Senior Systems Engineer

hitachi; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Rail GTS UK Limited in London is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the design, development and maintenance of our signalling and rail solutions for bids and projects across the UK.

You will report to the Portfolio Engineering Delivery Manager and will mentor a diverse team, collaborate across functions, and contribute to architectural decisions, with a hybrid work pattern requiring two days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in systems development and rail engineering.
• Strong understanding of railway standards and processes.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of scalable rail systems for bids and projects.
• Provide technical input to architectural discussions and trade studies.
• Mentor engineers and support team delivery through PM processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define scope and specs.
• Ensure safety considerations per CDM regulations in designs.
• Coordinate with Portfolio EDM for status and forecasts.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Job description

Location: London, London, United Kingdom

Job ID: R0145024

Date Posted: 2026-10-14

Company Name: Hitachi Rail GTS UK Limited

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there's something for everyone to get stuck into. And that's where you come in.

Job Description

To support ongoing delivery and continued growth in our Signalling and Rail Solutions business we have an opening for a Senior Systems Engineer. This is your chance to work on bids and projects that redefine rail safety and performance across the UK.

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead the design, development and maintenance of our solutions for bids and projects, and be accountable for delivery of the associated work packages. You will contribute to architectural and key design decisions to ensure our solutions meet the requirements of our customers.

You will report into the Portfolio Engineering Delivery Manager (EDM) and will be required to provide support to team members through the application of mentoring and coaching.

This is a hybrid role working a minimum of two days per week from our offices in London, Birmingham or Cheadle. The exact location will depend on bid and project demands and will consider the selected candidate's location.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable systems solutions that meet the needs of our clients and stakeholders in the tram and light rail markets
• Act as a junior EDM and Work Package Manager (WPM), leading the team operationally with timely provision of status, accurate measurement of progress and forecasting of remaining work and by Identifying change, variation, risk and opportunity to the Portfolio EDM
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, define project scope, and develop technical specifications
• Provide technical input to architectural discussions, conduct trade-off studies and make recommendations on technology and tools
• Lead the design and development of solutions using industry best practice
• Develop and document technical elements of business cases to support project variations and future opportunities
• Undertake the role of Designer as identified in the CDM regulations, with particular attention to design risks. Ensure that safety risks are designed out or deemed as low as reasonably practicable
• Troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions
• Provide independent peer review and checking of systems designs
• Understand and lead the project delivery processes, methodologies, and use the defined tools as set out in the Business Management System and the project specific Engineering Management Plans

Technical Skills and Experience

• Strong communication, stakeholder management, motivation and inter-personal skills
• Strong leadership capability, with ability to build and sustain strong working relationships at all levels
• Ability to lead, manage, mentor and coach a diverse team.
• Extensive experience in systems development, with a strong understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies
• Understanding of the operational realities of the railway and familiarity with its standards and processes
• Proven experience in designing and developing complex systems applications from concept to production
• Experience with train or tram systems integration will set you apart from other candidates
• Familiarity with Network Rail and/or Transport for London's governance, assurance, and technical requirements is preferable
• Solid understanding of systems architecture, architecting techniques and design patterns, and rail-related technical specialisms
• Sound ability to use design tools to produce complex designs
• Ability to define engineering delivery methodologies
• Able to define and manage configuration control

Human Skills

• Mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on systems design principles, engineering techniques, and best practices
• Stay updated on emerging technologies, trends, and industry best practices, and apply them to enhance our solutions
• Excellent communication skills in all forms and at all levels
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team
• Excellent stakeholder management
• Excellent problem-solving ability, trade-off skills and attention to detail

What to expect

We aim to complete a one-stage interview process, which would preferably be held at a Hitachi Rail office. The interview will focus on both technical and behavioural competencies. Reasonable adjustments are available with prior notice so please let the TA partner know if this would be necessary.