Principal Engineer; Systems Safety

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

Context We are seeking a Principal System Safety Engineer to lead the delivery of system safety, interoperability and regulatory compliance across major rail infrastructure programmes. Working within a multidisciplinary, multi-contractor environment, you will provide strategic leadership and assurance throughout design, construction, integration, commissioning and entry into service. You will work closely with engineering and operational teams, clients, delivery partners, independent assessors and regulators to ensure that railway systems meet safety requirements, interoperability regulations and technical compatibility requirements between vehicles and infrastructure.

Missions/Main Duties Lead and coordinate system safety and interoperability activities, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulatory requirements and relevant company and client standards.

Develop and manage the system safety and interoperability delivery strategy, addressing complex interfaces, phased entry into service and the requirements of multiple operators and end users.

Manage the System Safety and Interoperability Team, aligning priorities, resources and deliverables with programme requirements and technical assurance objectives.

Work closely with Network Rail, clients, contractors, designers, assessment bodies and the Office of Rail and Road to coordinate assurance activities and resolve safety and interoperability issues.

Oversee the application of the Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-RA) and the Railway Interoperability Regulations throughout the project lifecycle.

Maintain the project Hazard Record and oversee the production of safety plans, system definitions, management plans, National Technical Specification Notices (NTSN) compliance matrices, safety reports and safety justification documents.

Coordinate and review evidence demonstrating compliance with system safety, interoperability and technical compatibility requirements.

Assess changes from a system safety perspective, ensuring that risks are identified, evaluated and appropriately managed.

Lead and facilitate hazard identification, hazard review and hazard and operability workshops, promoting effective design risk management across project teams.

Monitor and audit project activities and work packages to assess compliance, identify delivery risks and capture lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.

Provide technical advice, guidance and leadership on system safety, interoperability and regulatory matters.

Develop and deliver training, workshops and briefings for internal teams and external delivery partners.

Profile/SkillsA relevant engineering degree or equivalent industry experience, with Chartered status.

Experience delivering major infrastructure projects across the full lifecycle, ideally within the rail sector.

Strong practical knowledge of CSM-RA and the Railway Interoperability Regulations, including their application within large, multidisciplinary programmes.

A sound understanding of railway engineering design, operations…