Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead civil and structural rail projects, ensuring engineering excellence and compliance.
- Company: Respected rail design consultancy with a focus on innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Negotiable day rate, hybrid working, and long-term project pipeline.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and enjoy mentoring opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Take on a key technical leadership role and make a real impact in rail engineering.
- Qualifications: Strong Civil/Structural Engineering background and experience as a Design CEM.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you a signed-off Design CEM with a strong Civil or Structural Engineering background looking to take on a key technical leadership role within a growing rail design consultancy?
Location: London or Manchester (2 days per week in office)
Rate: Negotiable DOE
Contract Type: Outside IR35
We are working with a well-established Civil & Structural Design Consultancy delivering rail infrastructure projects across Network Rail frameworks throughout the UK. Due to continued project wins, they are seeking an experienced Rail Design CEM to act as the technical authority across a portfolio of civil and structural rail schemes.
This role would suit a technically strong individual who enjoys solving engineering challenges, mentoring designers, and ensuring engineering excellence across rail infrastructure projects.
The Role
As the Rail Design CEM, you will act as the senior technical specialist within the business, supporting design teams and ensuring compliance with rail engineering standards and procedures. While this role is equivalent to a Head of Engineering position in terms of technical oversight, the primary responsibility will be fulfilling the duties of the Design CEM. You will be the go-to person for technical queries from engineers and designers across Civil and Structural rail projects.
Projects will primarily involve smaller to medium-sized civil and structural rail schemes, including:
- Access for All schemes
- Station upgrades and platform works
- Footbridges and access structures
- Drainage and civils packages
- Network Rail framework projects
This is not focused on major station redevelopments, but rather a varied portfolio of framework-delivered rail infrastructure works.
Requirements
- Strong background in Civil or Structural Engineering within the rail sector
- Signed off and experienced acting as a Design CEM
- Excellent knowledge of Network Rail standards and rail design processes
- Experience working within a consultancy or design-led environment
Desirable Experience
- Chartered Engineer status (ICE or IStructE)
- Previous experience in a senior technical leadership or Head of Engineering-style role
What's On Offer
- Outside IR35 contract
- Negotiable day rate depending on experience
- Hybrid working - London or Manchester office 2 days per week
- Long-term pipeline of framework projects
- Opportunity to play a key technical leadership role within a respected consultancy
If you are an experienced Rail Design CEM looking for your next contract opportunity, please apply with your updated CV or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Design CEM employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design CEM
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have a lead on your next opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like it’s a project presentation. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled engineering challenges in the past. Show them you’re not just a great engineer, but also a fantastic communicator and leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply for jobs; make sure you tailor your approach. Research the companies you’re interested in and understand their projects. When you reach out, mention specific projects they’ve worked on that excite you. This shows genuine interest and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to find opportunities that match your skills. We’ve got a range of roles that could be perfect for you, so don’t hesitate to apply directly through us. It’s a great way to get noticed and land that dream job in rail design!
We think you need these skills to ace Design CEM
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Civil or Structural Engineering, especially within the rail sector. We want to see how your skills align with the Design CEM role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this technical leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges and mentored others in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Standards: Since this role requires excellent knowledge of Network Rail standards, make sure to mention any relevant certifications or experiences that demonstrate your familiarity with these standards. We love seeing candidates who are well-versed in the specifics of rail design processes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Engineering Standards
Make sure you brush up on Network Rail standards and rail design processes before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design CEM, you'll be expected to mentor and lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided others in previous roles. This could be through problem-solving or ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
✨Understand the Project Portfolio
Familiarise yourself with the types of projects the consultancy handles, like Access for All schemes and station upgrades. Being able to discuss these projects and your relevant experience will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the consultancy's approach to rail infrastructure projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.