Senior Technology Engineer (Innovation/AI/Drones)

Senior Technology Engineer (Innovation/AI/Drones)

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive innovation in AI and drone technology to enhance safety and efficiency.
  • Company: Network Rail, a leader in transportation innovation.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, potential for permanent role, and diverse workplace culture.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on sustainability and cutting-edge solutions.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of tech innovation in rail, making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience with new technologies, drones, and strong technical mindset required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Senior Technology Engineer (Innovation/AI/Drones) for a 6 month contract based in Stratford, London (hybrid, minimum 2 days per week onsite).

Role Overview

This is a 6-month contract (with strong potential to convert to a permanent role), reporting into the Head of Innovation - Network Rail High Speed (HS1). The role will play a key part in driving the innovation agenda across the HS1 asset base, with a focus on reducing manual maintenance activity and introducing automation and emerging technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

As a Senior Technology Engineer, your main responsibilities will be to:

  • Drive automation of manual inspection and maintenance activities.
  • Support delivery of efficiency and performance targets across HS1.
  • Translate emerging technologies into scalable operational solutions.
  • Contribute to innovation-led transformation within asset management and maintenance.
  • Lead innovation projects from concept through to deployment.

Core Projects/Areas of Focus

  • Vision & Camera Technology: Deployment of cameras on passenger and engineering trains. Use of tools such as One Big Circle/AiVR for automated visual track inspections or Transmission Dynamics for OLE inspections.
  • Data & Analysis: Monitoring infrastructure behaviour (eg pantograph/OLE interaction and track performance) using software and machine learning techniques. Supporting data-led maintenance decisions.
  • Drone Technology (Key Focus Area): Inspection of hard-to-reach assets (eg ventilation shafts, steep embankments). Environmental monitoring and reporting. Potential use cases such as vegetation management.
  • Innovation Initiatives: Supporting a range of smaller R&D and digital transformation projects.

Essential:

  • Experience delivering or deploying new technologies or innovation projects.
  • Exposure to drones and/or remote condition monitoring solutions.
  • Strong technical/technology mindset (software/systems understanding).
  • Ability to operate autonomously and engage senior stakeholders.
  • Understanding of working in a regulated engineering environment.

Desirable:

  • Rail industry experience (engineering/asset management).
  • Experience with One Big Circle/AiVR or Transmission Dynamics.
  • Exposure to digital inspection, AI or automation technologies.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas. Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident: As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.

Armed Forces Covenant: Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.

Senior Technology Engineer (Innovation/AI/Drones) employer: Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing

Network Rail is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stratford, London, where innovation meets infrastructure. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and creativity, particularly in the fields of AI and drone technology. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance safety and sustainability across the rail network.

Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing

Contact Detail:

Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Technology Engineer (Innovation/AI/Drones)

Tip Number 1

Network and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or meetups related to innovation, AI, and drones. This way, we can get our name out there and potentially find opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies. We should be ready to discuss how we can drive automation and improve efficiency in the role. Practice common interview questions and have examples ready to showcase our experience.

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence! Update our LinkedIn profile to reflect our skills and experiences relevant to the Senior Technology Engineer role. Engage with content related to innovation and technology to show our passion and expertise.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! Tailor our application to highlight our experience with drones and automation technologies, and make sure to mention any relevant projects we've led. Let’s make it clear why we’re the perfect fit for Network Rail!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technology Engineer (Innovation/AI/Drones)

Automation of manual inspection and maintenance activities
Emerging technologies translation into operational solutions
Data analysis using machine learning techniques
Drone technology for asset inspection
Environmental monitoring and reporting
Experience with One Big Circle/AiVR
Experience with Transmission Dynamics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Technology Engineer role. Highlight your experience with innovation projects, drones, and automation technologies. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about driving innovation in the rail industry. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects in the past.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical mindset! Mention any relevant software or systems you’ve worked with, especially those related to AI, data analysis, or drone technology. We love seeing candidates who can bridge the gap between tech and practical application.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing

Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest technologies related to automation, drones, and AI. Brush up on tools like One Big Circle and AiVR, as well as any relevant software or machine learning techniques. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your technical mindset.

Showcase Your Innovation Experience

Prepare examples of past projects where you’ve successfully delivered new technologies or innovation initiatives. Highlight how you drove these projects from concept to deployment, especially in regulated environments. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate.

Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you can effectively communicate with senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve engaged with different teams in previous roles and how you can bring that experience to Network Rail. Strong communication skills are key in this role.

Understand the Industry Context

Familiarise yourself with the rail industry, particularly in asset management and maintenance. Knowing the challenges and opportunities in this sector will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to Network Rail’s innovation agenda.