Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Alstom; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport solutions provider is seeking a Vehicle Dynamics Engineer to join their team in Derby. This permanent position involves engaging in the design and development of lightweight Very High Speed bogies for the HS2 project. Candidates should hold a Mechanical Engineering degree and possess substantial Railway Dynamics experience. Responsibilities include applying internal guidelines, conducting simulations, and ensuring quality deliverables. The role offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and development.

Benefits

Comprehensive social coverage

Flexible benefits

Up to 52 weeks maternity/adoption pay

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• High level of experience in Railway Dynamics.
• Good knowledge of Mechanical vibrations and dynamics behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Apply Railway Dynamics Instructions and Guidelines.
• Conduct Railway Dynamics Technical Specification analysis.
• Perform standard Railway Dynamics simulations.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Railway Dynamics experience

Multi-Body System knowledge

Mechanical vibrations understanding

Problem solving

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree (MSc)

Tools

Simpack

VAMPIRE

Matlab

SIMULINK

Job description

Req ID: 498753

Location: Derby

Appointment Basis: Permanent

Apply by: 19/12/2025

Salary: circa £53,000 DOE plus bonus

At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, 80,000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

Your future role

The Derby railway dynamics team is actively engaged in the design and development of a lightweight Very High Speed (VHS) bogie for the High Speed 2 (HS2) project. The focus of the team is to produce a bogie that meets the demanding requirements of VHS operation, prioritising reduced weight and improved dynamic performance.

In addition to the VHS bogie development, the Derby railway dynamics team is involved in supporting the development of new rail commuter platforms for the UK, alongside delivering Monorail projects internationally.

As a Vehicle Dynamics Engineer, you will participate in project/offer development through the application of internal procedures, instructions and guidelines of the domain. Day-to-day, you’ll work closely with teams across the business for Complex Multi-Body Simulation (MBS) calculations, requiring interdisciplinary approach. You’ll analyse flexible bodies, safety to cross wind, Wear and Rolling Contact Fatigue, Fatigue loads definition and Complex MBS/Simulink co‑calculations, such as active and semi‑active suspensions, tilting system, drive line, other active systems and much more.

We’ll look to you for:

• To apply the Railway Dynamics Instructions and Guidelines in carrying out the Pre‑Project, Project or R&D tasks
• To perform the Railway Dynamics system Technical Specification analysis (Customers, Platform, etc) and prepare Clause‑by‑Clause analysis
• GAP Analysis for the Railway Dynamics domain between the indicated solution, in terms of Tech spec. requests, Design Data and Normative, and the reference solution
• To support the project teams to define and write Railway Dynamics Management Plan and Technical Requirements Specification (including both Integrator site and Components/Bogie site tasks)
• Highlight any missing data or other missing inputs
• RISK analysis on the assumptions (in case of missing data) for the Project, Pre‑ProjectPrepare the Matrix of tasks and budget necessary, considering all phases of the project (including the support for the certification and acceptance phase)
• Carry out the standard Railway Dynamics simulations for the Pre‑Project and Projects
• Carry out the activities related to Bogie Monitoring System (BMS) and Condition Based Monitoring (CBM), in collaboration with system engineering
• To lead and manage R&D actions in the context of simulation methodologies in the domain, including the management of the resources involved and respect of Quality/Cost/Delivery targets
• Provide Support to burning issues on on‑going projects or revenue service
• Accounts for the final result towards the project team.
• Reports to the project team whether any criticality or problems come out from their activities
• Support Chief engineer métier and Core Competency Network (CCN) leader with continuous REX to improve the relevant methodologies/guidelines
• Support the function in the development and deployment of the new processes and new technologies
• Support for updating and/or developing of Metier instructions

All about you

We value passion and attitude over experience. That’s why we don’t expect you to have every single skill. Instead, we’ve listed some that we think will help you succeed and grow in this role:

• Mechanical Engineering degree (MSc) or equivalent experience
• High level of experience in a Railway Dynamics departments in industry sector or R&D research in the railway dynamics and Mechatronics domain.
• Good knowledge of the Multi-Body System (Simpack, VAMPIRE or others)
• Good knowledge of mechanical vibrations, Track‑vehicle system and impact on dynamics behaviour; knowledge on train system engineering.
• Knowledge of mechanical design and calculation, in particular on bogie mechanical and suspension components such as: primary and secondary suspensions; elastic elements and dampers; Finite Elements theory, System Engineering process.
• Knowledge in modelling and control of active systems in Matlab/SIMULINK
• Knowledge of sensors used in Mechatronics and Railway Dynamics (Bogie Monitoring System, Condition Based Monitoring, etc)
• Railway Dynamics International Standards knowledge
• English conversational/writing/reading advanced level mandatory
• Problem solving skills

Things you’ll enjoy

Join us on a life‑long transformative journey – the rail industry is here to stay, so you can grow and develop new skills and experiences throughout your career.

You’ll also:

• Enjoy stability, challenges and a long‑term career free from boring daily routines
• Collaborate with transverse teams and helpful colleagues
• Contribute to innovative projects
• Utilise our dynamic, inclusive, and safety‑focused working environment
• Steer your career in whatever direction you choose across functions and countries
• Benefit from our investment in your development, through award‑winning learning
• Benefit from a fair and dynamic reward package that recognises your performance and potential, plus comprehensive and competitive social coverage (life, medical, pension)
• Up to 52 weeks full maternity and adoption pay
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy or sell holiday
• A wide range of flexible benefits that you can tailor to suit your lifestyle

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

Equal opportunity statement

Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local law.

As a 'Disability Confident' employer, we will interview all disabled job applicants who match the essential criteria of the job description or specification. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

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