HNTB hires PTC expert Michael Steffen
Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
HNTB Corporation (HNTB) has hired Michael Steffen as its new senior systems project manager, specializing in positive train control.
Steffen works with clients nationwide out of his office in Kansas City, Mo. Representatives say he brings leadership and system expertise in design reviews, with knowledge of the development of safety system requirements and tracing.
“Michael is a proven leader with a track record of tenaciously delivering projects effectively and within schedule and budget constraints,” said Ian Choudri, HNTB national rail and transit business development director and senior vice president. “As HNTB works to help improve U.S. rail safety through the PTC initiative, Michael’s commitment to innovation and knowledge of PTC provide our clients vital expertise.”
Steffen previously helped implement the first Interoperable Train Control/PTC-based wireless crossings system in North America at a rail technology supply company working on the Denver Eagle P3 rail project. Representatives say he will continue his work on that project and the San Diego North County Transit District PTC project while at HNTB.
Early in his career, Steffen was lead inventor on multiple PTC-based wireless crossings while serving as lead systems engineer for railroad crossings products at General Electric. He was also the primary inventor for two rail crossing algorithms that received U.S. patents, representatives say.
Steffen’s was a 2013 recipient of the GE Transportation Award for Innovation and was recognized previously in 2012 by the GE Transportation Award for Early Career Advancement.
He received his Master of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Evangel University.
