Senior Rail Architect - WSP Architecture

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Health & Wellbeing programs

Gymflex scheme for gym memberships

Support for professional development

Employee resource groups for inclusivity

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Senior Rail Architect to deliver high-quality architectural designs for complex rail infrastructure projects in Cardiff. The role involves leading architectural design packages, coordinating across engineering disciplines, and mentoring junior team members. Ideal candidates will possess strong design capabilities, experience in rail or transport projects, and proficiency in CAD/BIM tools. Hybrid working arrangements and a supportive environment for professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in architectural design for complex projects.
• Ability to lead architectural design packages.
• Confidence in delivering and leading workstreams.
• Proactive, organized, and able to support junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support architectural design packages.
• Review and develop drawings and BIM deliverables.
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to bids when required.

Skills

Architectural experience on rail projects

Strong design and technical capability

Proficiency with CAD/BIM tools

Ability to communicate technical detail

Organised and solution-driven approach

Support for junior staff

ARB Registration

Tools

Bentley OBD/Aecosim

MicroStation

Revit

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…

As a Senior Rail Architect, you’ll play a key role in delivering high‑quality architectural design for complex station and rail infrastructure projects. You’ll work across feasibility, concept and design stages, helping develop creative and technically coordinated solutions within multidisciplinary teams. You’ll work closely with engineers and specialists across structures, MEP, fire, digital design, wayfinding and more to ensure our architectural outputs are robust, practical and integrated.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead and support architectural design packages on rail and station projects
• Develop and review drawings, layouts, reports and BIM deliverables
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure well‑aligned outcomes
• Participate in workshops, design reviews and client discussions
• Mentor and support junior team members
• Contribute to bids and new‑work opportunities when required

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Architectural experience working on rail, transport, infrastructure or similarly complex multidisciplinary projects
• Strong design and technical capability, with confidence delivering and leading architectural workstreams
• Proficiency with CAD/BIM tools (Bentley OBD/Aecosim, MicroStation, Revit or similar)
• Have an ability to sketch and communicate technical detail graphically and effectively as well as collaborate across teams
• A proactive, organised and solution‑driven approach
• Willingness to support junior staff and contribute positively to team culture
• ARB Registration

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

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.

With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 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 9,000 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 our 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.