Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design compliance for major railway projects and ensure safety standards are met.
- Company: Join SYSTRA, a global leader in engineering and consulting for infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on infrastructure that connects communities and enhances lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in railway design and strong knowledge of CDM regulations required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consulting groups, specialising in infrastructure and mobility solutions. In the UK & Ireland, SYSTRA has been creating, improving and modernising infrastructure for more than 50 years. SYSTRA works in partnership with clients to deliver outstanding infrastructure solutions. We solve challenges with our multi-disciplinary expertise in design, consultancy, project management, engineering and construction supervision – supporting the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the transport, energy, environmental and built-environment sectors. Our work creates inspirational places and systems that connect people seamlessly, enhance well-being, stimulate economies, and provide a sustainable legacy for future generations.
Missions/Main Duties
- Work with SYSTRA and client projects to ensure compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 throughout the pre-construction phase, delivering the Principal Designer duties (Regulation 11).
- Oversee and support the design team to ensure the design work in the pre-construction phase contributes to the delivery of positive health and safety outcomes.
- Liaise with key duty holders including the client, designers, principal contractor, as well as other parties, to ensure CDM requirements are met.
- Regularly report to the client on project developments and issues related to CDM 2015 compliance.
- Attend and provide input to client projects or SYSTRA forums as required, promoting Design Risk Management best practices.
- Implement and maintain hazard management assurance processes to ensure the highest standards of CDM compliance.
- Undertake regular monitoring and inspection of company projects from a CDM perspective to report on levels of compliance, identify lessons learned, and highlight opportunities for improvement.
- Provide input to SYSTRA focus groups where requested, including the Technical Board or Safe by Design Group.
- Promote effective design risk management throughout the company as well as client projects.
- Facilitate hazard identification, hazard review, constructability reviews, and other design focussed workshops.
- Assist the company with business development and continual improvement through collaboration with other disciplines to enhance SYSTRA's service delivery and processes.
- Provide guidance and management on issues involving CDM and general construction activities, as well as other regulatory requirements relating to SYSTRA's portfolio of works.
Profile/Skills
- Highly knowledgeable and experienced in the successful application and management of CDM 2015, especially in duties relating to the Principal Designer role within a multi-disciplinary railway major project environment.
- Significant experience in the railway industry working at a similar level (Principal Designer/ Senior Designer/ Lead Engineer).
- Chartered member of a relevant professional institution (e.g. IOSH, ICE, APS).
- Holder of a NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and/or Design Certification.
- Strong experience and knowledge of engineering design and construction principles and standards (rail industry experience advantageous).
- Good knowledge of engineering design standards for the UK Rail Network and for British and European Standards.
- Highly skilled in risk assessment and design risk management processes and techniques.
- Effective communicator, capable of chairing and controlling multi-disciplinary meetings.
- Able to manage and plan workload effectively.
- Able to foster high levels of cooperation and coordination between project teams and individual members.
- Able to perform effectively on both complex multi-disciplinary and simpler projects while working alongside design teams.
- Experienced in auditing projects and processes.
- Solid understanding of the General Principles of Prevention and their application and promotion throughout the design phase.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Engineering and Design
Principal Designer - Rail employer: SYSTRA UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
SYSTRA UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Designer - Rail
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with CDM 2015 and your railway industry background. We want to see how you can bring value to SYSTRA, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand SYSTRA’s projects and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. We’re looking for candidates who are not only qualified but also genuinely interested in what we do.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the SYSTRA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Designer - Rail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Designer role. Highlight your experience with CDM 2015 and any relevant projects you've worked on in the railway industry. We want to see how your skills align with what SYSTRA is looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of engineering design standards and risk management processes. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your capabilities. This will help us see how you can contribute to our projects.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so let’s keep it simple!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SYSTRA UK & Ireland
✨Know Your CDM Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these regulations in past projects, especially in a railway context. This will show your expertise and readiness for the Principal Designer role.
✨Showcase Your Multi-Disciplinary Experience
Highlight your experience working with diverse teams in the railway industry. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with clients, designers, and contractors to ensure compliance and promote design risk management. This will demonstrate your ability to foster cooperation and coordination.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to design risk management or CDM compliance. Think through your approach to hazard identification and how you would facilitate workshops. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Communicate Effectively
As an effective communicator, you'll need to showcase your ability to chair meetings and control discussions. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will be crucial when liaising with various stakeholders. Good communication skills can set you apart from other candidates.
