Rail MEP Design Lead

Randstad Cpe London; London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the rail infrastructure sector is looking for an experienced MEP Rail Design Lead to manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex projects. This senior role involves engaging with clients, coordinating design efforts, and ensuring standards for sustainability and compliance are met. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive experience in MEP systems specific to rail environments, and a commitment to sustainable engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary MEP design teams.
• Contractual and commercial awareness in a rail environment.
• Experience working to RIBA and GRIP design stages.

Responsibilities

• Lead MEP design team for major railway projects.
• Act as primary liaison between clients and internal teams.
• Guide project teams through RIBA stages and ensure design compliance.

Skills

Leadership in MEP design

Client engagement

Sustainability standards

Knowledge of Mechanical systems

Knowledge of Electrical systems

Knowledge of Public Health systems

Education

Chartered Engineer or equivalent

Job description

• Job Title: MEP Rail Design Lead

  Location: UK (with potential for overseas involvement)
  Discipline: Mechanical, Electrical & Public Health (MEP) - Rail Building Services
  Level: Senior Leadership / Design Lead
  Projects: Major UK and international railway infrastructure projects

  Role Overview

  We are seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient MEP Rail Design Lead to head up the delivery of multi-disciplinary Rail MEP Building Services across complex and prestigious infrastructure projects. This is a leadership role, responsible for managing teams through the full project lifecycle, from concept design to RIBA Stage 4 / GRIP Stage 5.

  You will play a critical role in client engagement, design management, multi-disciplinary coordination, and delivery of sustainable engineering solutions. You'll be part of a dynamic environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of engineering excellence.

  Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the Mechanical and Electrical design team on major railway station projects.

  • Act as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, and the internal design team.

  • Coordinate and resolve design issues across MEP disciplines.

  • Ensure alignment of designs with project requirements, client standards, and industry regulations.

  • Guide project teams through RIBA Stages 1-4 / GRIP Stages 2-5.

  • Champion low-carbon, sustainable MEP designs that meet Net Zero Carbon targets.

  • Lead a collaborative, high-performing team and actively support staff development.

  • Provide technical direction and mentoring to junior engineers.

  • Interpret and deliver designs in compliance with Building Regulations (including Part L), British Standards, and relevant railway-specific standards.

  • Maintain awareness of contractual frameworks including Early Warnings, Employer's Instructions, and change control processes.

  • Support coordination between MEP and other disciplines (architectural, structural, civils, etc.)

  • Engage in knowledge sharing and global collaboration within WSP's broader business units.

  Skills & Experience Required

  • Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary MEP design teams in a rail or complex infrastructure environment.

  • Strong knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health systems in rail station environments.

  • Advantageous: Experience with Telecoms and Fire systems design.

  • Excellent client-facing and communication skills, with a strong track record of client engagement.

  • Thorough understanding of sustainability standards and Net Zero design principles.

  • Working knowledge of statutory and regulatory compliance, including Building Regulations.

  • Commercial and contractual awareness (NEC, early warnings, EIs, etc.)

  • Chartered Engineer status or working toward (CEng, MCIBSE, MIET, etc.)

  • Experience working to RIBA and GRIP design stages in the rail sector.

  nstruction stage

Required Qualifications

• Chartered or equivalent