Rail Civil Engineer

Joining Arup

Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists offering a broad range of professional services. Through our work, we make a positive difference in the world.

This role is for a Rail Civils Design Engineer working as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering a diverse range of rail projects within our growing Rail business. You’ll contribute to preliminary and detailed engineering designs, technical studies and reports, option development, calculations and cross‑discipline coordination—helping to deliver high‑quality, timely civil engineering solutions for railway projects.

You’ll join our Bristol Rail Civils team, a small and agile group within a wider Bristol Rail community of about 30 engineers, designers, technicians and project specialists. Working closely with colleagues across the UK, including our larger Birmingham Rail team, you’ll be part of a collaborative network with deep experience in rail design, construction and delivery across both UK and international projects.

This role offers excellent opportunities for personal and professional development. You’ll strengthen your civil engineering and design management skills, work in a stimulating project environment and help enhance Arup’s broader rail capability.

In this role, you’ll contribute to the development of conceptual and detailed railway designs across all stages of single‑ and multidisciplinary projects. You’ll help identify and mitigate design risks, collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure clear communication throughout the design process.

You’ll also support the Rail Civils CRE in technical forums, including IDCs, design reviews and interface meetings, and you may take on client‑facing responsibilities with support from senior team members.

You’ll work with Bentley software and Common Data Environments, producing designs that meet relevant legislation, standards and industry guidance. We’re looking for someone who brings enthusiasm, teamwork and strong attention to detail, and who can manage their own workload as well as support others on smaller work packages with limited supervision. You’ll play an active role in sharing knowledge with junior colleagues and may act as a buddy for new starters.

You’ll be joining a team delivering a varied portfolio of multidisciplinary rail projects, including major depot schemes, SESRO and the Bakerloo Line Extension.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Civil Engineering Degree or equivalent.
• Additional postgraduate achievements (Diploma, PhD, etc.) would be an advantage.

• Hands‑on experience of the production of detailed track designs and calculations.
• Experience in the UK rail industry is essential (and to a lesser degree overseas).
• Underpinning knowledge of civil engineering design principles, standards, components and fabrication methods.
• Appreciation of railway systems and the key interactions between other railway assets, and with railway operating practices.
• Experience in the use of Common Data Environments (Project Wise Explorer) and the adoption of BIM data management processes.
• Able to work under nominal supervision and supervise more junior staff.
• Experience in the application of CDM and CSM or equivalent on railway projects.

This role does not meet the criteria for visa sponsorship under the UK immigration system. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. We offer competitive, fair and equitable pay, a career that enables everyone to belong, grow and thrive – with benefits that support health and wellbeing, wide learning opportunities and conditions that allow you to have an impact through your work.

We provide private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection cover. Flexible benefits support your wellbeing and allow you to manage your needs, your family’s needs and your personal…