Principal Systems Engineer

Alstom; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global mobility provider in Hatfield is seeking a Systems Engineer for developing and improving signalling systems. The ideal candidate will have experience with safety assurance processes and technical team management. Responsibilities include ensuring project standards are met and providing second-line support to customers. A relevant engineering degree and good knowledge of the railway environment are required, along with strong organizational and communication skills.

Benefits

Long-term career opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Flexible benefits package

Comprehensive competitive benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in systems engineering in the railway sector.
• Knowledge of UK railway safety approval processes.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles and tools.

Responsibilities

• Ensure delivery of standardized objectives on projects.
• Participate in new systems solutions development.
• Provide technical team management for Systems Engineers.

Skills

Systems Engineering Management

Computer and software literacy

Software development or scripting

Stakeholder liaison

Organisational skills

Decision making

Technical report writing

Education

MSc or BSc in a related engineering field

Job description

Job ID: 485603

Location: Hatfield (on-site)

Appointment Basis: Permanent

Apply by: 31/12/25

Salary: c70000p.a. (Depending on Experience) Benefits

At Alstom we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high‑speed trains, metros, monorails and trams to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day 80000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

Alstom is the UK & Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains and train services and a leading signalling and rail infrastructure provider. Alstom has built or is building just under 40% of the UK mainline train fleet; as well as the entire fleets in service with London Underground and Dublin Luas. We provide the widest range of smart solutions in the rail market from innovative high‑speed rolling stock, metros and trams to maintenance modernisation, infrastructure and signalling.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will participate in the development, adaptation, introduction and systems delivery elements of SSI and SMARTLOCK systems and processes (SML 400 MooN Smart Gateway SmartIO Support System Test Environment AutoTesting) for signalling systems in the UK. The role will also involve development and/or improvement of tools and processes within the business, including requirements capture, planning, specifications, design, implementation, testing and roll‑out. Assist in ensuring tools and processes remain fit for purpose and enable continuous improvement by leading regular reviews and proactively suggesting and implementing improvements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure delivery of standardised objectives and optimum systems solutions on allocated projects.
• Delivery of project solutions ensuring focus on reliability, maintainability and safety principles.
• Ensure conformity of projects to systems standards, agreed system architecture, client standards and company procedures.
• Participate in the development of new systems solutions.
• Support safety assurance on the application CSM on allocated projects/products including development of Generic and Specific Application Safety Cases.
• Work with the Systems Engineering Manager to establish matters of best practice.
• Provide systems input to tenders.
• Participate in systems integration project deliverables associated with sub‑systems and validate technical documentation to verify product and project compliance.
• Technical team management for Systems Engineers.
• Support the project in the field by providing second‑line product support to customers.
• Attendance at business and technical briefings.

Essential Skills

• Systems Engineering Management
• A degree of computer and software literacy.
• Software development or scripting experience.
• Ability to liaise with all stakeholders including customers, suppliers and project delivery staff.
• Organisational skills.
• Decision making.
• Technical report writing.

Qualifications

• MSc or BSc level education in an engineering related subject preferably control systems, electrical engineering, systems engineering or equivalent.

Experience

• Good knowledge of client and systems standards and legislation.
• Knowledge of the UK railway safety approval processes.
• Good knowledge of systems engineering principles and good understanding of relevant systems and software tools and the aptitude to develop skills further.
• Experience working in a railway systems engineering environment.

Desirable Skills

• Commercial and financial awareness.
• Virtualisation and Cloud Technologies.
• Microsoft Windows System and Domain Administration.

Additional Qualifications

• PTS (Personal Track Safety).
• Corporate Member of an engineering institute.
• IRSE Systems or Engineering Managers licence (Institute of Railway Signal Engineers).

Benefits

• Stability, challenges and a long‑term career free from boring daily routines.
• Collaborate with transverse teams and helpful colleagues.
• Contribute to innovative projects.
• Utilise our agile working environment.
• Steer your career in whatever direction you choose across functions and countries.
• Benefit from our investment in your development through award‑winning learning.
• Benefit from a fair and dynamic reward package that recognises your performance and potential plus comprehensive and competitive benefits (pension, life insurance, medical).
• Up to 52 weeks full maternity and adoption pay.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays with the opportunity to buy or sell holidays.
• A wide range of flexible benefits that you can tailor to suit your lifestyle.

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

Important to Note

Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential and individual differences are valued and respected. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status or any other characteristic protected by local law.

As a Disability Confident employer we will interview all disabled job applicants who match the essential criteria of the job description or specification. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.