Subject Matter Expert – Rail Verification & Validation (V&V)

Job Title

Subject Matter Expert – Rail Verification & Validation (V&V)

Role Summary

The V&V SME provides deep technical leadership across the rail system lifecycle—defining strategy, processes, and evidence to demonstrate compliance, safety (SIL), RAMS, and fitness-for-purpose of signaling, rolling stock control, and integrated rail systems. The SME sets the V&V framework per CENELEC EN 50126 (RAMS), EN 50129 (system safety), EN 50716 (software—superseding EN 50128/EN 50657) , and leads Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) governance where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Governance

• Define the project-wide V&V strategy and management plan aligned to EN 50126/29 and EN 50716, including lifecycle activities, deliverables, and acceptance criteria (V-model).
• Establish and chair V&V governance (reviews, gates, audits), ensuring independence for IV&V activities and alignment with RAMS and Safety Case development.
• Author and maintain Verification & Validation Management Plan (VVMP) and Requirements Verification & Traceability Matrix (RVTM) ; drive configuration/change control for evidence.

Requirements, Interfaces & Traceability

• Lead requirements engineering for verifiability/validity; own bi‑directional traceability from hazards/SIL targets to requirements, tests, and certification evidence (DOORS/Polarion).
• Oversee interface control (ICDs) and certifiable elements, ensuring integration risks are addressed early with objective evidence.

Testing & Evidence

• Architect test strategies (lab/HITL/simulation, on‑train/site) for functional, integration, regression, performance, and safety‑related testing across onboard/trackside subsystems (CBTC/ETCS/interlocking/TCMS).
• Define test environments & tools , acceptance test procedures, defect management, and objective evidence required for Safety Case and certification.
• Plan and witness T&C (Testing & Commissioning) activities as part of IV&V; issue independent findings and recommendations.

RAMS & Safety Case

• Lead RAMS activities (PHA, FMEA/FMECA, FTA, Markov), THR allocation, SIL justification, Safety Case authoring, and demonstration of compliance per EN 50126/29.
• Ensure alignment with ISA/O‑ISA assessments and regulatory expectations; coordinate with independent bodies (NoBo/DeBo/AsBo).

IV&V Delivery (when independent role applies)

• Plan IV&V audits, assessments, and reporting across lifecycle phases; provide early visibility of Safety/Functionality/RAM/Quality risks and mitigation.
• Manage certification readiness: compile formal certification packages (design conformance, test results, hazard closure, O&M readiness).

Leadership & Enablement

• Mentor project teams on best practices in requirements/testability, safety analysis, and evidence generation; run training aligned to EN 5012x.
• Drive continuous improvement (KPIs, lessons learned), tool qualification, and cybersecurity considerations now embedded in EN 50716.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s in Systems, Electrical/Electronics, Computer/Software, or Control Engineering.
• Experience: 10–15+ years in rail systems engineering/V&V with safety‑critical systems ; demonstrable track record delivering to EN 50126/29 and software standards (EN 50716 / legacy EN 50128 ).
• Methods/Tools: DOORS/Polarion (RVTM), test management, defect tracking; RAMS analyses (FMEA/FTA/Markov); HITL/simulation; Safety Case authoring.
• Standards & Assurance: Deep knowledge of SIL allocation/THR , Safety Case structure, and IV&V practice for rail programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Delivery experience on CBTC/ETCS/interlocking/TCMS programs with multi‑vendor integration and complex interfaces.
• Exposure to O‑ISA/ISA engagements and regulatory certification pathways (NoBo/DeBo/AsBo).
• Familiarity with California HSR VVMP/IV&V practices or similar mega‑projects (evidence frameworks, CEHL, DOORS linking).
• Awareness of EN 50716 cybersecurity additions and IEC 62443/CLC TS 50701 links.

Core Competencies

• Systems Thinking & Risk Management: Translate hazard/risk analyses into verifiable requirements and tests; anticipate integration risks early.
• Technical Writing & Evidence: Produce defensible, audit‑ready documentation and certification packages.
• Stakeholder Leadership: Influence design, safety, commissioning, and regulatory stakeholders; facilitate resolution of certification blockers.

Key Deliverables

• V&V Strategy & VVMP ; RVTM ; V&V dashboards and risk logs.
• Test strategies/plans/cases; objective evidence bundles (reports, logs, defect closures).
• RAMS analyses (PHA, FMEA, FTA), SIL allocation basis, and Safety Case .
• IV&V audit reports, certification readiness statements, and final recommendations.

Success Metrics (KPIs)

• Requirements Coverage & Traceability: % requirements verified/validated; closed hazard actions vs. plan.
• Defect Closure Effectiveness: Mean time to resolve safety‑critical defects; zero open SIL‑impacting issues at gate.
• Test Maturity: % planned tests executed/passed across lab/site; evidence completeness score for certification.
• Certification Readiness: Timely Safety Case approval; successful ISA/O‑ISA findings with no major non‑conformities.

Tools & Platforms

• Requirements & Risk: IBM DOORS / Polarion for RVTM and CEHL linkage; hazard logs.
• Test & Simulation: HITL benches, emulators/simulators; automated test frameworks; lab/site data acquisition.
• Assurance & Reporting: Safety Case repositories; IV&V audit templates; conformance checklists (design, construction, O&M).

Working Model

• Operates across design, build, integration, T&C, and entry‑into‑service; may serve as independent assessor on certain work packages per contract.
• Interfaces with System Engineering, Safety Assurance (ISA/O‑ISA), Test & Commissioning, Quality , and regulatory bodies.