Design Engineer - E&P (Contact Systems)

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About Network Rail

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.

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If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Duration: Permanent

Location: This role will be based in London, Birmingham, or Manchester

This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered.

Band & Salary: 4C £43,588-£50,018

Brief Description

We're looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Contact Design Engineer specialising in Electrification & Plant (E&P) to join our team at Network Rail. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in E&P design within the rail industry, a good understanding of relevant standards and safety requirements, and a proactive approach to delivering high-quality engineering solutions. You'll be working collaboratively on a variety of infrastructure projects that help keep Britain's railway running safely and efficiently.

About the role (External)

Engineering Services is a function within Route Services. We sit as a central team to provide national skills and activities which enable regions and industry partners to deliver the railway for our customers.

As a large central functional team which focus on engineering delivery, we have many roles, ranging from pure engineering to project management. We design and influence every part of the railway, including structures, track, traction power, level crossings, signalling and accessibility schemes which are essential to keep our stations moving.

What does the average day look like?

We're seeking an experienced and proactive Contact Design Engineer (E&P) who can lead and manage engineering development activities across the early stages of railway infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in electrification and plant systems, with the ability to develop and review engineering remits, manage option selection, and ensure full compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and operational standards. You'll need to be confident in coordinating multidisciplinary teams, maintaining change control, and overseeing the production of design documentation through the PACE stages. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, as is the ability to challenge assumptions constructively and ensure value-driven engineering solutions.

Essential Criteria

• An engineering degree or equivalent industry-recognised training qualification.

• A demonstrable aptitude for option development.

• Strong evaluation and decision-making skills.

• A working knowledge of rail engineering; relevant successful experience working in the principal discipline and an adequate understanding of all other related disciplines.

• An ability to work and communicate effectively in a team context.

• An appreciation of all the life cycle stages of rail infrastructure.

• CDM, Risk assessment and external audit competency.

Please see attached job description for full details.

Desirable Criteria

• Membership of a relevant engineering professional institution.

• Experience in design, installation and maintenance.

• Formal qualifications in risk identification and assessment.

• Experience in Microstation CAD Software

• Previously been assessed competent against another competency framework for the production of OLE or Conductor Rail design.

How to apply (External)

Additional Information

Closing date: 23 rd May 2025 . On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 2 nd June 2025,depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks . Click here for more information

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more

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