Senior Rail Systems Lead - Integration & Delivery

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Associate/Associate Director – Systems to lead rail systems engineering and integration across major UK projects. You will provide technical leadership, define interfaces, and support governance and reviews with clients such as Network Rail and HS2.

Role combines leadership, client engagement, and delivery oversight, with growth contributions to WSP’s rail business and capability development in the UK.

Qualifications

• Proven experience within rail, metro, or light rail infrastructure in the UK.
• Track record in systems engineering, integration, or design assurance on complex projects.
• Experience across the full project lifecycle (design, construction, commissioning).
• Experience with major UK clients (Network Rail, HS2, or equivalent organisations).
• Strong client-facing skills to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on large-scale infrastructure programmes.
• Strong understanding of rail systems engineering, integration, and assurance within UK frameworks.
• Knowledge of relevant standards and approvals processes (UK rail standards and governance environments).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong capability in multidisciplinary coordination and interface management.
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to balance quality, risk, and delivery outcomes.
• Collaborative leadership style, with a focus on team development and delivery excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of systems engineering and integration activities across major UK rail and metro programmes.
• Provide technical leadership and assurance across design, integration, and delivery phases.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients including Network Rail, HS2, transport authorities, and major infrastructure stakeholders.
• Oversee the definition, management, and integration of system requirements across multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordinate interfaces across rail systems, civils, MEP, rolling stock, and operational environments.
• Support the application of systems engineering best practice, including digital and model-based approaches where appropriate.
• Lead and contribute to technical reviews, assurance processes, and governance frameworks.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, including clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities to support programme delivery.
• Contribute to business development, work winning, and bid activities.
• Mentor and develop high-performing teams and emerging leaders within the rail systems discipline.

Skills

Rail systems engineering

Systems integration

Client engagement

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Multidisciplinary coordination

UK rail standards

Design assurance

Commercial awareness

Education

INCOSE ASEP Certification

Chartered Engineer

Job description

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Associate/Associate Director – Systems to lead rail systems engineering and integration across major UK projects. You will provide technical leadership, define interfaces, and support governance and reviews with clients such as Network Rail and HS2.

Role combines leadership, client engagement, and delivery oversight, with growth contributions to WSP’s rail business and capability development in the UK.