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/Skills

• A 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 and maintenance, including the principles and standards governing rail systems.
• Experience in systems engineering and its application beyond system safety and interoperability.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies, including the Office of Rail and Road, and coordinating with clients, contractors, design consultants and independent assessors.
• Experience using and managing requirements management tools.
• Knowledge of construction practices and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
• Familiarity with engineering design standards applicable to the UK rail network, including relevant British and European standards.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop teams and foster cooperation across organisational boundaries.
• Experience facilitating system safety meetings, training sessions and workshops.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, plan workloads effectively and deliver across projects of varying complexity.

Why SYSTRA?

 

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

 

Flexibility

 

Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

 

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

 

Wellbeing

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions, to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

 

Apply and find out more about how Systra can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email:

reasonableadjustments@systra.com where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.

 

As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role – you could still be just what we are looking for.

Workplace Type

Hybrid