Role: Engineering Manager

Location: Derby

Rate: £500 - £600 Outside IR35

SUMMARY:

Working as part of the Freight ETCS project, the Project Engineering Manager will operate within the Engineering team to provide direction to the Project Engineers working on the programme. The Freight ETCS project supports the rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS) across the UK Freight Fleet, covering locomotives at various stages of the lifecycle - including design, First-in-Class (FiC) installation, fleet production, and type testing.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Take a lead role within the Onboard Engineering team, ensuring all project deliverables are clearly understood and implemented in line with agreed schedules.

Develop and monitor engineering plans, tracking progress against budget and timelines. Take proactive, decisive action to resolve issues or delays.

Continuously identify and update resource requirements, working with resource owners to ensure efficient utilisation of engineering staff.

Collaborate with senior engineering leaders and Work Package Managers to improve delivery efficiency, encourage engineering excellence, and support the adoption of new processes, tools, and methods.

Provide technical insights and contribute to the selection of the most appropriate technical and commercial solutions based on project and environmental conditions.

ESSENTIAL:

ETCS, TPWS, AWS, GSM-R, Wi-Fi, CCTV, DAS

Proven experience delivering modification and installation projects on rail vehicles.

Track record of managing complex technical work packages to completion.

Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary teams.

Capability to define and interpret subsystem installation design requirements (e.g., specifications, scenarios, and rules).

Understanding of how to produce and review electrical and mechanical design documentation.

Experience in generating compliance and assurance documentation to meet project and regulatory requirements.

Familiarity with depot operations and site safety procedures.

Good understanding of the approvals process for returning modified trains to service.

Skilled in reviewing requirements, documenting feedback, and participating in reviews.

Ability to evaluate engineering deliverables for quality and consistency.

Experience managing subcontractors throughout the full project lifecycle.

Customer-focused approach in all engineering activities.

Knowledge of applicable quality and safety standards within the rail industry.

Strong communication skills across all business levels and stakeholders.

Proactive problem solver with innovative and creative thinking.

Highly motivated, dependable, and self-directed.

Willingness to work from Derby (3 days per week) and travel to partner sites in the Midlands as required.

DESIRABLE:

Familiarity with UK freight locomotive platforms.

Experience with the implementation of ETCS, CBTC, and GSM-R systems.

Exposure to operational and/or maintenance environments.

History of working in major subcontractor environments.

Experience in reviewing installation designs for adherence to standards and constraints.

Knowledge of maintenance-focused application design