Communications Designer

Communications Designer

The Communications Designer leads the end-to-end design of complex, multi-system communications solutions for large rail and transit infrastructure projects. This role focuses on creating integrated fibre backbone, security, control, and passenger-facing systems that directly influence overall system performance and safety. You will own design decisions, guide technical documentation, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across all project phases, from concept through construction, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of complex communications systems, including fibre backbone networks, CCTV, access control, public address, telephony, passenger signage, radio, intrusion detection, fare systems, SCADA, and master clock solutions for large rail and transit projects.
• Develop and review detailed technical design deliverables such as layouts, risers, elevations, schedules, wiring diagrams, and fibre termination diagrams to ensure accuracy and constructability.
• Oversee, review, and approve technical documentation, including specifications, reports, calculations, test plans, test procedures, and test reports to ensure alignment with project requirements and standards.
• Apply systems engineering, systems integration, and assurance principles to communications designs to deliver robust, interoperable solutions for large rail infrastructure environments.
• Incorporate cybersecurity standards into system architectures and ensure communications designs comply with applicable rail cyber and operational technology (OT) requirements.
• Support construction and commissioning activities, including testing and commissioning (T&C), site visits, as-built reviews, and resolution of field issues related to communications systems.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary design teams, BIM specialists, and discipline leads to deliver fully integrated communications solutions that interface effectively with other rail and transit systems.
• Provide technical leadership on light rail transit (LRT), subway, transit hub, and rail yard projects through all phases of the project lifecycle, from preliminary design through detailed design and implementation.
• Independently design communications systems, taking responsibility for key design decisions rather than solely supporting design reviews.
• Contribute to a full system lifecycle perspective by considering operations, maintenance, safety, and reliability in all communications design activities.

Essential Skills

• 5–8 years of communications design experience, with a focus on design rather than testing.
• Proven hands-on design experience in at least 2–3 communications systems such as CCTV, public address (PA), SCADA, and access control or security systems.
• Strong understanding of IP networking principles and demonstrated ability to design IP-based communications networks.
• Relevant engineering degree in a field related to communications, electrical, systems, or a similar discipline.
• Ability to design communications systems independently and take ownership of design deliverables and decisions.
• Experience applying systems engineering and systems integration principles in complex infrastructure environments.
• Ability to develop and interpret technical design documentation, including layouts, risers, elevations, schedules, wiring diagrams, and fibre termination diagrams.
• Experience preparing and reviewing specifications, technical reports, calculations, test plans, test procedures, and test reports.
• Familiarity with SCADA and at least one other communications system.
• Exposure to operational technology (OT) and industrial control system (ICS) environments.
• Understanding of cybersecurity considerations for rail, transit, or similar critical infrastructure communications systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in telecommunications, industrial automation, airports, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Experience with Revit or similar BIM tools for coordination of communications designs.
• Experience with communication systems in train, rail, or transit environments.
• Previous exposure to transit or rail projects, including LRT, subway, transit hubs, or rail yards.
• Knowledge of SCADA and ICS systems in the context of infrastructure or industrial environments.
• CCNA certification or equivalent networking credential (considered an asset but not required).
• Experience working in multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating with BIM specialists and discipline leads.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across offices and disciplines.
• Comfort working in a fast-moving delivery environment with high accountability for design outcomes.

Work Environment

This role is based in offices located in the Greater Toronto Area, including downtown Toronto, Oakville, and Thornhill. The work environment is fast-paced with a high workload and a strong focus on timely, high-quality delivery. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across multiple disciplines and offices, working within a large consulting environment that emphasizes integrated project delivery. Core design work relies primarily on in-house teams, with limited dependence on offshore resources, giving designers meaningful ownership and accountability for their systems. You will work with modern design and BIM tools, participate in coordination across complex rail and transit projects, and gain exposure to the full lifecycle of communications systems from concept through commission.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Toronto, ON.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/hr.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Toronto, ON.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.