ERTMS Lead Engineer

Freightliner; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An award-winning logistics operator is seeking an ERTMS Lead Engineer to oversee engineering functions within the ERTMS Programme. This role involves managing the technical governance of systems and ensuring compliance with regulations, while also leading a team and enhancing system performance. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Engineering, project leadership experience, and strong communication skills.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Final-salary pension scheme

Enhanced maternity & paternity pay

Life assurance scheme

Health treatment reimbursement

Qualifications

• Experience with rolling stock engineering and ERTMS-related systems.
• Deep understanding of UK and European regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ERTMS Engineering function and manage interfaces with stakeholders.
• Ensure designs meet contractual and regulatory expectations.
• Produce and maintain the Engineering Management Plan.

Skills

Project Leadership

Communication

Engineering Management

Education

BEng in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

CEng status

Job description

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Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Freightliner was recently voted Rail Freight Company of the Year at the 2024 Multimodal Awards. We are a proud WORK180 endorsed employer for women, highlighting the company’s commitment to increased diversity and a supportive work culture for all employees.

ERTMS Lead Engineer

Who are we looking for?

An opportunity has arisen for a Lead Engineer to join the ERTMS Programme Team. The purpose of this role is to lead Freightliner’s Engineering function for the ERTMS Programme, including technical governance of ETCS fitment to rolling stock. The post holder will be responsible for the development and delivery of the Programme Engineering Strategy as defined by Freightliner and the wider ECDP Programme. They will ensure that designs meet contractual and regulatory expectations, provides specialist engineering expertise and oversight, and acts as the engineering representative for internal and external stakeholder engagements across the European deployment landscape.

On your first day, we’ll expect you to have:

• BEng or equivalent in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering; CEng status preferred.
• Experience with rolling stock engineering and ERTMS-related systems.
• Deep understanding of UK and European regulatory and assurance frameworks.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrated project leadership in complex, high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environments.

What your key responsibilities will be:

• Manage engineering interfaces with Network Rail ERTMS Programme, manufacturers and equipment suppliers, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.
• Deliver Freightliner’s First in Class engineering obligations and represent the company at Lead Engineering Forum and other associated sub-groups and working groups.
• Validate supplier-produced ETCS designs and ensure alignment to agreed technical specifications and requirements.
• Coordinate system assurance, risk controls, and compliance activities in line with CSM-RA, RIR, ROGS, and Railway Group Standards.
• Monitor engineering risk profiles and resolve technical queries throughout the programme deployment lifecycle.
• Produce and maintain the Engineering Management Plan and contribute to delivery progress reports.
• Support internal business change activities and operational readiness requirements for on-board system implementation.
• Collaborate with FOCs to improve ERTMS performance, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and shape training programmes.
• Ensure continuity of business operations during transition to ERTMS systems.
• Directly manage the ERTMS Engineering team, promoting accountability, learning, and succession planning.
• Provide SME support and guidance to Freightliner’s Head of Programme Delivery.

KPIs and Performance Measures:

• Timely completion of engineering deliverables and approvals.
• Risk mitigation success and assurance pathway completion.
• Programme alignment with freight operational requirements.
• Effective technical stakeholder engagement and satisfaction.
• Quality leadership, team management and development outcomes.
• Delivery against First in Class fitment and fleet fitment objectives.

Our perks and benefits:

Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer considerable career progression, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside:

• Competitive pay
• Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Access to the company's life assurance scheme
• A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on new cars.

The successful candidate will be expected to work unsupervised and on own initiative at times. This role requires occasional domestic travel, including occasional overnight stays away from home.