Principal​/Head Of E&P Engineer; Rail

Principal / Head of E&P Engineer (Rail)

We are seeking a high‑calibre Principal E&P Engineer or Head of E&P to lead the Electrification and Plant (E&P) discipline for a major Tier 1 infrastructure delivery partner in the Midlands. In this role, you will act as the ultimate technical authority for E&P engineering, design‑integration, and on‑site delivery across a portfolio of complex, multi‑disciplinary rail infrastructure and asset upgrade schemes.

This position bridges the gap between design assurance and practical, hands‑on site delivery, offering significant autonomy for a senior contractor.

• Act as the Lead Engineer / CRE (Contractor's Responsible Engineer) or CEM (Contractor's Engineering Manager) where required, overseeing, reviewing, and signing off on complex E&P installation and construction designs.
• Provide heavy technical direction to project delivery teams, ensuring that trackside E&P construction, installation, and testing phases comply fully with Network Rail standards and safety frameworks.
• Oversee the successful installation and commissioning of E&P assets, including low voltage (LV) power distribution, points heating, signalling power supplies, depot installations, and trackside lighting systems.
• Manage the critical interfaces between E&P, civil engineering, OLE (Overhead Line Electrification), and external utilities/DNOs. Lead the technical assurance process from early‑stage design review through to final handover.
• Interface directly with client asset managers, project directors, and third‑party stakeholders to resolve technical queries, clear engineering blockers, and manage design modifications seamlessly on site.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) and ideally Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with the IET or a similar professional body.
• Proven track record working with a Tier 1 or major Principal Contractor on multi‑disciplinary rail infrastructure delivery schemes.
• In‑depth technical knowledge of Rail E&P assets, covering feeder switches, UPS systems, DNO interfaces, and points heating.
• Authoritative knowledge of Network Rail standards, group standards, and safety regulations (including RISQS and POS frameworks).
• Demonstrable experience acting as a signed‑off E&P CRE (Construction or Design) on prior UK rail projects.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.