Examination Engineer

Location

Eastern (Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk)

Permanent

As a Tunnel Examining Engineer you will lead the safe, compliant, and technically robust delivery of tunnel examinations across the Network Rail estate. Your work will focus on tunnel lining condition, ground movement, water ingress, drainage performance and geotechnical hazards. You’ll work with autonomy and confidence on site, using your judgement to make thoughtful real‑time decisions and ensuring examinations are delivered to a consistently high standard.

You’ll also create clear, evidence‑based reports that accurately reflect tunnel condition and behaviour and, where competent, support STE2 technical reviews and contribute to the improvement of examination methods, digital tools and reporting processes.

Safety Leadership

• Foster safe working behaviours in tunnel environments, ensuring all safety‑critical controls are in place.
• Maintain dynamic risk assessments and pause work where controls are inadequate.
• Apply Ground Control procedures and Network Rail standards, including /L3/CIV/006.

Examination Delivery

• Lead on‑site tunnel examinations, coordinating teams and specialist suppliers inclusively.
• Provide thoughtful technical input during planning, including hazards, constraints and access considerations.
• Examine linings, portals, shafts and water management systems.
• Make balanced, real‑time decisions on approach, sequencing and additional observations.

Technical Judgement & Escalation

• Identify and assess defects, deformation, water‑related deterioration and geotechnical risks.
• Escalate urgent issues and recommend mitigation, monitoring or further investigation with clarity and care.

Reporting & Data Quality

• Produce accurate, timely, evidence‑based reports using MS Word, Excel and the Ground Control Reporting System.
• Support STE2 technical reviews where appointed and competent.

Innovation & Improvement

• Contribute to the development and testing of improved examination methods, digital workflows and evidence‑capture standards.
• Share constructive feedback from site delivery to help refine tools and processes.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Build positive working relationships with Network Rail, internal planning and engineering teams and specialist suppliers.
• Communicate progress, constraints and emerging risks clearly, respectfully and professionally.

General Duties

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, teamwork and professionalism.
• Work nights, weekends and unsociable hours due to rail access constraints.
• Take care of vehicles, PPE and inspection tools, reporting defects promptly.

• Current STE2 and STE6 competence with demonstrable experience leading tunnel examinations or inspections.
• Level 4 qualification in Engineering, Surveying or equivalent technical discipline (mandatory).
• PTS (Personal Track Safety).
• First Aid certificate.
• Full UK driving licence.

• COSS and/or IWA.
• Confined Spaces (Medium Risk) and Working at Height.
• IRATA (Rope Access), PASMA, IPAF 3a and 3b, and LOLER awareness.
• IOSH (or equivalent safety qualification).
• Eng Tech membership (or working towards) with a relevant professional institution (e.g. ICE).

Career Development Focus:
We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training and tailored development programmes, including our GC Leadership Academy, job‑specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

Exciting Growth Opportunities:
Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment:
Work in a supportive, engaging and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package:
Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including 23 days holiday (increasing with length of service), bank holidays, yearly bonus scheme, share options, robust pension scheme, Medigold employee support, free flu jabs, online private GP service, free or subsidised national gym memberships, employee recognition scheme and 2 personal choice volunteering days.

Ground Control is a UK‑based…