Project Engineer

This role sits within Supply Chain Operations (SCO), an area of the business which supplies and delivers the logistics, materials, components, rail and road fleet that enable the maintenance and renewal of the railway.

Working with us is More than a Salary

SCO keeps the materials, machinery and components required by its customers moving – making sure they are on-site when needed so work can go ahead as planned and on schedule. Watch our video Working in Supply Chain Operations

Construction Services (CS) plans and delivers Overhead Line and Track Renewal’s Projects using the Overhead Line Engineering (OLE) Train, On-Track-Plant, and the Ballast Cleaning System (BCS). The team is committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects while embracing innovative, more efficient ways of working.

The Directorate is structured into five teams reporting into the Construction Services Director: Engineering, Planning, OLE Delivery, Track Delivery, and Programme Change. Works are planned and delivered using an internal Network Rail workforce, with Construction Services acting as Principal Contractor, Principal Designer, and POS approval holder.

During Control Period 7 (2024-29) Construction Services is remitted to plan and deliver Ballast Cleaning projects on North, West & Central and Network Rail High Speed Regions, and OLE renewals across North, West & Central Region.

The team operates nationally from its Crewe and Bletchley Construction Depots, with support roles based at Birmingham and Milton Keynes.

Construction Services (CS) - Engineering is composed of highly qualified engineers with years of experience in the rail sector, certified in multiple disciplines, and backed by strong problem-solving capabilities. We combine technical proficiency with an in-depth understanding of the rail industry’s evolving needs, delivering projects that are both timely and cost-effective ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. We specialise in managing the complete lifecycle of rail projects involving track, signalling and overhead line equipment (OLE). From planning to execution, our team ensures that our systems are designed, installed, and maintained to the highest industry standards. We oversee technical coordination, risk management, and compliance to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Key services include:

• Project Engineering Management for Track, Signalling & OLE (Overhead Line Equipment)

• Managing design integration and construction processes.

• Risk management, budget control, and regulatory compliance.

• Engineering & Construction Assurance

• On Track Plant Management & Assurance

About the role (External)

Are you ready to challenge the status quo and drive efficiency in rail project delivery?

We are seeking an exceptional Project Engineer (Overhead Line Equipment) to lead the charge in revolutionising how we deliver projects across the UK and to inspire the team in delivering a safe, quality, and efficient construction service to our Regional Customers, which differs from that available in the external supply chain., · Carry out the duties of Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE) for construction for specific projects.

· Implement Network Rail systems and procedures to maintain a cost effective, high quality, safe and environmentally responsible approach to design, construction, commissioning and other technical activities on relevant projects, compliant with all relevant legislation. Liaise with regulators and others as appropriate.

· Engineer Projects to the standards and specification of Network Rail, allocated design and construction contracts include reference to and are compliant with appropriate Railway Group and Network Rail Company standards, formal specifications and procedures

· Manage all engineering activities so that they result in schemes that are affordable and meet programme requirements in a safe and environmentally responsible manner for time, cost and quality.

· Maintain the use of relevant techniques and procedures of quantified and qualitative risk assessment and HAZOP analysis to allocated projects and manage the environmental aspects of allocated projects in accordance with Network Rail’s environmental policy..

· Provide project management advice in respect of all construction activities, including testing and commissioning and site supervision. Manage the design and/or construction elements of relevant projects meet the requirements of current legislation, including construction design management (CDM) regulations.

· Ensure Internal and contractor’s design/construction/specialists’ personnel are competent.

· Undertake reviews of design and/or construction activities. Arrange audits of contractors monitoring safety, environment and quality of design, construction, testing and commissioning and management systems is adequate.

· Identify and share best practice across the various project teams

· Establish a culture of continuous improvement within construction services that seeks to deliver improvements in safety, finance, and service performance year on year.

· Continually review the delivery programme and model to ensure maximum engineering benefit is returned via utilisation of the Overhead Line Engineering Train, and Ballast Cleaning System, If you would like any reasonable adjustments support during your application or throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcing Team who will happily assist.

Below are some examples of adjustments we can make:
1. Changing a provision, practice or ‘the way things are done’
For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online, tasks or interviews as needed.
2. Changing a physical feature of our workplace
For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
3. Providing extra equipment or assistance
For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available.

There are lots of other adjustments we can consider – please just ask!

The recruitment process will consist of shortlisted candidates being invited to take part in the following

This role is pivotal in meeting customer demands and budget expectations while fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement. You will be a strategic thinker, be able to influence at all levels and demonstrate your experience of safely managing large scale projects in construction or infrastructure environments, being familiar with Construction Design Management (CDM 2015)

Above all, your ability to communicate effectively at all levels and build relationships with both internal and external clients, wider SCO Teams, the workforce, and delivery partners will be key., · Successful relevant experience in engineering disciplines, ideally with involvement in construction and design projects across multi discipline areas.

· Technical qualifications to HNC/HND or equivalent GNVQ level.

· Knowledge of quality assurance.

· An understanding of the arrangements required for the independent assessment of work.

· CDM, risk assessment, auditing internal and external competency.

Desirable

· Membership of a relevant professional body with chartered status and/or educated to degree level.

· Knowledge of structuring safety cases in support of projects.

· An appreciation of environmental issues in engineering works.

· Six Sigma Yellow Belt.

· Project safety management experience

· Yellow book course, Personal Track Safety (PTS) is a set of safety regulations and procedures that individuals must adhere to when working on or near the tracks of the UK rail network.

We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.

Hours: up to 35 hours per week with hybrid working and travel as required. Flexible working and job shares can be considered. Working night shifts and weekend working will be a requirement of this role.

Salary range: Band 4C – £43,588 to £50,018 per annum depending on skills and experience.