Senior Systems Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to join the ETCS On‑Board Unit (OBU) portfolio. In this role you will lead the design, development and maintenance of scalable system solutions for rail safety and performance projects and bids across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable systems solutions that meet the needs of our clients and stakeholders in the tram and light rail markets.
• Act as a junior EDM and Work Package Manager, leading the team operationally with timely provision of status, accurate measurement of progress and forecasting of remaining work and the identification of change, variation, risk and opportunity to the Portfolio EDM.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to gather requirements, define project scope, and develop technical specifications.
• Provide technical input to architectural discussions, conduct trade‑off studies and make recommendations on technology and tools.
• Leverage industry best practice to lead design and development of solutions.
• Develop and document technical elements of business cases to support project variations and future opportunities.
• Undertake the role of Designer under the CDM regulations, with particular attention to design risks, ensuring safety risks are designed out or deemed low as reasonably practicable.
• Diagnose issues, identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Provide independent peer review and checking of systems designs.
• Understand and lead the project delivery processes, methodologies, and use defined tools as set out in the Hitachi Rail GTS UK Management System and the project‑specific Engineering Management Plans.

Technical Skills and Experience

• Strong communication, stakeholder management, motivation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership capability, with ability to build and sustain strong working relationships at all levels.
• Ability to lead, manage, mentor and coach a diverse team.
• Extensive experience in systems development, with a strong understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies.
• Understanding of the operational realities of the UK rail network and experience with its standards and processes.
• Proven experience designing and developing complex systems applications from concept to production.
• Experience with train systems, integration or retrofit projects is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Network Rail’s governance, assurance and technical requirements is preferable.
• Solid understanding of systems architecture, architecting techniques and design patterns.
• Competence in using design tools to produce complex designs.
• Experience defining engineering delivery methodologies.
• Ability to define and manage configuration control.

Human Skills

• Mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on systems design principles, engineering techniques and best practices.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies, trends and industry best practices and apply them to enhance solutions.
• Excellent communication skills in all forms and at all levels.
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Excellent stakeholder management.
• Advanced problem‑solving ability, trade‑off skills and attention to detail.

What To Expect

A one‑stage interview process will be conducted at the office, focusing on technical and behavioural competencies. Reasonable adjustments are available upon request.

What We Can Offer

Market‑leading training, development and experiences, with opportunities for mentorship and internal career growth within our diverse, global organisation.

Flexibility

We offer flexible working patterns including part‑time hours, job sharing, home working and flexible start/finish times to support work‑life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Hitachi Rail, we welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion and worldview. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.