At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and review overhead contact systems for rail electrification projects.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary, career growth, and international project opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with mentorship for early career professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while working on exciting global projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail projects and a passion for engineering; chartership is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking Overhead Contact System (OCS) professionals at all levels to support the continued growth of our rail electrification professional services in line with our expanding pipeline across the UK and international markets.
Key responsibilities
- Produce, check or review OCS design deliverables across early design, detailed design, and as‑built stages.
- Provide construction support, respond to technical queries and help resolve site‑based issues where required.
- Support technical assurance, interdisciplinary checks, design reviews and risk reviews, appropriate to your level of experience.
- Engage in consultancy opportunities with UK and international clients.
- Apply safe‑by‑design principles and relevant client, industry and project‑specific requirements.
- Manage client and stakeholder relationships to achieve desired project outcomes.
- Provide guidance, support and mentorship to Early Career Professionals (ECP).
- Act as (or support) OCS Contractor's Responsible Engineer (CRE) or equivalent, appropriate to your level of experience.
- Support tenders, work‑winning and client‑facing technical discussions where appropriate.
Required qualifications and experience
- Previous experience acting as Network Rail Project Engineer (PE) or supporting Network Rail PE duties on rail projects.
- Overhead Conductor Rail (OCR) experience.
- Light rail, metro or tram electrification experience.
- Chartership with a professional institution or working towards it.
Experience level and career progression
- Developing engineers may focus on producing design outputs, calculations, CAD inputs, and supporting design coordination under guidance.
- Experienced engineers may lead defined OCS tasks or packages, coordinate interfaces, support assurance activities and guide less experienced team members.
- Senior technical professionals may lead complex work packages, undertake PE or CRE duties and provide discipline leadership within projects.
Employment type
Full‑time, permanent role based in the UK, with opportunities to work on domestic and international projects.
EEO Statement
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
OCS / OLE Engineers All Levels (Engineer, Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer) in Birmingham employer: WSP
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the rail electrification sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and support for professional development, ensuring that all engineers, from early career to senior levels, can thrive in their roles while contributing to impactful projects both in the UK and internationally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OCS / OLE Engineers All Levels (Engineer, Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring a portfolio of your work or examples of past projects to interviews. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results, especially in OCS design and electrification.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace OCS / OLE Engineers All Levels (Engineer, Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the OCS role. Highlight any relevant projects or responsibilities you've had, especially those related to rail electrification.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention any consultancy experience with clients, as that’s a big plus!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves technical assurance and design reviews, be sure to include any specific software or methodologies you’re familiar with. Mention your experience with CAD inputs or any relevant certifications you hold.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your OCS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Overhead Contact Systems. Familiarise yourself with the latest design principles, safety standards, and any recent projects that are relevant to the role. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your previous experience with rail projects, especially your role as a Project Engineer. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves mentoring Early Career Professionals and managing client relationships, be prepared to talk about your teamwork and leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or collaborated with clients to achieve project goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company’s approach to rail electrification projects or how they support professional development. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in the company's vision and culture.
