Safety Engineer

Matchtech; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking a Safety Engineer with rail systems safety and assurance experience to support major rail and infrastructure projects in Birmingham and across the UK rail network. The role centers on developing safety assurance deliverables, managing hazards and ensuring compliance with UK rail legislation and standards.

The candidate will apply RSSB standards, lead HAZID/HAZOP workshops and work with multidisciplinary teams across design, delivery and assessment partners.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, safety, or a related discipline.
• Experience in rail safety, systems safety, or safety assurance.
• Familiarity with RSSB standards and UK rail legislation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain safety assurance deliverables for rail projects.
• Lead hazard management activities including HAZID/HAZOP.
• Prepare safety evidence and engage with clients and regulators.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams across design, delivery and operations.

Skills

Rail safety

Hazard analysis

Safety cases

HAZID/HAZOP

Stakeholder mgmt

UK rail standards

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Hazard tracking tools

Job description

We are seeking a Safety Engineer with rail systems safety and assurance experience to support major rail and infrastructure projects in Birmingham and across the wider UK rail network. The successful candidate will help develop and maintain safety assurance deliverables, manage hazards, support compliance with UK rail legislation and standards, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering, delivery, client and assessment teams.

Experience working with, applying, or interpreting RSSB standards, guidance, research outputs or industry good practice is essential. The role would suit a Safety Engineer, Systems Safety Engineer, Rail Assurance Engineer or Safety Consultant with experience in safety-critical rail environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and support project safety management and safety assurance activities across rail systems, infrastructure, operations or rolling stock projects.
• Prepare and maintain safety deliverables including Safety Plans, System Definitions, Hazard Logs, Hazard Records, safety requirements, safety arguments and Engineering Safety Cases.
• Support hazard identification and risk assessment activities, including HAZID, HAZOP, FMEA and other structured safety workshops.
• Apply RSSB standards, Railway Group Standards, Rail Industry Standards and relevant guidance to project safety assurance activities.
• Support compliance with CSM-RA / CSM-REA, ROGS, Railways Interoperability requirements and CENELEC standards such as EN 50126, EN 50128 and EN 50129 where applicable.
• Coordinate with design, engineering, operations, construction, testing, commissioning, maintenance and assurance teams to gather evidence and close hazards.
• Prepare safety evidence for independent assessment, client review, authorisation, acceptance and approvals processes.
• Engage with clients, assessment bodies, regulatory stakeholders and delivery partners to resolve safety and assurance issues.
• Review technical documentation, specifications, design changes and project outputs to identify safety implications and assurance requirements.
• Promote a proactive safety culture and ensure lessons learned, good practice and industry guidance are embedded into project delivery.
• Experience in a rail safety, systems safety, engineering assurance or safety assurance role.
• Practical understanding of RSSB standards, guidance, safety principles and their application within UK rail projects.
• Knowledge of hazard management processes and the ability to maintain hazard logs and safety records.
• Understanding of UK rail safety legislation, standards and assurance frameworks, including CSM-RA / CSM-REA and ROGS.
• Ability to produce clear, structured safety documentation, technical reports and assurance evidence.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with confidence working across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent experience in engineering, safety, systems engineering, transport, rail or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting major UK rail, light rail, metro, tram, HS2, Network Rail or transport infrastructure programmes.
• Familiarity with CENELEC lifecycle processes and safety integrity concepts.
• Experience acting as workshop facilitator or technical secretary for HAZID, HAZOP or safety review sessions.
• Experience supporting independent safety assessment, NoBo, DeBo, AsBo or other approval routes.
• Professional membership or progression towards membership of an engineering or safety body such as IET, ICE, IMechE, IOSH or SaRS.
• Experience with safety-critical systems, signalling, rolling stock, control systems, stations, depots, operations or railway infrastructure.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Analytical and methodical approach to safety risk management.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to challenge assumptions constructively.
• Confident communicator able to translate technical safety information for varied audiences.
• Collaborative working style with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Ability to prioritise workload across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, safety leadership and professional development.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on high-profile rail and infrastructure projects in Birmingham and across the UK.
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexibility depending on project needs.
• Support for professional development, technical training and chartership progression.
• Collaborative team environment with access to experienced rail safety and assurance specialists.
• Competitive salary or day rate, depending on experience and engagement type.