What is a Senior Engineer?
A Rail and Rail Systems Senior Engineer is an operational leadership role; someone who can take responsibility for people and the work in hand within a conventional or high speed railway context. They have expertise in one of the following disciplines: Rail Civils; Rail Track; Rail Signalling & Control; Rail Systems & Integration; Rail Traction & Rolling Stock; Rail Telecommunications, Network and Digital; or Rail Electrical, Mechanical or Building Services. They lead people or processes in one of these distinct areas in tasks such as managing integrated safe design, construction, installation, maintenance, renewal, or decommissioning. All with the aim of providing a safe and reliable railway.
Their work will require a deep knowledge and understanding of how the railway works as an integrated, complex system from an operational perspective. They are professional engineers with rail and rail systems technical engineering skills which they apply in a broad range of management and leadership activities.Â
Typical job roles include: Senior Track Engineer, Senior Signalling & Control Systems Engineer, Senior Rail Civil Engineer, Simulation Systems Engineer, Senior Rail Mechanical Engineer, Rail Plant Engineer, Senior Rail Systems Integration Engineer, Senior Telecoms Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, Senior Traction and Rolling Stock Engineer, Senior Electrification Engineer.
Your responsibilities
- Providing expert advice input and support associated with the provision of services for our customers and suppliers
- Supporting professional leadership for a designated engineering discipline
- Providing expert advice, support and input to technical accident and incident investigations
- Supporting the setting of policy and standards, operational processes and systems
- Managing the design and delivery of programmes for the development of technical capability required, including the competence framework and effective training materials
- Providing the technical input to the development of the standards, specifications, means of compliance and KPIs for Asset Management, including system risks.
- Supporting engineering analysis and risk assessment, including assessment of applications for derogations and non-compliance
- Supporting the development of strategy, technology and assets across functions and with industry partners.
- Proactively research and respond to changes in the internal and external requirements and practice which impact upon policy and standards
- Identifying opportunities for technical and business process improvement and innovation, developing business cases where required
- Supporting Engineering Verification activities
- Acting as Delivery Manager for delivery of a specific project or portfolio of projects and deliver projects to time, cost and quality
What You'll need
Core skills
- Broad technical engineering knowledge
- Project or financial planning experience
- Management or supervisory experience
- Strong analytical skills and solution orientated
What You'll Gain
Transferable skills
- Strong understanding of engineering principles and systems
- Skills in planning, executing and overseeing projects
- Understanding client needs and providing service-oriented solutions
- Ability to lead teams, mentor junior engineers and facilitate collaboration
What You'll Use
Key skills
English
- Clear and concise communication with team members, contractors and regulatory authorities
- Writing detailed technical reports, safety documentation and project plans
- Presenting designs, findings and progress updates to different audiences
- Understanding and interpreting engineering contracts and regulatory requirements
- Dealing with project stakeholders and navigating complex discussions around timelines, budgets and specifications
Maths
- Calculating distances, angles and other key measurements in rail systems
- Understanding of complex dynamics liked speed, acceleration and force
- Using statistics and probability in risk assessments
- Predicting failures and maintenance needs
- Calculating project costs, resource management and working with financial data
IT
- Familiarity with computer-aided design and simulation software
- Competence in using data analysis tools
- Knowledge of using project management software
- Basic programming knowledge
Role opportunities
These are some possible roles you may consider in your career journey. Discuss with your Inspiro Coach for further guidance.
Senior Rail Technician
Rail Engineer / Maintenance Engineer
Senior Engineer
Principle Engineer
What is a Rail Operative?
What is a Rail Technician?
What is a Senior Rail Technician?
What is a Rail Engineer / Maintenance Engineer?
What is a Senior Engineer?
What is a Principle Engineer?
Explore more
National Careers Website
The National Careers website is a government database that provides information for a job you are looking to explore.
Rail Engineering Sector Roles
Use our Sector Roles map to see if there is a role within your chosen sector that you are interested in.
Resources
Career Development Handbook
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career development handbook
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