Principal Telecoms Engineer - Rail

Principal Telecoms Engineer – Rail A growing UK rail infrastructure and engineering organisation is strengthening its in-house Design & Engineering capability following continued success across major infrastructure projects and long-term framework agreements. We are seeking an experienced Principal Telecoms Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of operational telecoms and multidisciplinary rail infrastructure projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an established Principal Engineer, Telecoms CRE, Principal Rail Systems Engineer or Rail Communications Lead to take a senior technical position within a growing design organisation, delivering critical infrastructure projects for major rail and transport clients.

You will join an experienced engineering team responsible for delivering complex rail telecoms solutions across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and option selection through to detailed design, construction support and project handback. You will play a key role in shaping engineering solutions across a range of projects, including:
Station Information & Security Systems (SISS) Operational Communications Fibre Optic Networks Station Data Networks Layer 2 & Layer 3 Network Infrastructure CCTV and Security Systems PA and PAVA Systems Help Points DOO CCTV & Mirror Systems Telephone Concentrators and Operational Telephony Lineside Telecoms Infrastructure Structured Cabling Systems Working closely with signalling, E&P, civils, track and OLE disciplines, you will ensure telecoms solutions are safe, buildable, compliant and aligned with client requirements.

Key Responsibilities Act as Telecoms CRE (Design) and provide technical leadership across a range of rail infrastructure projects. Lead the development, review and approval of telecoms engineering designs through all project stages. Provide engineering governance, assurance and compliance with relevant Network Rail, industry and statutory standards. Lead multidisciplinary design interfaces across signalling, E&P, civils, OLE and permanent way disciplines. Support bids, tenders and framework opportunities through technical input, solution development and engineering expertise.

Manage engineering resources, programmes and project deliverables. Provide mentorship, coaching and professional development support to engineers and designers. Undertake design reviews and ensure appropriate quality standards are maintained throughout project delivery. Manage the commercial and financial aspects of engineering activities, including forecasting, change management and value engineering. Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders and wider project teams.

Contribute to the continued development of the organisation's telecoms design capability and engineering standards. You will already be operating at Principal Engineer level, or be an experienced Senior Engineer ready to progress into a technical leadership position. You will be a confident technical professional with strong experience within the UK rail telecoms environment, comfortable taking ownership of engineering decisions, leading teams and engaging directly with clients and stakeholders.

Skills / Experience Required Significant experience in railway telecoms design and delivery. Proven experience delivering telecoms designs through GRIP/PACE lifecycle stages. Significant experience in operational telecoms and SISS design. Experience undertaking CRE responsibilities on rail infrastructure projects. Strong understanding of Network Rail standards and engineering assurance processes. Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and managing complex technical interfaces. Proven ability to provide technical leadership and engineering governance.

Excellent communication, leadership and client-facing skills. Experience supporting bids, tenders, frameworks or business development activities would be advantageous. Degree qualification in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications Engineering or a related discipline. IRSE Licence in Engineering Management and/or Telecoms Design. Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or actively working towards Chartership with a recognised engineering institution. PTS certification is desirable. If you are an experienced rail telecoms professional looking for your next Principal-level opportunity, we'd be keen to hear from you.