Permanent Way (Track) Engineer

Permanent Way (Track) Engineer

Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants, and technical specialists. We work with purpose, using creativity and technical excellence to shape a better world.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Permanent Way / Track Design Engineer to join our multidisciplinary Rail team in Bristol. You’ll contribute to a diverse portfolio of rail projects, producing track layouts, technical studies, design options, calculations, and reports. You’ll bring civil engineering expertise to railway design and operations, collaborating across disciplines to deliver high‑quality outcomes.

Our Bristol Track Team is a close‑knit group within the wider Bristol Rail Team, part of the Mid‑West Transport Group. With around 30 professionals across Track, OLE, Civils, Depots, and project management, we work closely with other UK teams—especially Birmingham—and contribute to projects both locally and internationally. The Bristol office is home to over 250 multidisciplinary staff, offering a vibrant and collaborative environment.

This role offers excellent scope for personal and professional growth. You’ll deepen your track engineering and design management skills in a stimulating project environment, with opportunities for cross‑office and overseas placements. We’re committed to helping you thrive and expand Arup’s rail capability.

Is this role for you?

You’ll produce conceptual and detailed railway designs across all project stages, manage risks, and liaise with stakeholders. You’ll support the Track CRE in technical forums and client meetings, working within Bentley software and Common Data Environments. You’ll apply relevant legislation, standards, and codes, and contribute to a positive team culture with attention to detail and purpose.

You’ll plan and manage your own work and support others with minimal supervision. You’ll also mentor junior colleagues and act as a buddy for new starters, helping build a collaborative and inclusive team.

Our current projects include the Coleraine to Derry‑Londonderry Phase 3 Renewal, SESRO, Bakerloo Line Extension, and Cockfosters Depot.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
• Working towards or holding professional accreditation (IEng/CEng MPWI/MICE)
• Member of the Permanent Way Institution
• HND with relevant experience may be considered
• Postgraduate achievements (Diploma, PhD) are a plus
• Experience producing detailed track designs and calculations
• UK rail industry experience (international experience a bonus)
• Knowledge of track design principles, standards, and components
• Familiarity with Plain Line, S&C, drainage, formation, and installation practices
• Understanding of railway systems and asset interactions
• Experience with OpenRail, PowerRail, MicroStation Connect, and BIM tools
• Use of Common Data Environments (e.g., ProjectWise Explorer)
• Ability to work independently and supervise junior staff

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We also provide private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Equal Opportunity

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‑cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Drina.Zupanovicgerard@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering Services and Rail Transportation