PIS Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PIS Design Manager

Company: r2p Group

Location: Vaughan, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Experience Level: 8+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and implementation of Passenger Information Systems (PIS) for transit stations, focusing on Ontario-based clients.

• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary teams, including CAD/BIM designers and field technicians, ensuring successful project delivery from design through commissioning.

• Act as the primary client liaison, managing expectations, communicating technical details, and fostering strong relationships.

• Drive technical excellence by analyzing and troubleshooting complex integrated systems issues, ensuring optimal system performance and client satisfaction.

• Oversee multiple project deliverables, design reviews, and commissioning activities within a fast-paced, innovative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "PIS Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of technical design leadership, project management, and team supervision within the operations and engineering domain. The focus on installation, commissioning, testing, and maintenance of systems places this role firmly within an operational execution context, requiring strong GTM (Go-to-Market) understanding for client interactions and project lifecycle management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the development of system design drawings using CAD and BIM tools for Passenger Information Systems (PIS), Public Address (PA), Passenger Information Displays (PID), and related integrated transit communication systems.

• Lead and manage a team of CAD/BIM resources in the design phase, ensuring adherence to project specifications, industry standards, and client requirements.

• Supervise a team of technicians responsible for the installation, commissioning, testing, and ongoing maintenance of PIS and integrated systems, ensuring timely and quality execution.

• Serve as the main point of contact for clients, managing communication, addressing concerns, facilitating design reviews, and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Coordinate complex transit and integrated systems projects, ensuring seamless collaboration between design, field, and external stakeholders across various disciplines.

• Analyze and troubleshoot technical issues that arise during design, installation, or commissioning phases, developing and implementing effective solutions.

• Manage multiple project deliverables concurrently, including design packages, testing protocols, commissioning plans, and stakeholder communication, while maintaining high-quality standards.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineering, and operations, to ensure integrated system solutions meet project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong leadership in both design and field operations. The emphasis on client management and stakeholder expectations suggests a role that bridges technical expertise with commercial acumen, typical of senior engineering or operations management positions within infrastructure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Communications, Computer), Computer Science, or a related technical field is strongly preferred. Equivalent practical experience of 8+ years in lieu of a degree will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of technical project coordination experience.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of Passenger Information Systems (PIS), Public Address (PA), Passenger Information Displays (PID), telephony, and related integrated transit communication systems.

• Proven experience successfully leading multidisciplinary design teams, coordinating CAD/BIM design development, and supporting installation and commissioning activities for transit, rail, or transportation infrastructure projects. Required Skills:

• Expertise in Passenger Information Systems (PIS) and comprehensive transit communication systems.

• Proficiency in managing Public Address (PA) systems, Passenger Information Displays (PID), and telephony systems.

• Strong experience in the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of integrated systems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams and coordinate CAD/BIM design development.

• Hands-on experience supporting installation and commissioning activities for complex infrastructure projects.

• Excellent technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for integrated systems.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and understanding of BIM workflows.

• Familiarity with PA acoustic design and modeling principles.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Proven ability in building and maintaining relationships, managing people, setting goals, coaching, and managing performance.

• Strong collaboration, communication, and consensus-building capabilities.

• Adaptability to change and ambiguity, with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.

• Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple interfaces and priorities effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CCTV, fire alarm systems, and passenger counting systems.

• Knowledge of network audio solutions with real-time data transfer.

• Familiarity with software and hardware solutions for rail and road vehicles, as well as fixed infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are substantial, indicating a need for deep technical expertise coupled with leadership capabilities. The combination of design and field operations experience is crucial for this role, suggesting a candidate who can bridge the gap between conceptualization and execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of complex transit and integrated systems projects, showcasing end-to-end lifecycle involvement from design through commissioning.

• Provide case studies or examples of leading multidisciplinary teams, detailing team structure, task delegation, performance management, and successful outcomes.

• Showcase examples of client engagement, highlighting how you managed stakeholder expectations, communicated technical information, and resolved issues to ensure client satisfaction.

• Present documentation or project summaries that illustrate your ability to analyze and troubleshoot technical issues within PIS, PA, PID, and telephony systems, including the solutions implemented.

• Include evidence of managing multiple deliverables, design reviews, and commissioning activities, with emphasis on organizational structure and prioritization strategies. Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization: Showcase examples of how you’ve developed, documented, and improved workflows for system design, installation, and commissioning processes.

• Implementation and automation: Provide examples of implementing new systems or technologies, or automating processes to enhance efficiency and reduce errors in the PIS lifecycle.

• Measurement and performance analysis: Demonstrate how you have defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for design and installation teams, and how you’ve used data to track performance, identify areas for improvement, and report on project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role managing design and field operations, a portfolio should highlight both technical design capabilities (CAD/BIM examples, system architecture) and operational execution (project plans, commissioning reports, issue resolution documentation). Emphasis on team leadership and client management within these projects will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a PIS Design Manager with 8+ years of experience in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the estimated annual salary range is CAD $100,000 - $140,000. This range accounts for the specialized technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the cost of living in Vaughan, Ontario.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary Package: Compensation commensurate with skills and experience, reflecting the specialized nature of PIS and transit systems.

• Growth Opportunities: Chances to grow with a globally expanding company, offering career advancement and skill diversification.

• International Environment: Opportunity to work within a dynamic, international team, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and global project exposure.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, potentially with wellness programs.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a company-matched retirement savings plan (e.g., RRSP in Canada).

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Support for ongoing training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours, likely around 40 hours per week. While a standard schedule is expected, flexibility may be offered for project-specific needs or to accommodate design and commissioning timelines, particularly during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar engineering management roles in the Toronto/Vaughan area, considering the specific technical domain (PIS) and required experience level. Benefits are typical for a permanent employee role in a growing international company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Transportation Technology / Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) / Public Transport Solutions. r2p operates in a future-oriented and sustainable industry, driven by innovation and the latest technology to enhance public transport.

Company Size: r2p Group is a globally expanding company, suggesting a medium to large enterprise size with a growing international presence. This size often means a balance between structured processes and a dynamic, innovative atmosphere.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company's global expansion and focus on "latest technology" imply a relatively modern company with a forward-thinking approach.

Team Structure:

• The role reports under the supervision of a "Project Engineer lead," indicating a structured project management hierarchy.

• The PIS Design Manager will lead a team of CAD/BIM resources and a team of technicians, demonstrating a direct management responsibility for design and field operations personnel.

• Collaboration is emphasized across disciplines, suggesting integration with other engineering, project management, and potentially sales/business development teams. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role requires analyzing technical issues and troubleshooting systems, implying a data-driven approach to problem-solving and performance optimization.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Managing design and field teams inherently involves planning, coordinating, and optimizing workflows for efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency: The company's focus on intelligent software and hardware solutions suggests an emphasis on leveraging technology for efficiency gains and innovative solutions.

Company Website: r2p.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as dynamic, open-minded, with flat hierarchies and an open-door philosophy. They value sustainability, respect, and humor, fostering a collaborative and engaging work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior management position within the engineering and operations domain. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in PIS and integrated systems, coupled with significant leadership and project management experience. The "Manager" title and team leadership responsibilities place it at a mid-to-senior management level.

Reporting Structure: The PIS Design Manager reports to a Project Engineer Lead, indicating a project-centric reporting structure. This means the manager is responsible for the technical execution and team performance within specific projects.

Operations Impact: The PIS Design Manager's role is crucial for the successful delivery of projects that directly impact the user experience of public transport. By ensuring efficient, reliable, and advanced passenger information systems, this role contributes significantly to the company's mission of making public transport better, thereby influencing client satisfaction, project profitability, and the company's reputation in the transit technology sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced PIS technologies, integrated systems, and smart city solutions within transportation.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher-level project management roles, program management, or head of engineering/operations for specific regions or product lines.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain experience in other areas of r2p's business, such as CCTV, Automatic Passenger Counting, or network audio solutions, potentially leading to broader roles.

• International Exposure: Leverage the global nature of r2p to work on diverse international projects and gain exposure to different market needs and technological applications.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and technicians, developing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within specialized engineering and operations management, particularly within the growing field of intelligent transportation systems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based out of the Toronto, Ontario, Canada offices, implying a professional office setting that supports design work, team collaboration, and client meetings.

Office Location(s): Vaughan, Ontario, Canada (Langstaff Rd, L4K 4R7). This location is within the Greater Toronto Area, offering access to a major metropolitan hub and transportation networks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, suggesting an open workspace or dedicated team areas that facilitate interaction among design teams, technicians, and project leads.

• Tools and Technology: Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM tools), communication platforms, and potentially testing equipment will be provided to support the role's technical demands.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the direct reports (CAD/BIM resources, technicians) and cross-functional teams, fostering a cohesive project execution environment.

Work Schedule: The role is for a permanent employee, likely with a standard 40-hour work week. However, project-driven demands in the transit sector can necessitate occasional flexibility, especially during critical installation and commissioning phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on flat hierarchies and an open-door philosophy suggests a work environment that is approachable and encourages open communication and idea sharing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements. Be prepared to articulate your PIS/transit systems experience and leadership capabilities concisely.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your technical expertise in PIS, PA, PID, and integrated systems. Expect questions on system design principles, troubleshooting methodologies, and familiarity with CAD/BIM tools. Prepare specific examples of complex technical challenges you've overcome.

• Leadership & Project Management Interview: This stage will assess your ability to lead teams, manage projects, and handle stakeholder expectations. You may be asked about your management style, how you set goals, coach team members, and manage performance. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing multiple deliverables and design reviews.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your experience in leading a PIS design and implementation project. Focus on detailing the project scope, your role, team management, technical challenges, solutions, and the ultimate outcome.

• Final Interview: This may involve meeting with senior leadership or the Project Engineer Lead to discuss cultural fit, strategic alignment, and long-term career aspirations within r2p.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Relevant Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in PIS design, implementation, and team leadership for transit infrastructure.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project background and objectives.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • Team size and structure managed.
  • Key technical challenges and your approach to resolving them.
  • Design and implementation processes used (CAD/BIM, commissioning).
  • Stakeholder management and client communication strategies.
  • Quantifiable results or outcomes (e.g., on-time delivery, system performance improvements, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your leadership skills in managing design and field teams, including goal setting, coaching, and performance management.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Clearly articulate your technical understanding of PIS, PA, PID, and integrated systems, and your proficiency with relevant tools like AutoCAD and Revit.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your portfolio items, including technical details, decision-making processes, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Anticipate hypothetical technical challenges related to PIS design or commissioning and prepare to outline your systematic approach to diagnosis and resolution.

• Team Management Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle performance issues within your team, delegate tasks, or motivate team members under pressure.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to explain how you would communicate a project delay or a significant technical issue to a client and what steps you would take to mitigate the impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be rigorous, focusing on both deep technical competence and proven leadership capabilities in managing complex engineering and operational projects. A well-curated portfolio is essential for demonstrating these skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: AutoCAD, Revit are explicitly required for design development. Proficiency in BIM workflows is essential.

• PIS Design Tools: Familiarity with specialized software for PA acoustic design and modeling is required.

• Project Management Software: Tools for task tracking, scheduling, and resource allocation (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Jira) are likely used.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Monitoring Tools: Software or systems for monitoring PIS performance, system uptime, and issue resolution metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports on project status, technical issues, commissioning results, and team performance, potentially using tools like Excel, Power BI, or custom reporting dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not explicitly mentioned, interaction with clients suggests familiarity with CRM principles for managing client relationships and project communication logs.

• Automation Tools: Understanding of how automation can be applied to design processes, testing, or commissioning where applicable.

• Integration Tools: Experience with integrating various systems (PIS, PA, PID, CCTV, etc.) is critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical tools are CAD and BIM, alongside specialized acoustic modeling software. Proficiency in project management and team collaboration tools is also implied for effective role execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future-Orientation: A drive to work with the latest technology and find new solutions to improve public transport.

• Sustainability & Respect: Commitment to environmentally conscious practices and fostering a respectful workplace.

• Collaboration & Openness: An open-door philosophy, flat hierarchies, and a strong emphasis on working together across teams.

• Solution-Oriented & Proactive: A focus on identifying and solving problems efficiently, with a proactive approach to project execution.

• Quality & Excellence: High standards in developing and delivering software and hardware solutions for the transport sector.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively collaborate with project managers, engineers, technicians, and potentially sales and customer support teams to ensure cohesive project delivery.

• Open Communication: Embrace an open-door policy and flat hierarchies to encourage direct communication, feedback exchange, and rapid problem-solving.

• Teamwork & Shared Success: A culture where the team not only works together but also shares positive experiences, fostering camaraderie and a collective drive towards project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of professional excellence in a high-tech industry with a supportive and engaging team environment, balancing innovation with respect and a touch of humor.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Teams: Effectively leading and motivating both design-focused CAD/BIM resources and hands-on field technicians, who may have different working styles and priorities.

• Complex System Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of various PIS components (PA, PID, telephony) with other transit systems (CCTV, fire alarm, etc.) while troubleshooting interdependencies.

• Stakeholder Expectation Management: Balancing client demands, project constraints (budget, timeline), and technical realities to ensure satisfaction.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of the latest advancements in transit technology and PIS solutions to maintain a competitive edge.

• Geographical Coordination: Potentially coordinating with teams or clients across different locations within Ontario, requiring strong remote management and communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced PIS & ITS Technologies: Opportunities to learn about and implement cutting-edge PIS features, AI-driven passenger information, and broader Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) solutions.

• Project & Program Management: Develop advanced project management skills, potentially leading to certifications or managing larger, more complex programs.

• Leadership & People Management: Enhance skills in team leadership, coaching, performance management, and cross-cultural team coordination within an international context.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Access to industry events and potential support for obtaining relevant certifications in project management, systems engineering, or specific technologies.

• Cross-Domain Exposure: Opportunity to gain knowledge and potentially leadership experience in other r2p product areas like CCTV or passenger counting systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for growth by tackling complex technical and managerial challenges within a dynamic and expanding industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex transit PIS project you managed from design through commissioning. What were the key technical challenges, how did you lead your team to overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design teams (CAD/BIM) and field installation/commissioning teams? Provide an example." (Assess your ability to bridge design and operations.)

• "Imagine a critical system failure occurs during a client's high-profile transit event. How would you approach diagnosing the issue, managing client communications, and resolving the problem under pressure?" (Test your crisis management and technical troubleshooting skills.)

• "Discuss your experience in managing stakeholder expectations on large infrastructure projects. How do you handle conflicting priorities or difficult client requests?" (Evaluate your client management and negotiation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of r2p, how do you see your skills and experience contributing to our mission of making public transport better?" (Show you've researched the company and its values.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you foster collaboration and respect within your team, and how do you handle disagreements?" (Align your approach with r2p's culture.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest advancements in transit technology and PIS systems?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your presentation with a high-level overview of your most impactful project, highlighting key achievements and your leadership role.

• Visualize Processes: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or screenshots to illustrate complex design workflows, system architectures, and commissioning processes.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., % reduction in installation errors, % improvement in system uptime, client satisfaction scores).

• Emphasize Team Leadership: Clearly articulate how you managed, motivated, and developed your teams, referencing specific examples of coaching or performance management.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about any aspect of your presented projects, from technical specifications to team dynamics and client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical depth in PIS and integrated systems, proven leadership in managing both design and field operations, and excellent client-facing communication skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link or email (jobs@r2p.com), ensuring to include your earliest possible start date and salary expectation.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your PIS design, team leadership, and project management experience. Prepare detailed case studies for each, focusing on technical challenges, solutions, team management, and client outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 8+ years of PIS/transit systems experience, leadership roles, and proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM workflows. Quantify achievements and use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Technical & Leadership Discussions: Rehearse answers to potential interview questions focusing on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, team management style, and client communication strategies.

• Research r2p: Understand the company's mission, products, and values. Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with their goal of making public transport better and their emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.