Principal Communications Engineer - Rail

Principal Communications Engineer - Rail

Freelance 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Psr-Solutions

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design assurance and delivery for major rail projects, ensuring compliance and safety.
  • Company: Join a leading UK engineering contractor with a strong pipeline of rail infrastructure projects.
  • Benefits: Long-term contract, outside of IR35, with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with collaboration across various teams and excellent career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on complex multidisciplinary projects in the rail industry.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a Network Rail CRE with strong knowledge of NR standards.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

PSR Solutions are recruiting for an experienced Principal Controls & Communications Engineer (CRE) to support major Network Rail projects with a leading UK engineering contractor. This contractor has a strong pipeline of work across rail infrastructure, known for delivering complex multidisciplinary projects with a practical, delivery-focused approach.

Role Overview

Acting as the Communications CRE, you'll lead design assurance and delivery across control systems and telecoms packages, ensuring compliance, safety, and buildability across the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as CRE on Network Rail projects
  • Lead design across SCADA, PLC, BMS, DCS and telecoms systems (CCTV, GSM-R, FTN, PAVA, VOIP, RF)
  • Carry out CAT2 checks and ensure compliance with NR standards
  • Manage design documentation, RFIs, TQs, and approvals
  • Coordinate with BIM/CAD teams for design integration
  • Support HAZID / HAZOP / HAZCON processes
  • Attend FAT/SAT and commissioning activities
  • Interface with delivery, commercial, and planning teams
  • Oversee subcontractor design packages

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Network Rail CRE (Comms/Controls)
  • Strong knowledge of NR standards (incl. NR/L2/SIGELP/02009)
  • Background in senior/principal C&C or electrical engineering roles
  • Experience in design assurance and multidisciplinary delivery

Qualifications

  • HND (or equivalent) in Engineering
  • CEng + IET/CIBSE membership preferable
  • Valid CSCS (AQP/PQP)
  • Full UK Driving Licence for travel to and from site.

This is an outside of IR35 role, on a long term contract. If you are interested in the role, please apply or get in touch with Maayon at PSR for more information.

Principal Communications Engineer - Rail employer: Psr-Solutions

At PSR Solutions, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the rail infrastructure sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a strong support system for career advancement, all while working on impactful projects that shape the future of rail transport in the UK.

Psr-Solutions

Contact Details:

Psr-Solutions Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Communications Engineer - Rail

Tip Number 1

Network and connect with professionals in the rail industry. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work on Network Rail projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your skills!

Tip Number 3

Practice common interview questions related to communications engineering and project management. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you feel more confident. Remember, we’re here to support you in nailing that interview!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a straightforward way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Communications Engineer - Rail

Design Assurance
SCADA
PLC
BMS
DCS
Telecoms Systems
CCTV

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Communications Engineer role. Highlight your experience with SCADA, PLC, and telecoms systems, as well as any relevant Network Rail standards you've worked with. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to design assurance and multidisciplinary delivery. We love seeing your passion for the industry!

Showcase Your Achievements:Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics or examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led design assurance or managed complex projects. This helps us see the impact you've made in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Psr-Solutions

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SCADA, PLC, BMS, DCS, and telecoms systems. Familiarise yourself with the specific NR standards mentioned in the job description, as this will show that you're serious about the role and understand the technical requirements.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience as a Network Rail CRE or in similar roles. Have specific examples ready that highlight your design assurance skills and how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary projects in the past.

Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions related to design documentation, RFIs, TQs, and compliance checks. Practise articulating your thought process and problem-solving approach, as this will demonstrate your expertise and confidence in handling complex engineering challenges.

Engage with the Interviewers

Don't forget to ask insightful questions about the projects you'll be working on and the team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.