Software and Data Interrogation Project Engineer

About the Role

GB Railfreight are seeking a skilled and self-motivated ETCS Software and Data Interrogation Project Engineer to join the ERTMS team. This role will support the next phase of ETCS delivery by developing, managing and maintaining the operational tools, systems and reporting needed for GBRf to run an ETCS railway safely and effectively. This is not an onboard software engineering role. The role will focus on practical business tools, data interrogation and operational support, working closely with the ERTMS team, Control, Operations, Fleet, Engineering and external stakeholders to ensure ETCS can be integrated into day to day railway operations.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships to ensure ETCS operational tools and reporting are sufficiently scoped and delivered to the required timescales.
• Develop, manage and maintain tools and processes that support ETCS fleet allocation, driver competency and operational planning.
• Support the management of ETCS fitted and non-fitted locomotive data to help ensure the correct fleet is allocated to the correct services.
• Support driver competency, DOTE management and associated reporting requirements as ETCS moves into operational use.
• Interrogate ETCS defect and fault data to support investigation, trend analysis and informed operational decision making.
• Support DRACAS reporting and the collation of evidence required to manage ETCS defects, reliability and performance.
• Work with Control, Fleet, Operations and Engineering teams to embed ETCS requirements into BAU processes.
• Develop guidance, documentation and training support for controllers and operational staff using ETCS tools and reports.
• Communicate progress, risks, challenges and proposed solutions clearly and effectively.

Skills and Experience

• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office Applications, with strong Excel and data handling capability.
• Experience of developing or maintaining operational tools, reports, trackers or dashboards.
• Strong data interrogation, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Operational railway knowledge, ideally within freight operations, Control or locomotive allocation.
• Understanding of ETCS operational requirements or a willingness to develop this knowledge quickly.
• Ability to translate operational requirements into practical tools, processes and reporting outputs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships across project and BAU teams.
• Effective communicator with the ability to explain technical or data-led issues in a clear and practical way.
• Experience of defect management, fault investigation, DRACAS or reliability reporting (desirable).
• Control or locomotive allocation background (desirable).
• Detailed knowledge of Diesel and Electric locomotive systems and maintenance (desirable).
• Experience of Engineering Change processes and VMI’s (desirable).
• Previous relationships with Infrastructure Managers, for example Network Rail (desirable).
• Flexible and willing to travel; some travel will involve overnight stays.
• Clean UK driving licence.

Personal Profile

• Driven and focussed to deliver.
• Pragmatic, organised and able to manage competing priorities.
• Strong communicator and effective relationship builder and manager.
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership from concept through to delivery.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work across project, operational and engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to develop and adapt as ETCS moves from project delivery into operational railway use.

Benefits

• A generous healthcare package.
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – providing access to 24/7 counselling support and wellbeing resources.
• An online benefits portal offering hundreds of discounts at nationwide retailers.
• An electric vehicle scheme (available after your first 12 months).
• Regular social events, including days out for you and your family.
• Training and development opportunities, including internal courses and external certifications through our industry-renowned development programs. We prioritise your growth in line with our people-centric culture.

Inclusion Without Exclusion

At GB Railfreight, we recognise that a more diverse range of people leads to greater innovation. We recruit and develop people best suited to the role requirements, regardless of background. Our aim is to create a diverse workforce that reflects wider society. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing in the workplace, in alignment with our values. If you're as passionate about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) as we are, we invite new employees to join our People and Culture working group and contribute to the ongoing work in this area.