Senior/Principal System Safety Engineer - Rail

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking System Safety Engineers to join our SEIA group across the UK to work on challenging rail projects. You will provide safety guidance under a senior team, lead small projects with mentorship, and contribute to safety documentation and risk assessments.

We value collaboration with clients and internal teams to develop design standards and requirements, with opportunities for Chartered Engineer progression and professional development within a supportive, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in a technical engineering discipline or extensive relevant experience.
• Post-graduate experience in system safety engineering (rail desirable).
• Corporate membership with SaRS, IET, or IMechE.
• Professional registration or working towards Incorporated/Chartered Engineer.
• Familiarity with Engineering Safety Management (iESM or Yellow Book).
• Knowledge and experience applying CSM-RA Regulation on UK rail projects.
• Background in mainline or metro railway disciplines (signalling, telecoms, E&P).

Responsibilities

• Provide system safety support and guidance on rail projects under senior team.
• Lead on smaller projects with mentorship, including Hazard Identification/Risk Assessment workshops.
• Prepare System Definitions, Safety Plans, Hazard Records and Safety Justification Reports (CSM-RA).
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to develop designs, standards, specifications, and requirements.
• Act as Project Manager for smaller projects with senior team support.

Skills

System safety engineering

Rail domain knowledge

CSM-RA familiarity

Engineering Safety Management

Project management

Education

Technical engineering degree

Professional registration (Incorporated/Chartered)

Tools

iESM or Yellow Book

CSM-RA knowledge

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role…

Providing system safety support and guidance to our clients on large, complex projects under the direction of our senior team.

• Taking a leading role on smaller projects, under the mentorship of our senior team. This could include:
• Planning, supporting, and if required, chairing Hazard Identification and / or Risk Assessment workshops.
• Preparing System Definitions, Safety Plans, Hazard Records and Safety Justification Reports; demonstrating the application of CSM-RA for rail projects that deliver technical, operational and/or organisational change.
• Working collaboratively with our clients and internal teams in the development of designs, technical standards, specifications and requirements for rail projects.
• Acting as Project Manager for smaller projects, with the support of our senior team.

A Little More About Your Team…

WSP’s System Engineering, Integration and Assurance (SEIA) Group enables integrated, reliable and safe solutions using a holistic approach and proven methodologies delivering benefits, value and confidence to clients and all stakeholders throughout the lifecycle.

We are looking for System Safety Engineers to join our highly reputable team based at London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham. This role provides a fantastic career opportunity to work on some of the most challenging and complex UK and international rail projects, whilst developing your skills and experience under the guidance and mentorship of our industry-recognised senior team.

What We Are Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• A degree in a technical engineering related discipline, or extensive relevant experience.
• Relevant post-graduate experience ; in system safety engineering (rail desirable, but not essential).
• Corporate membership with an appropriate professional institution (e.g. SaRS, IET, IMechE).
• Professional registration, or working towards registration, as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer.
• Familiarity with Engineering Safety Management (e.g. iESM or Yellow Book).
• Knowledge and experience in the application of the Common Safety Method on Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-RA) Regulation on UK rail projects.
• Knowledge and background in a mainline or metro railway discipline, e.g. signalling, telecoms, E&P.

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge and experience in the application of CENELEC EN 50126/8/9.
• Familiarity with EN50121 (EMC) and cyber security.
• Experience as an assessor (either Independent Safety Assessor or with an Assessment Body).
• Experience and / or formal qualifications in project and commercial management.
• Experience in the consultancy environment.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.