Senior Project Engineer [Signalling]

Network Rail; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a Senior Project Engineer (Signalling) to join the Works Delivery team in the Southern Region. You will lead engineering assurance, ensure compliance with Railway Group and Network Rail standards, and provide technical leadership across multiple projects from design through construction and testing.

You'll oversee risk assessments, safety case development, and environmental compliance, while guiding Project Engineers and assuring contractor competence.

Qualifications

• Significant engineering experience across design and construction projects in a multidisciplinary environment.
• HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution, or progress towards professional registration.
• Experience managing engineering contracts and supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of safety case development, safety management and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of independent assessment and assurance requirements for engineering works.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards professional registration within the signalling discipline.
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt qualification.
• Understanding of environmental considerations within engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead signalling engineering assurance across a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Ensure all projects comply with legislative, Railway Group and Network Rail standards.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and support to Project Engineers.
• Embed engineering controls and best practice throughout project delivery.
• Lead risk assessments, HAZOP studies and environmental compliance activities.
• Monitor compliance with engineering, safety and project governance standards.
• Advise project teams on design, construction, testing, commissioning and CDM requirements.
• Assure the competence of contractors, designers and specialist suppliers.
• Conduct engineering reviews, audits and assurance activities to maintain safety and quality.
• Undertake Design and Construction Engineer and Design Construction Engineer responsibilities as required.
• Fulfil the duties of the Designated Project Engineer (DPE).
• Support accident investigations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project engineering

Supplier management

Safety case knowledge

Regulatory standards

Design/Construction oversight

DPE responsibilities

Accident investigations

Education

HNC in engineering

Professional institution membership

Chartered engineer status / towards registration

Job description

The Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) brings together industry-leading organisations to develop, mobilise and deliver a £9 billion renewals programme across the Southern region between 2024 and 2034. Through a shared commitment, collective expertise and integrated delivery, SRE will enhance the safety, reliability and performance of the railway for passengers, freight customers and communities.

The Southern Integrated Delivery (SID), which forms part of the SRE, is a fully integrated partnership between AtkinsRéalis, Network Rail, Octavius, VolkerFitzpatrick and VolkerRail. By combining our strengths, capabilities and knowledge, we take collective ownership of the renewals programme and work as one team to deliver outstanding outcomes. Together, we achieve success and share in its benefits.

About the role

As a Senior Project Engineer [Signalling] within Works Delivery (Wessex), you will join a dynamic team delivering a diverse portfolio of projects across the Southern Region. As a key delivery partner within the Southern Renewal Enterprise (SRE), Works Delivery plays a vital role in delivering railway heavy maintenance and renewals through a collaborative delivery model.

In this role, you will provide expert engineering leadership and assurance, ensuring signalling design, construction and testing activities comply with legislative, Railway Group and Network Rail standards. You'll oversee the application of engineering best practice across projects, while ensuring suitably qualified and experienced professionals are in place to safely manage and control signalling engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle.

What You'll Do

• Lead signalling engineering assurance across a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Ensure all projects comply with legislative, Railway Group and Network Rail standards.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and support to Project Engineers.
• Embed engineering controls and best practice throughout project delivery.
• Lead risk assessments, HAZOP studies and environmental compliance activities.
• Monitor compliance with engineering, safety and project governance standards.
• Advise project teams on design, construction, testing, commissioning and CDM requirements.
• Assure the competence of contractors, designers and specialist suppliers.
• Conduct engineering reviews, audits and assurance activities to maintain safety and quality.
• Undertake Design and Construction Engineer and Design Construction Engineer responsibilities as required.
• Fulfil the duties of the Designated Project Engineer (DPE).
• Support accident investigations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

This is afull-time permanent position.

Closing date: 2nd October 2026 - Late applications will not be accepted.

What's in it for you

Here are a few of the benefits we offer

• 28 day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
• Choice of pension schemes
• 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
• Gym Pass - access to gyms across UK.
• My Benefits platform - giving national and local retail discount

Your experience and skills

What you'll Bring

• Significant engineering experience, ideally across design and construction projects in a multidisciplinary environment.
• HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution, or progress towards professional registration.
• Experience managing engineering contracts and supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of safety case development, safety management and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of independent assessment and assurance requirements for engineering works.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards professional registration within the signalling discipline.
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt qualification.
• Understanding of environmental considerations within engineering projects.

Experience leading or supporting accident and incident investigations.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of the railway across the Southern Region. You'll work on a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects, applying your signalling expertise to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for millions of passengers and freight users. Joining Network Rail means being part of a collaborative and supportive team where your knowledge is valued, your development is encouraged, and your work will make a lasting impact on the UK's railway infrastructure.

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible.

You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.****

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

Geographical Area:

South East England (Not inside M25)

Closing Date:

02-OCT-2026

Job Category:

Engineering and Asset Management

Function:

Southern Region

Organisation: