ERTMS Programme Assurance Engineer

Ford & Stanley Recruitment; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment company is seeking a passionate ERTMS Programme Assurance Engineer to ensure regulatory, technical, and safety assurance for the ERTMS Freight Programme. This role involves managing compliance with Network Rail's standards and leading the Programme Assurance Strategy. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in rail assurance and excellent stakeholder management skills. The position offers a salary of £67,000 and a hybrid work location.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a rail assurance role within a complex rail systems environment.
• Knowledge of ERTMS/ETCS deployment assurance is essential.
• Understanding of the CSM-REA and related safety engineering processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the Programme Assurance Strategy.
• Interface with external stakeholders to secure APIS and PIU approvals.
• Identify and manage assurance-related risks.
• Provide assurance advice to suppliers and delivery teams.
• Oversee the development and approval of key documentation.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Safety assurance

Technical verification

Risk management

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent

Job description

ERTMS Programme Assurance Engineer Location: Flexible £67,000 Permanent

The Opportunity

The ERTMS Freight Programme is a nationally critical initiative that will deploy the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) across freight operations on the UK rail network. This complex, multi-stakeholder programme aims to enhance interoperability, safety, network capacity, and operational efficiency.

We are seeking a passionate and driven Assurance Engineer to manage all aspects of regulatory, technical, and safety assurance & verification. You will ensure the successful delivery of APIS (Authority to Place into Service) and PIU (Putting Into Use) approvals in line with Network Rail and industry standards. This is a great opportunity for an Assurance Engineer looking to step into a leadership role within a major rail programme. We value candidates with a strong foundation in rail assurance and a desire to develop their expertise further.

Responsibilities:

1. Lead the implementation of the Programme Assurance Strategy, ensuring compliance with Network Rail's assurance processes, including ESAC and the 4-SP framework.
2. Act as the primary interface with external stakeholders and relevant bodies to secure APIS and PIU approvals.
3. Identify and manage assurance-related risks, ensuring compliance with safety engineering best practices and system safety requirements.
4. Provide assurance advice to suppliers, delivery teams, and key stakeholders, advising senior leadership on assurance risks, issues, and compliance status.
5. Oversee the development and approval of key documentation such as Engineering Safety Management Plans (ESMP) and Hazard Records.

The Candidate:

You will be an experienced professional with a proven track record in a rail assurance role within a complex rail systems environment. Knowledge of ERTMS/ETCS deployment assurance and a strong understanding of the CSM-REA and related safety engineering processes are essential.

We seek someone who is strategic, methodical, and possesses excellent stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing and guiding teams across multiple organisations. The ideal candidate will be resilient, delivery-focused, and a confident communicator at all levels.

Desirable skills and experience include:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent
• Experience within major rail programmes (e.g., Digital Railway, ETCS Deployment, HS2)
• Knowledge of Network Rail's 4-SP and ESAC processes

Location: Hybrid and flexible

Salary: £67,000

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group is dedicated to people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through excellent recruitment, leadership, and mental fitness support. We assist clients in recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent across various sectors, from shop floor to executive levels.

• Ford & Stanley TalentWise: Specialising in blue-collar trade & technical services, permanent and temporary roles.
• Ford & Stanley Recruitment: Covering white-collar roles across all functions, with expertise in Digital, Rail Engineering, Civils & Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Logistics, both permanent and contract.
• Ford & Stanley Executive Search: Focused on Executive Search & Interim Solutions in the UK, North America, Middle East, and Europe.
• Ford & Stanley Genius Performance: Providing coaching, training, and performance enhancement for individuals and teams.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to fair recruitment practices and maintaining an inclusive environment, respecting all individuals regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, race, religion, or political beliefs.