Engineering Specialist (Buildings and Stations Architect)
Application Deadline: 16 October 2026
Department: Technical
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Milton Keynes
Description
A little bit about us
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge, a region currently underserved by transport. We have a once in a generation opportunity to change that, improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
Role Summary
East West Railway Company (EWR) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee delivery of East West Rail, from construction through to services running, making sure the railway comes together in the right way. The programme is projected to deliver a £6.7 billion annual boost to the regional economy by 2050.
Reporting to the Head of Building & Stations Architecture, you will be a subject matter expert, overseeing the technical aspects of design and delivery for stations and associated operational ancillary buildings. You will promote placemaking and design quality, making sure stations and ancillary buildings contribute positively to their local context whilst meeting operational, commercial and customer requirements. You will also integrate architecture and design-related disciplines with other project disciplines and delivery teams, including civils, rail, systems, environment, operations, security, commercial development and urban integration, third-party interfaces, and construction logistics and planning.
Function
The Technical function owns the specification for the scheme, interpreting the business case and purpose, and translating these into a system requirements set. Its work falls into two broad areas: establishing standards and requirements, and assuring that these are met during both design and delivery. This work spans a number of domains, each requiring specialist technical capability to provide the right level of knowledge, support and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Assist the Head of Building & Stations Architecture in providing assurance that the Principal Designer is discharging its duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 across architectural and design-related disciplines.
- Support the Head of Engineering, for architectural and design-related disciplines, in discharging the duties of the Supervisor under the NEC contract.
- Act as a subject matter expert in your engineering discipline, providing technical guidance and expertise throughout the project lifecycle.
- Oversee the planning, execution and monitoring of engineering work, ensuring it meets quality, safety and performance standards.
- Collaborate with other project teams and stakeholders to achieve seamless integration and delivery across engineering disciplines.
- Resolve complex technical issues, seeking creative and effective solutions to challenges and opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulations and good practice.
- Share technical knowledge and mentor other engineers, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Take responsibility for your own and others' health and safety, adopting and working to EWR Co's Health and Safety principles.
- Keep taxpayers' money at the forefront of your decisions, bringing a cost-conscious mindset to your work.
- Act as a role model for EWR Co's vision and behaviours, working in line with EWR Co's Ways of Working and encouraging others to do the same.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
Essential Criteria
You will bring:
- A background in engineering and placemaking on infrastructure projects, in areas such as station buildings, civils, structures, station systems, electrification or signalling.
- Expertise in one or more engineering disciplines, with a deep understanding of technical principles and industry standards.
- The ability to solve problems and develop innovative technical solutions.
Desirable Criteria
It would also be great if you have:
- Experience within the railway sector.
- Authority to Work in a relevant specialist discipline.
- Chartership in a relevant P.L.A.C.E. discipline (Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Conservation or Engineering), or equivalent experience.
Benefits
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future
- 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days
- 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community
- Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones
- Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it
- Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits
- Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards
- Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
Diversity and Inclusion
At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
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Engineering Specialist (Buildings and Stations Architect) in Milton Keynes employer: East West Rail Company
East West Railway Company is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Milton Keynes where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and a supportive culture that values integrity and accountability. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing programme delivery and governance while making a meaningful impact in the community.
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