Senior Design Engineer [Eng Mgmt]

Network Rail; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Train ticket benefits

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail in York is seeking an experienced Engineer to lead multidisciplinary design teams delivering integrated, safe and cost‑effective rail solutions. You will ensure projects meet time, budget and technical standards while working to Network Rail standards.

The role offers flexible/hybrid working arrangements, a Band 3C salary, and opportunities to shape major infrastructure projects. A recognised engineering qualification and safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent training is required.
• CEng / IEng or IRSE Principles Designer licence (or equivalent) preferred.
• Ability to develop design options and make informed decisions.
• Solid knowledge of rail engineering and related disciplines.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate across stakeholders.
• Awareness of life cycle stages of rail infrastructure.
• Capability in CDM2015, CSM-REA, risk assessment and auditing.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams to deliver integrated rail solutions on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with project clients, Asset engineers and stakeholders to refine engineering solutions.
• Prepare and review design proposals, technical reports, risk assessments, and documentation.
• Manage risks, costs, and scope changes while balancing performance and programme goals.
• Participate in design reviews, option workshops and stakeholder meetings.
• Oversee engineering assurance activities including design checks and cross-discipline coordination.
• Coordinate with contractors and suppliers to maintain momentum and resolve technical challenges.
• Support innovation and development of team capability through coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure safety, CDM/CSM and environmental requirements are central to decisions.

Skills

Team leadership

Rail engineering

Design coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Safety culture

Education

Engineering degree

CEng / IEng or IRSE Principles Designer licence

Job description

Who We Are
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
We also care about our lived environment, by applying \"Greener\" thinking around the railway system, including working with and developing sustainable products and projects, and adapting our railway network to our changing environmental needs.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

About The Role

Some of our great benefits:

• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered
• Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependant), with the option to buy/sell days
• Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs)
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact

Plus more....

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent
Location: This role is based in York (ICC).
This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered.
Band & Salary: Band 3C - £55,596 - £67,813 depending on skills and experience.

Your Experience And Skills

What does the average day look like?

No two days are the same in this role. You'll spend your time leading a team of designers and engineers to develop integrated, safe, innovative and cost-effective rail infrastructure and system solutions, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest technical standards.

A Typical Day Could Include

• Leading multidisciplinary design teams, providing technical guidance and ensuring quality outputs for allocated projects, and supporting other teams when required.
• Collaborating with project clients and sponsors, Asset engineers, and stakeholders (including Operations and Maintenance) to develop and refine engineering solutions that meet programme, operational and business requirements.
• Preparing and/or reviewing design proposals, technical reports, risk assessments and engineering documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practice.
• Managing project risks, costs and scope changes, balancing technical excellence with commercial and programme objectives.
• Participating in design reviews, option selection workshops and stakeholder meetings to drive projects through feasibility and development stages.
• Overseeing engineering assurance activities, including design checks, approvals and cross-discipline coordination.
• Working with contractors, consultants and suppliers to monitor performance, resolve technical challenges and maintain project momentum.
• Supporting innovation, continuous improvement and the development of team capability through coaching, training and knowledge sharing.
• Ensuring safety, CDM / CSM, and environmental requirements remain at the heart of all engineering and design decisions.

About The Team.

Engineering Services is a function within Route Services. We sit as a central team to provide national skills and activities which enable regions and industry partners to deliver the railway for our customers.

As a large central functional team which focus on engineering delivery, we have many roles, ranging from pure engineering to project management. We design and influence every part of the railway, including structures, track, traction power, level crossings, signalling and accessibility schemes which are essential to keep our stations moving.

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for a skilled, experienced and motivated Engineer, preferably with a background in the rail or infrastructure sector, to join our team at Network Rail. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in railway discipline infrastructure engineering design and an awareness of railway operations. You'll need to be confident working to Network Rail standards, able to manage multiple design tasks, and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders. A recognised engineering qualification is essential, along with a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Essential Criteria

• An engineering degree or equivalent industry-recognised training qualification.
• CEng / IEng or IRSE Principles Designer licence or equivalent relevant to the discipline.
• A demonstrable aptitude for option development.
• Strong evaluation and decision-making skills.
• A working knowledge of rail engineering; relevant successful experience working in the principal discipline and an adequate understanding of all other related disciplines.
• An ability to work and communicate effectively in a team context.
• An appreciation of all the life cycle stages of rail infrastructure.
• Capability in a CDM2015 role, CSM-REA, auditing and risk assessment competencies.

Desirable Criteria

• Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Membership of a relevant engineering professional institution.
• Experience in design, installation and maintenance.
• Formal qualifications in risk identification and assessment.
• Yellow book course.
• Experience in a NR Engineering Management role, i.e. Contractors Engineering Manager [CEM] and/or Designated Project Engineer [DPE]

Additional Information...

Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact [e-mail]

Closing date: 19th October 2026 On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.