Dear Readers
We are pleased to announce we have three new starters with Rail Personnel.
Gilles Goepfert has joined as a Director based in Dubai to help us develop our business in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Gilles brings with him 30 years of international experience in business development and administration, project management and Public Private Partnerships structuring gained across in the metro and rail industry in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Central America and Africa.
Gilles can be reached at gillesg@railpersonnel.com.
Richard Fostier has joined as Director of our Malaysia practice and he will be responsible for business development and recruitment in Malaysia. Richard is an International senior business leader with over 25 years of experience in MNC and SME companies in Europe, Middle East, North-Africa, South-East Asia and Pacific.
Richard can be reached at richardf@railpersonnel.com.
Roy Pontoh has joined as Country Representative in Indonesia responsible for business development and recruitment in Indonesia. Roy has more than 20 years of experience bringing a dynamic blend of leadership, strategic business development, project planning, tender bidding, contracting and project delivery of high profile projects such as Airport Terminals, Railway Systems, and Intelligent Transport Systems.
Roy can be reached at royp@railpersonnel.com.
And we are pleased to be supporting Middle East Rail 2025 which takes place from 24th to 25th June 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Middle East Rail is the region's leading event for rail innovation, technology & strategy. The conference involves a two-day programme that will host over 250 speakers from across the region and beyond. The exhibition is a free-to-attend multi-brand exhibition hosting multiple country pavilions and over 250 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions from the region.
For more information and to register to attend, please visit: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/middle-east-rail/index.stm
This week is an exciting one for Job of the Week! We are looking for several positions in Malaysia, including a Risk and Commercial Manager and Senior Rolling Stock Design Engineer. Additionally, in Taiwan, we have openings for a Rolling Stock Engineer and a Document Controller (candidates must be fluent in both English and Chinese).
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
4 June 2025. International. Spanish and Japanese operators collaborate on high-speed rail
Central Japan Railway and Spanish national operator RENFE’s International Projects business have signed technical, operational and strategic collaboration agreements to strengthen their international presences. The memorandum of co-operation establishes a common working framework for regular exchanges of information and personnel in areas including R&D, the operation and maintenance of high speed and conventional lines, and the exploration of joint opportunities to participate in high-value international initiatives.
Source: Railway Gazette
3 June 2025. Turkey. Turkey calls tenders for construction of Siirt railway
Infrastructure manager TCDD has called tenders for the construction of a 34 km extension of the Yolçatı – Diyarbakır – Batman – Kurtalan railway to Siirt. There would be stations serving Siirt airport and university and in the city centre. The planned 160 km/h alignment would include six bored tunnels totalling 15·6 km, 12 service and emergency tunnels totalling 11·7 km, two cut and cover tunnels totalling 1·5 km and two viaducts totalling 600 m. Bids are due by June 17, with completion planned within 1 800 days of the contract signing.
Source: Railway Gazette
3 June 2025. Thailand. Bangkok fare collection system contracts awarded
Hitachi Rail has signed four contracts to supply new and upgraded ticketing systems for three metro lines in Bangkok. CH Karnchang has appointed Hitachi to supply a complete fare collection system for the 28 stations on the future Orange Line, the first section of which is scheduled to open in 2028. Bangkok Expressway & Metro has awarded Hitachi a contract to upgrade the existing fare collection system at 53 stations on the Blue and Purple lines to provide more payment options, including open-loop EMV payment and QR code ticketing.
Source: Railway Gazette
The modernization of the rail line between Hamburg and Berlin is picking up speed, and Hitachi Rail is on board. In the general overhaul of the Hamburg–Berlin rail line project, Hitachi Rail, on behalf of DB InfraGO AG, is responsible for the comprehensive renewal of the control-command and signalling (CCS) between Paulinenaue and Schwanheide. The project makes a major contribution to the renewal and modernisation of one of Germany’s most frequented direct connections between cities.
Source: Rail UK
2 June 2025. Canada. Ground Breaks on Ontario Line’s Queen Station
The Government of Ontario and Metrolinx have commenced excavation work at the future Queen Station on the Ontario Line, which will help improve travel across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The new station will be built beneath the existing TTC Queen Station, 40 metres below ground level. The excavation phase involves the removal of more than 100,000 cubic metres of soil and rock. Once completed, the new station is expected to become the busiest stop.
Source: Railway News
2 June 2025. Brazil. Alstom to Modernise Signalling Systems in São Paulo
Alstom has signed a contract with ViaMobilidade, the operator of São Paulo’s 8-Diamond and 9-Emerald lines, and the Government of São Paulo for the modernisation of signalling systems on both lines. The contract, which is valued at 1 billion R, includes the implementation of the first European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 within Latin America. Suely Sola, Managing Director of Alstom Brazil, and Head of Signalling and Infrastructure for Latin America, said: This is a significant milestone.
Source: Railway News
2 June 2025. London. First HS2 Platform Takes Shape at Old Oak Common
HS2 has seen the installation of its first dedicated platform in an underground box at the new Old Oak Common station. The platform, which is one of six set to be installed at the to-be-superhub in West London in anticipation of HS2’s arrival, has been built in advance of an additional eight surface-level platforms for the Great Western Mainline, the Elizabeth line, and Heathrow Express services. Each platform will serve HS2’s fleet of 400-metre-long trains and will be installed concurrently. Construction began from either end of the station box.
Source: Railway News
2 June 2025. China. Knorr-Bremse secures rail contracts in China
The total order volume for these contracts is estimated to be in the €50m, covering around 150 trains over several years. Germany-based Knorr-Bremse has signed rail contracts with China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) to supply braking systems for metro projects in several cities. Knorr-Bremse will provide complete braking systems to 1,000 metro railcars across at least five cities. These systems include electropneumatic brake control systems, bogie equipment, and actuators for metro fleets in Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Ningbo.
Source: Railway Technology
Jobs of the Week
Risk and Commercial Manager, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Job ID#: 15100
Discipline: Risk management
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is looking for a Risk and Commercial Manager to work on the RTS Project in Johor Bahru where they are managing all systems work.
The Risk and Commercial Manager is responsible for overseeing the risk management and commercial activities within the project on behalf of Jacobs team. This role involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to the project, working with the WPCs, as well as managing commercial aspects of delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in risk management, commercial operations, and strategic planning.
Key Responsibilities
Risk Management
- Risk Identification and Assessment: Identify potential risks that could impact the organization, including financial, operational, strategic, and compliance risks. Conduct thorough risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood and impact of these risks.
- Risk Mitigation Strategies: Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of identified risks. This includes creating contingency plans and recommending risk transfer mechanisms such as insurance.
- Risk Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously monitor risk exposure and report on risk status to senior management. Ensure that risk management processes are integrated into the organization's strategic planning and decision-making.
- Reporting: Provide monthly reports on top risks and their mitigation / progress.
Commercial Management
- Variations and scope changes: Working alongside the engineering team and project director review and advise on commercial aspects of project changes. Support the project director in all commercial negotiations.
- Financial Analysis and Reporting: Conduct financial analysis to support commercial decision-making. Prepare and present reports on commercial performance, including revenue, costs, and profitability.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement commercial strategies that support the organization's growth and profitability. Identify new business opportunities and market trends.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of risk and commercial professionals. Provide guidance and support to ensure the team achieves its objectives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including finance, operations, legal, and compliance, to ensure a cohesive approach to risk and commercial management.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal and external stakeholders to communicate risk and commercial strategies. Build strong relationships to support the organization's objectives.
Working Conditions
Location: Johor
Travel: Occasional travel may be required.
Work Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours. Some flexibility may be required based on project needs.
Job Requirements
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field. A Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CRM, CFA) is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in risk management and commercial operations, preferably in a managerial role.
Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Proficiency in financial analysis and reporting.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans.
- Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Leadership: Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate and develop a team.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and manage uncertainty.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Senior Rolling Stock Design Engineer, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Job ID#: 14964
Discipline: Rolling Stock
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client in Malaysia is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Locomotive Senior Design Engineer to lead the design and development of locomotive systems, including propulsion, braking, and control systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical and electrical engineering with a focus on locomotive systems. This role is crucial for the design and development of cutting-edge locomotive technologies, ensuring performance, efficiency, and safety standards are met.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and development of locomotive systems, including propulsion, braking, and control systems.
- Create detailed engineering drawings and specifications using CAD software.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate systems and components.
- Manage engineering projects from concept to implementation.
- Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
- Coordinate with suppliers and contractors for component design and procurement.
- Provide expert advice on mechanical and electrical locomotive design.
- Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and regulations.
- Conduct technical analyses and simulations to optimize design performance
- Develop and oversee testing protocols to ensure design integrity and compliance with safety standards.
- Analyze test data and make necessary adjustments to designs and processes.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance and support for their professional development.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative engineering culture within the team.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in locomotive design or a related engineering field.
- Proficiency in CAD software and engineering tools.
- Strong knowledge of locomotive systems and industry standards.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Proven project management experience.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Rolling Stock Engineer, Taipei, Taiwan
Job ID#: 15109
Discipline: Rolling Stock
Language: Taiwanese, English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Rolling Stock Engineer to be based in Taipei and assist with their activities on the Taichung Metro Project.
Candidates must be proficient in both spoken and written English and Chinese.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Oversee and coordinate all general tasks related to RST project execution.
- Develop and manage the overall project schedule including design, interface, manufacturing, delivery, site testing, and commissioning.
- Facilitate effective communication and build strong working relationships with internal teams, consortium members, and external stakeholders, including the client , sub-systems, civil contractor.
- Coordinate with clients (Maintain good customer relations and ensure all customer feedback is recorded in the meeting).
- Serve as a communication bridge between the company's engineers/managers in Korea and the local team to ensure smooth project coordination.
- Collaborate closely with all related subsystem teams (e.g., signaling, communication, power, PSD, track,
civil) to ensure interface and schedule alignment.
- Monitor and manage activities conducted by OPM team, including configuration management, risk control, verification & validation (V&V), system assurance, quality assurance, safety compliance, and BIM.
- Prepare and distribute accurate and timely meeting minutes (including Consortium meetings and client meetings) to all relevant stakeholders.
- Manage regular report (ex. monthly report, weekly report, daily report etc)
Job Requirements
- Candidates MUST be proficiency in both spoken and written English and Chinese
- Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Previous hands-on experience in RST or railway system projects is highly preferred.
- Holders of relevant certifications will be given preference:
- TOEIC certificate (preferential treatment)
- QA/QC certificate (preferential treatment)
- Safety certificate (preferential treatment)
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities with a high level of attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and the ability to work independently under tight deadlines
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Document Controller, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Job ID#: 15111
Discipline: Administration
Position Type: Contract
Language: Mandarin, English
Job Description:
Our client is urgently seeking a Document Controller to assist with their activities in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Document Controller responsibilities include typing contracts, archiving files and ensuring all team members have access to necessary documentation. To be successful in this role, you should have previous experience reviewing technical documents along with the ability to spot errors. Ultimately, you'll support our procedures maintaining transparent, up-to-date and easily traceable documents.
Responsibilities
- Copy, scan and store documents
- Check for accuracy and edit files, like contracts
- Review and update technical documents (e.g. manuals and workflows)
- Distribute project-related copies to internal teams
- File documents in physical and digital records
- Create templates for future use
- Retrieve files as requested by employees and clients
- Manage the flow of documentation within the organization
- Maintain confidentiality around sensitive information and terms of agreement
- Prepare ad-hoc reports on projects as needed
Job Requirements
- Proven work experience as a Document Controller or similar role
- Familiarity with project management
- Basic knowledge of labor and corporate law
- Hands-on experience with MS Office and MS Excel
- Knowledge of Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS)
- Proficient typing and editing skills
- Data organization skills
- Attention to detail
Contact: Patricia Hsiao (patricia@railpersonnel.com)
