Principal Route Engineer

Principal Route Engineer

Milton Keynes Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering lifecycle for buildings on the West Coast South Route, ensuring safety and efficiency.
  • Company: Network Rail operates the busiest mixed-use railway in Europe, connecting major cities across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and be part of a diverse, inclusive workplace recognised for gender equity.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving innovation in asset management while serving millions of passengers daily.
  • Qualifications: Must be a registered engineer with extensive operational property engineering experience.
  • Other info: Role based in Milton Keynes, Rugby, or Birmingham with travel required across the region.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

You will lead and manage the entire engineering lifecycle of buildings assets within the West Coast South Route, developing and delivering strategic asset management plans. This is a challenging and rewarding environment for engineers, where you will manage a team directly contributing to a successful modern and complex railway system by maintaining and enhancing assets within the operational property portfolio - balancing the needs of the modern railway alongside our heritage responsibilities and stakeholder constraints.

This requires innovation as well as an understanding of traditional engineering systems and equipment. Critical to success is enhancing the resilience of the assets to the impacts of climate change, ensuring a long-term sustainable approach to asset management and renewal, delivering the basics exceptionally well each and every day whilst always considering the needs of passengers and striving for the delivery of best value for every pound spent.

Your expertise will drive the future - are you ready? This role can be based in Milton Keynes, Rugby or Birmingham. Travel between these main office locations and across the Route will be necessary.

The operational property portfolio is diverse and includes modern buildings and systems operating side-by-side with historic assets in addition to train servicing facilities to keep rolling stock operational. This presents both a rewarding and challenging environment for the team, ensuring that all assets are maintained and operating as safely and effectively as possible to serve the millions of passengers who rely on them every year.

As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to develop effective relationships and work closely with internal and external delivery organisations, national asset management teams, external suppliers and representatives within train operating companies. Your role will include both office and site-based activities, and will require travel to sites throughout the route and the wider North West & Central region.

  • Asset Management & Planning: Maintain asset records, assess risks, and develop strategic asset management plans to align with budget, region, and network policies.
  • Engineering Authority: Act as the engineering lead for maintenance, renewal, and enhancement activities, providing a single point of contact for senior management.
  • Performance Monitoring: Track asset management plan delivery, adapting strategies to address emerging challenges and changes.
  • Collaboration & Optimization: Work with route engineers of other disciplines to enhance system-wide performance and maximize efficiency.
  • Technical Oversight: Define requirements, manage changes, ensure seamless project handovers, and provide technical briefings on standards and compliance.
  • Assurance & Compliance: Conduct assurance activities, review standards non-compliances, and verify adherence to safety, performance, and reliability policies.

In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:

  • Registered Engineer at CEng level with the Engineering Council.
  • Broad and extensive operational property engineering experience related to maintenance, renewals and enhancements either as a civil/structural or building services engineer.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of technical, safety and performance standards relating to operational property engineering and good appreciation of wider engineering systems.
  • Proven ability to lead engineering activities in a safety critical business environment.
  • An understanding of safety management systems and risk assessment techniques.
  • Understanding of the requirements of the CDM regulations.

We would also like but it isn't crucial to have/to be:

  • Level 7 under the Regulated Qualification Framework in a relevant engineering discipline.

Principal Route Engineer employer: ENGINEERINGUK

Network Rail is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets tradition within the bustling North West & Central region. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will thrive in a role that not only enhances your engineering expertise but also contributes to the safety and efficiency of one of Europe's busiest railways. Join us in Milton Keynes, Rugby, or Birmingham, and be part of a team dedicated to delivering excellence for millions of passengers every day.
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Contact Detail:

ENGINEERINGUK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Route Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the West Coast South route and its operational challenges. Understanding the specific needs of this busy railway will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the railway engineering sector, especially those who have experience with asset management. Building relationships can provide insights into the role and may lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends in sustainable engineering practices and climate resilience. Being able to discuss innovative solutions in these areas will set you apart as a candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to collaborate across disciplines will be crucial for this position.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Route Engineer

Asset Management
Strategic Planning
Engineering Leadership
Risk Assessment
Safety Management Systems
Technical Compliance
Performance Monitoring
Collaboration and Teamwork
Project Management
Knowledge of CDM Regulations
Building Services Engineering
Civil/Structural Engineering
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Change

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Route Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.

Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly outline your engineering qualifications, relevant experience, and any leadership roles you've held. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure it reflects your ability to manage complex projects and teams.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise in asset management and your commitment to safety and compliance.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in engineering roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK

✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the key responsibilities of a Principal Route Engineer. Familiarise yourself with asset management, engineering authority, and performance monitoring as these are crucial aspects of the role.

✨Showcase Your Engineering Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience in operational property engineering, particularly in maintenance, renewals, and enhancements. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully led engineering activities in a safety-critical environment.

✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Skills

Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with internal teams, external suppliers, and other engineers. Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships and optimise performance across disciplines.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to safety management systems, risk assessment techniques, and compliance with CDM regulations. Brush up on relevant standards and be ready to explain how you've applied them in your previous roles.

Principal Route Engineer
ENGINEERINGUK
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  • Principal Route Engineer

    Milton Keynes
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-04-21

  • E

    ENGINEERINGUK

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