Lead Project Engineer - Washwood Heath - Rail Systems

Role Overview

We are supporting a nationally significant rail infrastructure programme with the appointment of a Lead Project Engineer to play a central role in the delivery of a major new railway depot at Washwood Heath. The depot represents one of the largest and most complex rail system facilities delivered in the UK in recent decades, forming a critical operational and testing hub within the wider programme.

It is being delivered as a distinct 6–8 year programme of work within a larger infrastructure portfolio, with the principal delivery contract expected to be awarded in spring 2026. This role is positioned as the single technical point of contact for the successful contractor and will guide the depot through its full lifecycle, from detailed design, through construction, testing and commissioning, and ultimately into operational readiness.

The post holder will lead technical assurance, system integration and interface management across multiple railway systems and disciplines, ensuring delivery in line with contractual, statutory and technical requirements. The role has a strong systems engineering focus, requiring a clear understanding of how power, controls, communications, Mé and operational systems and other railway assets mesh together as a coherent whole.

• Lead risk‑based technical assurance.
• Coordinate interfaces across contracts and disciplines.
• Discharge formal CDM 2015 and NEC supervisor duties.
• Manage technical change and support cost, programme and readiness decisions.
• Work closely with commercial, project management and environmental teams, and senior engineering leadership.

• Experienced systems or railway engineer with a strong background in complex infrastructure environments.
• Capability to operate across multiple system boundaries rather than within a single technical silo.
• Experience of large depots, operational facilities or system integration environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and assurance capability.

• Salary: £74,500 – £92,400 per annum.
• Pension: 12%.
• Hybrid working (3 days office Birmingham).