Contractors to secure sales orders.
* Develop new and existing markets through regular visits and formulation and implementation of marketing plans and Customer Relationship Management to generate sales.
* Profitable operation of the company in accordance with Group Policies, Strategic Plans and annual Operating Plan and Budgets.
Key Areas of Activity & Responsibility:
* Define and deploy the business sales strategy and objectives in conjunction with MD Indonesia
* Set the priority action levels by market and define the performance indicators (budgets, priority markets, etc.)
* Define marketing strategy in collaboration with MD Indonesia
* Analyze performance to guide actual forecasts by reference to market knowledge and defined strategy
* Define the forecast budget (sales & operations), monitor, and revise and implement corrective actions as required.
* Collect and analyse information on the performance of competitors and markets.
* With the assistance of the existing operational staff, coordinate and ensure all import and export activities of the company are handled in an efficient and timely manner and in accordance with the requirements of the Company and Indonesian statutory requirements.
Job Requirements
* Engineering, Manufacturing or Commerce bachelor's degree from a recognised tertiary institution.
* Preferably to have Postgraduate a degree from a recognised tertiary institution.
* 5-10 years' experience proven experience and success in a similar role in rail.
* Must be fluent in Indonesian.
* Proven people management skills.
* Demonstrated ability to lead a team at all levels of management and employees.
* Good written and spoken English language skills.
* Excellent skills in strategic planning implementation and execution of business plans to ensure the continued success of the company.
* Must have a proven track record in successful business growth and ensuring concession planning.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Head of Asset Management, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 14882
Discipline: Asset Management
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Head of Asset Management to work in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The role of Head of Asset Management Section is to strategically oversee and optimize the lifecycle management of company assets, aligning them with the organization's long-term goals and operational efficiency.
This position entails developing comprehensive asset strategies, ensuring financial and regulatory compliance, and leading a team towards achieving sustainable asset performance and growth.
Accountability Areas:
* Asset Register Management
* Asset Transfers and Handback Management
* Asset Management Strategy and Planning
* Financial Oversight and Asset Investment Planning
* Condition and Performance Analysis and Reporting
* Risk Management and Compliance
* Stakeholder and Relationship Management
* Innovation and Continuous Improvement
* Team Leadership and Development
* Collaborative Support and Guidance
Job Requirements
* Degree in science, technology, engineering, or any degree combined with relevant experience.
* Substantial experience in the management of assets for rail clients.
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)
Systems Engineer - Maritime, Sydney, Australia
Job ID#: 14911
Discipline: Telecommunications
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Systems Engineer - Maritime to provide technical engineering expertise in the development, implementation and support of Control Centre communications and information systems for our Maritime customers.
This role is based in Sydney, Australia and not open to overseas candidates.
Main Tasks
* Implementing maritime solutions in the control centres of customers, starting with the undertaking requirements analysis and engineering design.
* Advising customers on technical issues and clarify the feasibility of their requirements together with the internal technical team.
* Supporting the design of the system architecture and optimising the system from a cost-benefit perspective. This will include being the interface to our internal experts (e.g., software and product development or the internal support departments).
* Creation of technical documentation of systems and their interfaces as well as acceptance of internal and external deliverables for assigned work packages.
* System installation, deployment, configuration, integration and formal test and acceptance activities with customers, the project team, and other key stakeholders. These activities may be within the factory and/or on site at the customer's location to achieve System Acceptance with the Customer.
* Performing defect investigation including analysis of incidents and supporting the product development team in resolution and closure of defects as well as and providing feedback on new product versions.
* Provision of 2nd and 3rd level support for the customer and potential be available to support 24/7 on-call service.
* Maintain customer contact in relation to technical matters of the company's solutions.
* Travel to client sites within Australia and to the Head Office in Vienna for training
The above lists are not exhaustive, and the role may evolve to meet the overall objectives of the company.
Job Requirements
Qualifications
* A University qualification to the level of an Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Software, Information Technology, or related discipline.
* Technical education for software solutions, communication solutions, traceability processes and test engineering applicable to the role.
Experience and Skills
* 5+ years of project and/or support experience in Voice Communication Systems with particular focus on safety critical communications.
* Hands-on experience with specification, system installation, integration, and testing and verification.
* Solid network and IT infrastructure knowledge and are familiar with several of the following technologies and tools:
- Windows Server, Linux Server (Redhat, Ubuntu),
- Active Directory, Virtualisation (VMWare),
- Ansible, Cisco network components,
- Docker, Wireshark,
- Powershell, bash scripting,
- GIT, SIP/RTP, HTTP,
- databases (SQL, postgreSQL)
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)
Communications Systems Technician, Perth, Australia
Job ID#: 14898
Discipline: Telecommunications
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking 8x Communications Systems Technicians to work in Perth, Western Australia.
The Communications Systems Technician will be responsible for maintaining (by carrying out routine procedures and fault rectification procedures) an effective and efficient level of operating performance on the various Communications Systems and associated equipment on the client's network and the integration with train control systems, field signalling and telecommunications systems.
Core duties and responsibilities Management
* Supervises contractors engaged in communications systems maintenance activities.
Technical
* Maintains (by carrying out routine maintenance procedures and fault rectification procedures) an effective and efficient level of operating performance on the various Communications Systems namely:
- UHF Base station, Mobile and Portable Radio equipment
- High Density Microwave Radio Link System
- Transmission Network Management System
- Complex interconnected Radio Systems and Control equipment
- Data communications/transmission systems including multiplexers and modems
- Public Address equipment
- Power Supplies
- PLC, SCADA and telemetry systems
- Earthing & Lightning protection systems
- CCTV Systems
- Alarm systems
- DAVS (Driver Assistance Video System) Cameras, Splitters, Transmitters etc.
- Analogue & Digital Recording equipment
- Perimeter & Intruder/Tamper Security systems
- Video Multiplexing & Control systems
- Public Information Systems and Displays, and
- Telephony systems.
* Participates in the "On Call' Roster to provide out of hours support for all Communications Systems.
* Ensures relevant standards and procedures are applied to maintenance works.
* Carries out minor commissioning of new equipment, systems and technology.
* Coordinates and liaises with client or contract technical personnel to assist in the rectification of faults as required.
* Investigates and reports on irregularities, faults and actions taken at the system, equipment or board level.
* Monitors system and equipment performance.
* Investigates and analyses equipment failures and reliability.
* Investigates, reports and repairs irregularities, faults and actions taken at the system, equipment or board level.
* Prepares and maintains system documentation, procedures and reports etc and ensures all drawings are kept up to date.
* Maintains records of levels and location of relevant equipment/systems spares.
Job Requirements
1. Core Competencies
* ACMA Open Cabler Registration with endorsements in fibre optic, structured and coaxial cabling.
* Relevant trade status or equivalent and possession of, or progress towards, a relevant trade qualification and/ or demonstrated experience in the below listed communication systems.
* Considerable experience and demonstrated ability in the maintenance and fault findings of Communications Systems equipment including some or all of the following:
- UHF Base station, Mobile and Portable Radio equipment
- High Density Microwave Radio Link System
- Data communications/transmission systems including multiplexers and modems
- Public Address equipment
- DC Power Systems
- Telephony Systems
- PLC, SCADA and telemetry systems
- Earthing & Lightning protection systems Power Supplies
- Copper Cable communication systems
- Optic Fibre and associated equipment
- Commercial or Industrial CCTV Systems
- Analogue & Digital Recording equipment
- Video Multiplexing & Control systems, and
- Perimeter & Intruder/Tamper Security systems.
2. Communication and Interpersonal
* Well-developed written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
* Demonstrated ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans and the use of appropriate test equipment.
3. Special Requirements
* Satisfactory completion of required medical examinations to verify physical fitness to perform the duties of the position.
* Provision of a current National Police Clearance certificate, dated 3 months or less from the date of application for the position.
* Possession of a current Western Australian "C' Class Driver's licence or equivalent.
* Ability to work at moderate heights as well as in confined spaces.
* Ability to participate in call-out roster if required and work unsociable hours on occasion at short notice.
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)