Job Introduction

Are you passionate about sustainable transportation and a greener, cleaner, carbon-neutral future?

Do you have a working knowledge of electrical power systems?

Do you enjoy working with software and finding new ways to use power more efficiently?

If so, please read below as this may be the role for you!

In the traction power team, you will be contributing to the development of Network Rail’s decarbonisation strategy. You will develop systems to replace diesel trains with zero-carbon transport solutions. These include railway electrification, battery powered trains and renewable energy self-generation.

This is a varied and technically challenging role, you will work on projects that range from helping Crossrail to commission, to Scotland’s industry-leading Rolling Programme for Decarbonisation.

You will be modelling complex dynamic power systems and delivering a range of design outputs from conceptual to detailed design stage.

Main Responsibilities

To produce designs and specifications supporting the engineering development of allocated proposals, from clarification of remit (start of stage 2) to the completion of single option feasibility work and handover into detailed design (end of stage 4).

• Analyse development remits, to help maintain a robust challenge to sponsoring engineers and managers, and take part as required in value management and risk identification/ analysis activities.
• Undertake the development of suitable engineering options for a proposal giving full consideration to safety, reliability, operational capacity modelling, maintainability, ease of construction, and environmental/whole life issues. Engineering excellence is to be supported by:
  • Secure all relevant base data.
  • Review compliance with appropriate standards.
  • Use risk ID and evaluation methods as suitable, to evaluate and compare options.
  • Use feedback from all relevant past projects across the UK rail network, lessons learned etc.
• Maintain strict change control on scope development; evaluate cost, time and performance impacts in conjunction with development management.
• Participate in the selection of a single option for further development. Prepare or monitor preparation of reports, papers etc as necessary.
• Manage single option design as in (2) above.
• Prepare the full engineering data package required for commencement of the detailed design, and participate in answering clarifications/queries as needed.
• Support GRIP stages 2 to 4 in all associated duties and carry out cross-discipline engineering checks of all relevant aspects of the proposal, in association with engineers of other disciplines.
• Manage the engineering interfaces of allocated proposals with concurrent work in other disciplines, or within other programmes.
• Assist with training and mentorship of junior engineers and trainees.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate:

• Has knowledge of electrical power systems theory and modelling,
• Can understand and solve problems at a system and component level,
• Has some knowledge of software programming in MATLAB, Excel VBA or Python,
• Is willing to debug railway traction power simulation models,
• Understands electromagnetic theory and inductive coupling,
• Has a basic understanding of railway signalling systems and timetabling.

These are the essential things you will need to have:

• Industry related qualification or similar
• A demonstrable aptitude for option development.
• Strong evaluation and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of rail engineering; experience working in the principal discipline and an adequate understanding of all other related disciplines.
• An ability to work and communicate effectively in a team context.
• An appreciation of all the life cycle stages of rail infrastructure.

About The Company

We are committed to a diverse workplace enriched with representation from diverse cultures, backgrounds and skills. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where difference is embraced, and individuals can thrive. We recognise that the success of the team is dependent on a multi-cultural, multi-discipline group of individuals, aligned to deliver successful solutions.

At Network Rail, we have several of employee networks to reflect our diverse population and help to raise issues to the wider workforce and support their membership and support our Everybody Matters strategy, led by our central Diversity & Inclusion team. We have Diversity & Inclusion Champions who take part and lead on many activities, to drive through more initiatives to support an inclusive environment for all its people and promote a professional and positive working environment. For more information on Diversity & Inclusion at Network Rail, please follow this link

(External and Contractors) Drugs and Alcohol Standard:

Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard is changing as of 16.01.2023. All prospective candidates who have not been offered a conditional role by 16.01.2023 will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

Package Description

Vacancy Type: Full-time but flexible working patterns will be considered.

Duration: Permanent - There are 2 positions available

Location: London, Glasgow or Manchester

Closing date: 5th April 2023

Band & Salary: Band 5 - (£32,000 - £36,000)

We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions.

We offer excellent benefits, including:

• Flexible working patterns such as working from home and working compressed hours
• A range of pension schemes
• Healthcare Benefits
• Childcare voucher scheme
• Rail and underground season ticket subsidies up to 75%
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and volunteering days (5 days)
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• GymPass – Access to gyms across the UK
• Access to ‘My Benefits’ portal which include discounts in food, technology, and experience days

In 2021, we were voted as one of the Best Places to work in the UK.

Click ‘apply for this job’ to apply. If you would like to speak the Resourcing Team please contact Emily.Smith3@networkrail.co.uk

For further information of the role please contact Kaitlyn.Mair@networkrail.co.uk