Client Testimonial:
“We faced a near-impossible deadline to bring in multiple specialist engineers and supervisors for a major light rail expansion in Seattle. Altariya didn’t just understand the urgency — they delivered. In just 5 business days, we had fully vetted candidates with the right certifications, experience, and readiness to start. Their ability to combine speed with quality was instrumental in keeping our project on schedule.”
— Michael Grant, VP of Human Resources, Horizon Transit Constructors Inc.
Horizon Transit Constructors Inc. is a top-tier American infrastructure and engineering contractor with over 40 years of experience in large-scale transportation, rail, and urban development projects. Headquartered in Denver, they have successfully delivered high-profile works for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Amtrak, and multiple state DOTs. Known for their ability to execute complex projects under strict deadlines, Horizon is a trusted partner in shaping America’s modern transit landscape.
In early 2024, Horizon was awarded a flagship $1.2B contract to extend Seattle’s light rail network, adding vital connectivity between key suburban hubs and the downtown core.
The project’s initial construction phase required 14 urgent hires — including track engineers, electrical systems specialists, project schedulers, and site safety supervisors — all with proven U.S. rail transit experience and compliance with FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards.
Key hurdles included:
Extreme timeline pressure — all positions needed to be filled within 7 calendar days to align with pre-approved construction windows.
Regulatory compliance — candidates had to hold FRA safety training, OSHA 30 certification, and, in some cases, PTS-equivalent rail safety credentials.
Tight labor market — several ongoing U.S. rail projects in Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas were already competing for the same talent pool.
1. Targeted Skills & Compliance Mapping
We worked with Horizon’s leadership to break down each role’s exact technical requirements, safety qualifications, and rail system experience, including niche areas like traction power systems, signaling integration, and grade-crossing safety compliance.
2. Multi-Platform Talent Activation
Our sourcing covered:
A direct pull from our U.S. rail and infrastructure talent network.
Outreach to engineers from recently completed transit projects in Portland, San Diego, and Chicago.
Focused LinkedIn Recruiter campaigns targeting passive candidates with relocation flexibility.
3. Comprehensive Pre-Screening & Video Interviews
Candidates were pre-qualified through:
Verification of FRA and OSHA compliance.
Competency-based interviews focusing on problem-solving in live transit environments.
Recorded video profiles, allowing Horizon’s managers to make quick, informed decisions without initial screening delays.
4. Agile Feedback & Adjustments
We held daily coordination calls with Horizon’s HR and project managers, refining search criteria in real time as evolving project needs emerged.
14 specialist roles filled in just 5 business days, beating the 7-day target.
Zero onboarding delays — every hire was site-ready with required certifications on day one.
Recruitment cost savings of 24% compared to traditional U.S. staffing agency rates.
Over 95 HR hours saved thanks to Altariya’s pre-screening and candidate presentation process.
Enabled the Seattle light rail expansion to commence construction exactly on schedule, avoiding potential contractual penalties and public disruption.
