Contractors Engineering Manager; CEM- Telecoms

Position: Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM)- Telecoms
Job Title Contractor's Engineering Manager (CEM) – Telecoms / Software-Focused Systems Contract Details Contract Length:
Minimum 9 months IR35 Status:
Outside IR35

Start Date:

ASAP

Location:

Predominantly remote with occasional travel to Cheadle, Stockport Overview An experienced Contractor's Engineering Manager (CEM) is required to take over an existing role due to retirement. The role supports a rail-based programme currently at GRIP 6, entering SIT/SAT testing, and centres on an Online Key Management System (OKMS). The OKMS is a software-based, cyber-secure telecoms system used by train drivers to log into operational systems.

While the solution has strong software and cyber-security elements, this is not a pure software role. A telecoms engineering background is essential. Civils or signalling-only backgrounds are unlikely to be suitable. The OKMS scope represents approximately 40–50% of the workload; however, candidates with a strong telecoms background will be able to support the role full time.

Key Responsibilities CEM Role & Engineering Management Act as Contractor's Engineering Manager, coordinating all engineering activities in line with the project programme and GRIP lifecycle Coordinate design and documentation deliverables to Network Rail Review and sign off all documentation submitted to Network Rail from delivery partners Manage and coordinate responses to Design Review Notes (DRNs), ensuring timely closure or document updates formally accepted by Network Rail Coordinate As-Built documentation where required Provide all required documentation for the Network Rail Health & Safety File, agreeing formats with Network Rail Provide IDC/IDR Certificates for GRIP stages 5, 6 and 7 (and 8 if required) Provide Engineering Completion Certificates (ECC) Documentation & Authoring Update and maintain the System Definition Update the Service Interface Register (SIR) with input from DDaT stakeholders Produce HSM performance reports to support NRAP Product Approval (templates provided) Maintain document control via JIRA, SharePoint and One Drive Assurance, Safety & Compliance Coordinate with TÜV (Independent Auditor) regarding Subset compliance reports Respond to auditor queries and provide supporting evidence as required Ensure progress towards compliance with applicable subsets, supporting independent assurance for handover Support completion and acceptance of SIT/SAT Safety Letter Run checks on outstanding LDO actions prior to certification sign-off Governance, Reporting & Meetings Attend:
Monthly Network Rail Contract Review meetings Monthly Human Factors Working Group meetings Chair:
Twice-weekly Engineering Delivery meetings Monthly Security Working Group meetings, reviewing security documentation, residual risks and emerging issues Reporting:
Provide a monthly metrics pack Provide a monthly technical debt report Security & PSO Awareness Maintain awareness of project security classifications, procedures and controls Identify, manage and escalate any security breaches promptly Support updates to security briefings and alignment with current organisational security marking systems Consult and adhere to Network Rail security correspondence and requirements Tools & Systems Obtain and use access to the following systems:
Network Rail eB (document control and DRN status) Network Rail Standards Portal Network Rail Teams JIRA (document control and WPM) SharePoint / One Drive (OKMS documentation) Project Environment The CEM will work closely with a multi-organisation delivery team including project management, service delivery, safety assurance, systems engineering, architecture, and security specialists. Essential Requirements CEM Certification (mandatory) Strong telecoms engineering background Experience delivering software-based, cyber-secure systems within regulated environments Proven experience working through GRIP stages, particularly GRIP 5–7

Experience with IDC/IDR, ECC, DRNs, and Network Rail governance processes Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and suppliers Comfortable working remotely with occasional on-site presence Desirable Rail industry experience Exposure to cyber security, key management systems, or access control solutions Experience working with independent safety or compliance auditors (e.g. TÜV)