Technical Head - Rail Control System

Overview

We are seeking a Technical Head – Railway Control Systems to provide strategic and technical leadership across complex our Middle East business, with our clients and on railway programs.

This role focuses on delivering high-quality consultancy services across communications systems, control systems, signaling, systems integration, and operational control, while driving innovation, technical excellence, and business growth.

As a senior leader, you will play a key role in shaping solutions, leading major bids within our governance framework, managing client relationships, and developing high-performing engineering teams.

• Act as a trusted technical authority and SME, providing strategic guidance to clients and internal teams.
• Lead development of complex rail control system solutions, ensuring best-in-class technical delivery.
• Provide oversight of system architecture, integration strategies, and operational concepts.
• Provide valuable experience and insight into other areas such as, but not excluslusively, contracting and technical deployment strategies, constructability and testing and commissioning.
• Proactively identify and resolve technical challenges and constraints.

• Lead and oversee delivery of major and multidisciplinary rail projects.
• Ensure delivery excellence across scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
• Manage critical system interfaces across signaling, telecoms, and infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with assurance, approvals, and certification requirements.
• Lead and oversee delivery of operations and asset management assignments.

• Lead bids, tenders, and procurement activities, providing both technical and commercial leadership.
• Develop feasibility studies and strategic advisory inputs to support client decision-making.
• Identify growth opportunities and strengthen Atkins
  
  Réalis' market position.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders.

• Drive development and optimisation of railway operational concepts and system interfaces.
• Promote adoption of digital, communication, and advanced control technologies.
• Support innovation in areas such as smart mobility, data-driven systems, and automation.

• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams and technical specialists.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Support knowledge sharing and development of technical best practices.
• Contribute to strategic capability growth within the Rail Control Systems discipline.

• Degree-qualified in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience (15+ years) in rail systems across high-speed, conventional and metro railways, including one or more of:
• ETCS / ERTMS.
• CBTC systems.
• Train Management Systems (TMS).
• GSM-R and telecommunications systems.
• Railway signaling and operational control systems.
• Strong expertise in system architecture, integration, and railway system performance.
• Demonstrated leadership of complex, multidisciplinary rail projects.
• Strong track record in senior stakeholder and client management.
• Experience across assurance, approvals, and certification processes.
• Experience in the management of equipment suppliers.
• Proven ability to lead technical bids and consultancy assignments.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-value assignments simultaneously.
• Chartered Engineer.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Experience working across international rail projects and markets.
• Experience of client and contractor organisations.

• Knowleldge of rail control systems including: IP-based networks, data centres, and cloud infrastructure.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI applications in rail systems.
• Additional language skills.

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Medical insurance.
• Annual leave…