About Us

United ECM is a recognized leader in the technical delivery oversight of major high-speed and electrified transit systems. We are renowned for innovative solutions to intricate engineering challenges, acting as the owners engineer, contractors engineer, construction manager or program manager. Our in-house design team is cable of providing final design, traction power studies and 3d BIM virtual reality models.

At the heart of our success is our team of subject matter experts, with a wealth of experience in leading some of the most complex transit programs around the world. Our experts bring a significant understanding of the challenges associated with the construction of high-speed and electrified transit systems, allowing us to provide the best solutions to our clients. Our technical expertise include the construction and maintenance of track, traction power, 25kV OCS, SCADA and comms, train control and substations (AC&DC). We are well informed with lessons learned from projects around the world including California High Speed Rail, Caltrain Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project, Network Rail High Output Track Renewals Program and Systems Integration at Los Angeles World Airport People Mover. In an era marked by technological advancements, United ECM remains at the forefront of innovation in transit systems. The company continually integrates cutting-edge solutions and best practices into its oversight approach, ensuring that clients benefit from the latest developments in the field.
United ECM Leadership Team
Ammar Alsarabi PE, PMP
Owner & Chief Operations Officer
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Ammar Alsarabi PE, PMP
Chief Operating Officer at United ECM

Ammar has over 14 years of experience supporting multiple transit systems across the US including large systems programs in the Bay Area. His deep technical knowledge in electrified systems design makes him a valuable asset to high-profile federal and private programs. Ammar’s specialty expertise spans system integration, traction power, OCS, SCADA, testing, commissioning, design, and construction management. He has a wealth of experience in owner’s engineer roles spanning both coasts of the US.

Ammar is involved with the IEEE Traction Power Committee, part of working groups to deliver specific standards, including IEEE 1653.3-2021 Rail Transit Traction Power Systems Modeling.

As Traction Power Design Engineer on complex projects like Amtrak’s Sub 34A Hamilton Substation, Ammar has made significant design contributions such as that of a new 138kV substation providing 12kV, 25Hz, single-phase traction power to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

 

Ammar leads the business to support the delivery of several billion-dollar transit programs including programs at Caltrain, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit, Los Angeles Metro, Los Angeles World Airports and San Francisco MUNI.

Scott Richards PMP, DBIA, CCM
Chief Executive Officer
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Scott Richards PMP, DBIA, CCM
Chief Executive Officer at United ECM

Scott has over 17 years of experience delivering major electrified transit programs across the US and UK. He began his career on major track and systems renewal programs in the UK and has almost two decades of experience in Owner’s Engineer roles. Summoned for his highly-specialized expertise, Scott arrived in the US in 2019 to lead traction power construction and maintenance programs across the Bay Area.

Scott is solution-driven and thrives on challenges, innovative concepts, and unconventional thinking. Scott brings lessons learned from major systems and projects in Europe and consistently delivers innovative solutions that provide lifecycle advantages to transit agencies in the US.

Scott leads the business to support the delivery of several billion-dollar transit programs including programs at Caltrain, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit, Los Angeles Metro, Los Angeles World Airports and San Francisco MUNI.

Phil Gilmour CEng CMgr FCMI MIET
Director of Engineering
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Phil Gilmour CEng CMgr FCMI MIET
Director of Engineering at United ECM

An experienced Engineering Director in the rail-engineering, infrastructure, and commercial markets, Phil has been at the forefront of driving innovative solutions to meet the challenging demands of urban-mobility. He is highly respected for his expertise in the fields of traction power, overhead contact systems (OCS), and systems integration, appointed to critical projects shaping modern infrastructure in the US and Europe. He is a sought-after speaker, delivering lectures at institutions such as Stanford University.

Phil’s impressive infrastructure track record as Engineering Lead on several multi-billion dollar rail projects includes the California High- Speed Rail Project (CHSR) and the Northwest Electrification Project. His leadership has set a standard for excellence on the projects he has served, in part because of his strength in building highly-functional teams. Phil assembled and grew a multi-disciplined, rail design team into a $20-million-per-year business in just 5 years. His leadership style cultivates collaboration and leverages the latest technologies to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency in service of his client’s goals.

Erlan Gomez
Systems Engineering
Million Tadese
Mechanical Engineer
Watt Lei EIT
Project Manager
John Webber CEng MIET
Systems Engineering Manager
Ahmad Alsarabi PMP
Project Manager, Operations
Wayne Richardson
Sr Traction Power Construction Manager
John Webber CEng MIET
Systems Engineering Manager
Ahmad Alsarabi PMP
Project Manager, Operations
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