Senior Communications Engineer

VVB delivers sustainable mechanical, electrical, and telecommunication engineering solutions with expertise and long-standing experience across Rail, Highways, Power, and Tunnels. Combining robust processes with specialist agility, our approach to projects always prioritises the best interests of our clients, our people, and the environment. At VVB, our CORE Values define who we are, guiding our behaviours and decision-making across all levels.

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) to lead and assure SISS Communications deliverables across multiple projects within the Southern Framework. This role requires a formal appointment as a CRE in accordance with Network Rail standards, made by the VVB CEM and NR DPE. Additionally, the successful candidate will provide support to communications design and construction teams, ensuring successful project delivery in line with HSE, programme, quality, and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead multiple small engineering teams to deliver communications scope of work for railway projects, including station and lineside infrastructure, in compliance with Network Rail (NR) and British standards.
• Author cause and effect documents to facilitate Testing & Commissioning (T&C).
• Develop Testing & Commissioning strategies for station and lineside communications equipment.
• Author work package plans and task briefing sheets in accordance with NR standards.
• Participate in and, when required, chair IDC/Rs, CSM, HazID, HazOP, and HazCON meetings.
• Provide engineered solutions to project challenges while meeting client expectations, project constraints, and budget considerations.
• Work closely with CAD/BIM teams to ensure accurate drawing modeling and clash detection.
• Undertake temporary SISS design tasks as needed.
• Engage with manufacturers to assess product suitability in collaboration with procurement.
• Attend FAT and SAT inspections to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Conduct site surveys and visits for project purposes.
• Liaise with subcontractors to confirm construction and design suitability, work methodology, and resolve installation challenges.
• Maintain thorough documentation and commissioning logic for progressive assurance.
• Work with the commercial department to track technical or design changes and variances.
• Coordinate with the planning department to manage design, installation, and T&C schedules, providing accurate forecasts and readjustments.
• Oversee subcontractor works, supporting the commercial team in valuation and contract matters.
• Stay updated with relevant engineering, construction, and legislative standards.
• Author and approve Quality Assurance documentation in line with VVB and NR project procedures (ITP, QADs, etc.).
• Generate SHE documentation in compliance with VVB and NR procedures (WPP, TBS, RAMS, etc.).
• Fulfill assurance requirements in line with NR and third-party procedures.
• Lead the appointment of Testers In Charge (TIC).
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of NR standards NR/L2/RSE/02009 and NR/L1/TEL/30100.

Line Management Duties:

• Manage communications engineering teams.
• Generate shift reports and other T&C documentation.
• Review and manage team time allocation and performance.

Person Specification:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Essential: Strong knowledge of relevant communications installation legislation and standards, BIM and design modeling standards. Understanding of T&C and design processes, including compliance requirements. Advanced proficiency in MS Office, including Excel. Experience with MS Project or P6. Hands-on knowledge of systems such as Public Address, CIS (including SoD and CIS), Station Clocks, LAN equipment, SCADA, CCTV, Fibre Cabling, FTN, Train Dispatch Systems. Familiarity with TOC and broadband provider interfaces. Awareness of implications of offsite construction on design.
• Desired: Experience with Bentley (or equivalent BIM product), AutoCAD, Microstation, or Revit. Experience with Asite and Assetwise. Sustainability awareness.

Qualifications:

• Essential: Degree in Communications Engineering or equivalent. Engineering Council Registration as an Incorporated Engineer. Membership with IMechE, IET, CIBSE, or another recognized Engineering Council Institution. CSCS Card (AQP or PQP minimum). Full UK driver’s license. Sentinel with PTS.
• Desired: Master’s Degree in Communications Engineering. Chartered Engineer status. Project management qualification (APM, PRINCE 2, or equivalent). NEBOSH Construction Certificate, SMSTS, SSSTS, or IOSH Managing Safety. C&G 2381.

Competencies & Behaviours:

• Essential: Strong leadership and people management skills. Collaborative approach to work. Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks efficiently. Decisive and effective under pressure. Flexible, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on project and business objectives. Willingness to travel and work outside of regular hours when required.
• Desired: Good contractual and commercial awareness. Ability to mentor apprentices, graduates, and engineers. Educating and liaising with other departments on technical matters.

Experience:

• Essential: Minimum of seven years' experience in a similar communications role. Experience in infrastructure/construction environments. Strong background in communications design. Previous experience as a TIC. Familiarity with offsite construction, modularisation, pre-fabrication, and DfMA. Experience working within an M&E Contractor and Network Rail environments.
• Desired: Previous experience on Network Rail projects. Large railway station project experience. Experience in commissioning. Previous experience as a Network Rail CRE.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

VVB values the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all prospective and current employees with dignity regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All employees must demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm in promoting the principles of equality in employment and service delivery.