Jacob Edward Herrera
El Paso
Summary
Electrical and Systems Engineer with 10+ years of experience in railroad infrastructure, high-voltage systems, and systems engineering principles. Skilled in designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems. Proficient in applying FRA standards, IEC, and NFPA codes to ensure compliance and safety. Adept at solving complex technical problems and integrating hardware/software systems into reliable, real-world solutions. Manage groups of employees focusing on safety and testing standards.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engineering Manager - Training & Development
Union Pacific Railroad
El Paso, TX | Las Vegas, NV | Elko, NV
03.2017 - Current
- Designed, maintained, and tested railroad electrical and signal systems across 2,100 miles of track.
- Managed multimillion-dollar projects and administered annual budgets of $1.5M–$2.5M.
- Applied systems engineering methods to improve system integration, testing, and performance.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement engineering solutions for rail infrastructure projects.
- Oversaw project timelines, ensuring alignment with safety standards and regulatory compliance.
- Mentor union employees, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Developed training programs focused on industry best practices and safety protocols for staff.
- Conducted detailed audits, troubleshooting, and reliability analysis of railroad electronics and power systems.
- Implemented federal railroad administration safety and compliance standards, reducing operational risks and system failures.
- Train and mentor union employees on safety, standards, and engineering systems raising team competency.
- Progressed through three territorial promotions, creating opportunity to learn various regions and work with diverse teams.
Assistant Manager of Signal Maintenance
Union Pacific Railroad
Los Angeles, CA
07.2016 - 04.2017
- Shadowed Engineering Manager in day-to-day operations, supporting railroad application review and compliance processes to ensure regulatory adherence and project readiness.
- Led operational teams to enhance safety protocols and compliance standards.
- Developed training programs to improve employee performance and productivity.
- Streamlined communication processes between departments to ensure alignment on strategic initiatives.
- Conducted regular audits of operations to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
Engineering Associate
Union Pacific Railroad
Los Angeles, CA
07.2015 - 07.2016
- Gained experience with railroad applications and safety standards.
- Proactive management strategies conducted to ensure effective teams.
- Analyzed system performance data to identify areas for improvement and enhance operational reliability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure adherence to safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Field Engineer
IMCORP
Houston, TX
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Performed reliability testing on high-voltage underground cables for substations, wind farms, and residential systems.
- Partnered with electricians to construct and test underground power systems for grid reliability.
- Developed strong expertise in terminations, insulation testing, and system distribution.
- Led field operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.
- Conducted comprehensive site assessments to identify potential risks and mitigation strategies.
Electrical Designer
RBM Engineering
El Paso, TX
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Produced AutoCAD electrical drawings and implemented IEC/NFPA standards.
- Delivered compliant, cost-effective solutions for contractors and architects.
- Designed electrical systems and layouts for residential and commercial projects.
- Facilitated communication between clients and contractors, ensuring alignment on project goals and timelines.
Education
M.S. - Systems Engineering
University of Texas at El Paso
01.2020
B.S. - Electrical Engineering
University of Texas at El Paso
01.2013
Skills
- High/Low Voltage Applications, Railroad Electronics, Signal Systems
- Compliance: FRA, IEC, NFPA, Safety & Reliability Engineering
- Software/Tools: SolidWorks, MATLAB, Cameo, Rational Doors, Python, Pandas, Tableau, Minitab, MS Office
- Relays, Solid-State Systems, Railroad Crossings, Substations, Power Distribution
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Coaching and mentoring
- Engineering design
- Project oversight
- Training and mentoring
- Decision-making skills
- Stakeholder communication
- Forward-thinking mindset
- Lean six sigma
Certification
- Six Sigma Black Belt – Council for six sigma certification (CSSC)
- Six Sigma Green Belt – Council for six sigma certification (CSSC)
- Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering, UTEP
- Union Pacific Electronic & Signal Certification
Timeline
Engineering Manager - Training & Development
Union Pacific Railroad
03.2017 - Current
Assistant Manager of Signal Maintenance
Union Pacific Railroad
07.2016 - 04.2017
Engineering Associate
Union Pacific Railroad
07.2015 - 07.2016
Field Engineer
IMCORP
01.2013 - 01.2015
Electrical Designer
RBM Engineering
01.2011 - 01.2013
B.S. - Electrical Engineering
University of Texas at El Paso
M.S. - Systems Engineering
University of Texas at El Paso