At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead electrification and plant engineering for major rail infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a top-tier infrastructure delivery partner in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse workplace that values equality and supports all applicants.
- Why this job: Be the technical authority and shape the future of rail electrification.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience with Tier 1 contractors required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking a high-calibre Principal E&P Engineer or Head of E&P to lead the Electrification and Plant (E&P) discipline for a major Tier 1 infrastructure delivery partner in the Midlands. In this role, you will act as the ultimate technical authority for E&P engineering, design-integration, and on-site delivery across a portfolio of complex, multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure and asset upgrade schemes. This position bridges the gap between design assurance and practical, hands-on site delivery, offering significant autonomy for a senior contractor.
Candidate Responsibilities:
- Act as the Lead Engineer / CRE (Contractor's Responsible Engineer) or CEM (Contractor's Engineering Manager) where required, overseeing, reviewing, and signing off on complex E&P installation and construction designs.
- Provide heavy technical direction to project delivery teams, ensuring that trackside E&P construction, installation, and testing phases comply fully with Network Rail standards and safety frameworks.
- Oversee the successful installation and commissioning of E&P assets, including low voltage (LV) power distribution, points heating, signalling power supplies, depot installations, and trackside lighting systems.
- Manage the critical interfaces between E&P, civil engineering, OLE (Overhead Line Electrification), and external utilities/DNOs.
- Lead the technical assurance process from early-stage design review through to final handover.
- Interface directly with client asset managers, project directors, and third-party stakeholders to resolve technical queries, clear engineering blockers, and manage design modifications seamlessly on-site.
Candidate Requirements:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) and ideally Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with the IET or a similar professional body.
- Proven track record working with a Tier 1 or major Principal Contractor on multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure delivery schemes.
- In-depth technical knowledge of Rail E&P assets, covering feeder switches, UPS systems, DNO interfaces, and points heating.
- Authoritative knowledge of Network Rail standards, group standards, and safety regulations (including RISQS and POS frameworks).
- Demonstrable experience acting as a signed-off E&P CRE (Construction or Design) on prior UK rail projects.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Contact Details:
Randstad Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal / Head of E&P Engineer (Rail) in Birmingham
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal / Head of E&P Engineer (Rail) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal / Head of E&P Engineer (Rail), 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 Randstad Construction and Property 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 Randstad Construction and Property 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 Randstad Construction and Property
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Randstad Construction and Property, 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
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✨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.
