Engineering Specialist - Structures (SME)
Application Deadline: 10 July 2026
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Milton Keynes
Description
East West Rail is one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects — a new railway connecting Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, unlocking better transport for the communities that need it most.
Together, these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year. EWR will amplify that — with the potential to drive a £78 billion boost to the UK economy, supporting new homes, new towns, and regeneration across the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.
Committed to in full by the Government in the Autumn 2024 Budget and the 2025 Spending Review, EWR is building something that will matter for generations.
THE ROLE
As an Engineering Specialist (Structures), you’ll be a trusted technical authority — shaping how structures are designed, built and assured across the EWR programme. From viaducts and bridges to station buildings and ancillary civils, your expertise will keep solutions safe, buildable, and fit for the long term.
You’ll sit within our Technical Function, which owns the specification for the scheme: translating the EWR vision into clear requirements, and assuring those requirements are met throughout design and delivery. It’s a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technical rigour and practical delivery.
Key Responsibilities
What you will do:
- Act as the lead structural engineering expert across the full project lifecycle, from requirements setting through to delivery assurance.
- Oversee engineering activity to ensure it meets quality, safety and performance standards — and help resolve complex technical challenges when they arise.
- Translate business and programme requirements into robust design requirements aligned with relevant standards.
- Provide technical assurance across design and delivery workstreams, ensuring compliance with Eurocodes, Network Rail standards, and whole-life safety principles.
- Collaborate across disciplines and with external stakeholders to ensure seamless integration across the programme.
- Mentor and support other engineers, helping to build capability and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Promote health and safety — for yourself, your colleagues, and across the work you oversee.
- Keep value for taxpayers at the heart of every technical decision.
- Model EWR Co's values and ways of working, bringing others along with you.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
What we are looking for:
Essential
- Significant experience in structural engineering within civil infrastructure, preferably in the railway sector — covering bridges, viaducts, station buildings and ancillary civils.
- Demonstrable experience in the analysis, design, construction and technical assurance of bridge structures.
- Strong working knowledge of Eurocodes, Network Rail standards and whole-life safety principles.
- Authority to work in your specialist discipline, with CEng in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to deliver innovative, practical solutions.
Desirable
- CEng in a relevant discipline, or working towards it.
- Experience with modern methods of construction, including modular design and off-site fabrication.
- A proven approach to delivering efficient, sustainable structures through integrated construction techniques.
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.
At East West Rail, we’re building a railway for everyone — and that means building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We’re committed to creating an environment where all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are genuinely welcome.
We’re a proud equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to support your application, please let us know.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Specialist -Structures (SME) in Milton Keynes
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