Technical Head - Rail Control System

slihrms; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 500,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Annual flight contribution

Housing/transport allowances

Discretionary bonus program

Employee wellbeing program

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Technical Head - Railway Control Systems to provide strategic leadership across our Middle East rail programs. You will guide complex rail control solutions, oversee system architecture, and drive innovation while ensuring high-quality delivery and strong client relationships.

The role requires 15+ years in rail projects, expertise in ETCS/ERTMS, CBTC, and TMS, plus proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams and successful bids.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Engineering or a related discipline.
• 15+ years in rail systems across high-speed, conventional and metro railways, including ETCS/ERTMS.
• CBTC systems experience is preferred.
• Strong leadership of multidisciplinary projects and client management.
• Experience across assurance, approvals, and certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership across rail control systems and systems integration.
• Lead major bids, tenders, and procurement activities with both technical and commercial input.
• Oversee delivery of complex rail projects with scope, schedule, cost and quality ownership.
• Develop engineering teams, mentor staff, and promote knowledge sharing.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

System architecture

Rail project management

Bid & consultancy leadership

Communication & influencing

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a Technical Head - Railway Control Systems to provide strategic and technical leadership across complex our Middle East business, with our clients and on railway programs. This role focuses on delivering high-quality consultancy services across communications systems, control systems, signaling, systems integration, and operational control, while driving innovation, technical excellence, and business growth. As a senior leader, you will play a key role in shaping solutions, leading major bids within our governance framework, managing client relationships, and developing high-performing engineering teams.

Your role

Technical & Strategic Leadership

Act as a trusted technical authority and SME, providing strategic guidance to clients and internal teams. Lead development of complex rail control system solutions, ensuring best-in-class technical delivery. Provide oversight of system architecture, integration strategies, and operational concepts. Provide valuable experience and insight into other areas such as, but not excluslusively, contracting and technical deployment strategies, constructability and testing and commissioning. Proactively identify and resolve technical challenges and constraints.

Project Delivery and Operations and Asset Management

Lead and oversee delivery of major and multidisciplinary rail projects. Ensure delivery excellence across scope, schedule, cost, and quality. Manage critical system interfaces across signaling, telecoms, and infrastructure. Ensure compliance with assurance, approvals, and certification requirements. Lead and oversee delivery of operations and asset management assignments.

Business Development

Lead bids, tenders, and procurement activities, providing both technical and commercial leadership. Develop feasibility studies and strategic advisory inputs to support client decision‑making. Identify growth opportunities and strengthen AtkinsRéalis' market position. Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders.

Innovation & Systems Integration

Drive development and optimisation of railway operational concepts and system interfaces. Promote adoption of digital, communication, and advanced control technologies. Support innovation in areas such as smart mobility, data‑driven systems, and automation.

People, Competency & Capability Development

Lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams and technical specialists. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Support knowledge sharing and development of technical best practices. Contribute to strategic capability growth within the Rail Control Systems discipline.

About you

Essential Experience & Skills

• Degree-qualified in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience (15+ years) in rail systems across high-speed, conventional and metro railways, including one or more of: ETCS / ERTMS.
• CBTC systems.
• Train Management Systems (TMS).
• GSM‑R and telecommunications systems.
• Railway signaling and operational control systems.
• Strong expertise in system architecture, integration, and railway system performance.
• Demonstrated leadership of complex, multidisciplinary rail projects.
• Strong track record in senior stakeholder and client management.
• Experience across assurance, approvals, and certification processes.
• Experience in the management of equipment suppliers.
• Proven ability to lead technical bids and consultancy assignments.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-value assignments simultaneously.
• Chartered Engineer.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Experience working across international rail projects and markets.
• Experience of client and contractor organisations.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Knowleldge of rail control systems including: IP‑based networks, data centres, and cloud infrastructure.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI applications in rail systems.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive - at every stage of your life and your career. This includes:

• Tax‑free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Medical insurance.
• Annual leave balance.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Transportation & housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.
• Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're commi