Head of Project Engineering in England

DG8 Design & Engineering is a specialist design and engineering company based in Derby, UK, and part of Icomera UK Ltd within the global Equans group. Our creative and versatile team delivers high-quality, design-led solutions for the rail transport sector, supporting projects from initial concept through to full implementation. We combine industrial design expertise with mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering capabilities to develop bespoke interior products, integrate complex systems, and ensure full compliance across the rail vehicle supply chain. Our work enhances both passenger experience and operational performance across the industry. As part of Icomera and Equans, DG8 plays a key role in advancing the future of connected, efficient, and sustainable rail transport.

About the Role

As the Head of Project Engineering, you will ensure the successful technical delivery of projects across the business. Working closely with all Heads of Departments, you will drive the alignment of processes, procedures, and best practices to meet customer requirements efficiently and consistently. You will provide strong leadership to the Project Engineering team, ensuring high-quality engineering output, effective resource management, and ongoing professional development. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will also contribute directly to project activities, upholding technical, legal, and safety standards across all work delivered. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated engineering leader who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys developing people, and is committed to delivering excellence in every project.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and support the Project Engineering team by providing clear day-to-day guidance, technical direction, and constructive mentorship.
• Oversee resource planning to ensure projects are supported with the right skills and expertise, enabling high-quality delivery across the business.
• Conduct quarterly reviews with team members and share insights with the management team to support wider departmental planning and development.
• Champion continuous professional development, nurturing talent and building long-term capability within the Project Engineering function.
• Promote and embed best practices in engineering processes and procedures, collaborating closely with Directors and the Head of Engineering.
• Contribute directly to project activities, ensuring customer and business requirements are consistently met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant legal, safety, and quality standards, including UK regulations, and maintain robust independent checking of engineering outputs.
• Produce high-quality engineering deliverables, including concepts, designs, procedures, reports, and presentations, to professional industry standards and within agreed timescales.
• Allocate and manage engineering resources effectively to support successful project outcomes across the organisation.
• Support sales and marketing initiatives by showcasing the company’s technical capabilities when required.
• Lead quarterly team meetings, ensuring productive discussions, clear actions, and a positive contribution to wider cross-departmental activities.
• Respond proactively to evolving project requirements, providing technical leadership and guidance as challenges and priorities shift.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of the UK Rail Industry, its standards, and regulations.
• Relevant professional design/engineering qualifications and/or experience.
• Chartered status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Adaptable approach to problem solving and leadership.
• Supportive and approachable leadership style that encourages team development.
• Full UK driving license, as the role requires regular travel to customer depots and offices.

Our Offer

• A Competitive Salary.
• Holiday entitlement: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by up to 5 additional days with length of service (up to 30 days total).
• A collaborative, team-focused culture with modern facilities and a flexible, engaging work environment.
• Wellbeing and development support, including private healthcare after one year of service, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a wide range of lifestyle and wellness benefits through the Perkbox platform.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme, gym membership support, eye care vouchers, and enhanced parental leave.

Ready to be part of something exciting and make a real difference in the connected future of transport? We’d love to hear from you!