At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to install and optimise advanced electronic systems on passenger rail vehicles.
- Company: Hitachi Rail, a leader in digital transformation and innovative transport solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Field-based role with travel across the UK and opportunities for international work.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the transport industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field; experience with complex systems.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.
Your New Role
At Hitachi Rail, we are shaping the future of intelligent transport systems. We’re looking for a Rail Systems Engineer to join our team, working at the forefront of advanced onboard monitoring and data systems across passenger rail vehicles. This is a multi-disciplinary engineering role combining electronics, software, networking, and system integration, ideal for someone who enjoys working on complex, real-world systems and seeing technology deployed in operational environments.
You will play a key role in the installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimisation of integrated electronic systems—helping ensure reliability, performance, and safety across our fleet. Whether your background is in rail, aerospace, automotive, defence, manufacturing, or industrial systems, this role offers the opportunity to apply your expertise to cutting-edge transport technology.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Install, commission, and support integrated electronic and electro-mechanical systems on passenger vehicles
- Diagnose and resolve issues across hardware, software, and networked systems
- Work with onboard technologies such as sensors, data acquisition systems, and monitoring platforms
- Configure and support systems using Windows and Linux-based environments
- Interpret schematics, technical drawings, and system documentation
- Use diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes) to support fault finding and validation
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, support, and customer teams
- Provide technical support and guidance to customers, both remotely and on-site
- Maintain accurate records using tools such as Jira or similar tracking systems
- Contribute to continuous improvement of technical documentation and processes
- Participate in an on-call rota to support operational systems when required
Where You’ll Work
This is a field-based role, involving travel to rail depots across the UK (with occasional international opportunities). Travel is typically Monday–Friday, with some flexibility required for occasional evenings or weekends.
About You
We’re looking for a hands-on engineer with a systems mindset, who enjoys solving complex technical problems in real-world environments.
You’ll Bring:
- A qualification in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
- Experience working with complex systems combining hardware, software, and networks
- Knowledge of system installation, commissioning, or in-service support
- Ability to read and interpret schematics and technical documentation
- Experience using test and diagnostic equipment
Technical Exposure To Some Of The Following:
- Embedded or electronic systems
- Networking (TCP/IP) and serial communications (RS232/422/485)
- Windows and/or Linux environments
- Sensors and instrumentation (e.g., GPS, IMUs, cameras, measurement systems)
We’d Also Value:
- Experience in transport, aerospace, automotive, defence, or industrial automation environments
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Confidence working both independently and as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills and customer focus
- Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks effectively
What we offer
We value the importance of all of our employees, if you would like to join our fantastic organisation you could be entitled to:
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday
- Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
- Private medical insurance
- Personal Accident insurance
- Group Income protection
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.
Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at https://www.hitachirail.com/careers.
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachirail.
Rail Systems Engineer employer: Hitachi
Hitachi is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about quality management. With a strong commitment to employee development, the company offers numerous growth opportunities and supports work-life balance through its remote working model. Joining Hitachi means being part of a global team dedicated to excellence, where your contributions directly impact customer satisfaction and product quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Systems Engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Rail Systems Engineer role you’re after at Hitachi.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Hitachi a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Hitachi.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Rail Systems Engineer at Hitachi, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Rail Systems Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Hitachi a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Hitachi specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Hitachi, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Hitachi want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
