The Systems and Signals Changemaker

Much of the rail infrastructure is old, and in major cities like New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., the quest to provide customer service excellence requires upgrades or replacement of aging assets. Our clients seek answers to questions such as, "How can we improve maintainability, reliability and availability of the system, minimize track outage and reduce implementation and operational costs? "How can we use the 'big data' available to improve operations, maintenance and the passenger experience?" Future-ready, simplified systems architecture and cost-effective technical solutions are key to these questions. Efforts to modernize transit and rail networks require an upgrade of systems and signals.

What attracted you to systems and signal work for rail and transit clients?

I was always attracted to technology and all things digital. Growing up in Brazil, I had a choice between pursuing general education or a craft, and, knowing I had to pay for my college, I chose to train as an electrical technician. My internship was with a company that built computers, and from there it was an easy jump to electrical engineering. After college, I joined one of the largest global rail solution suppliers, and the opportunity arrived to move to New York and work on an Automatic Train Supervision project for MTA; I didn't hesitate and I haven't looked back.

What inspires you about your work?

Being a partner to our clients. This industry constantly changes, and new advances and innovations happen continually. To bring value to our clients, I need to learn every day, which has always motivated me. I am also involved with mission-critical, behind-the-scenes technology, such as centralized control centers that serve as the control hub for managing and overseeing train operations. You cannot see it, but the effects are noticeable whenever your train is on time. There's nothing more inspiring than transforming clients' visions into reality.