Lead Project Engineer - Washwood Heath - Rail Systems

We are supporting a nationally significant rail infrastructure programme with the appointment of a Lead Project Engineer to play a central role in the delivery of a major new railway depot at Washwood Heath.

The depot represents one of the largest and most complex rail system facilities delivered in the UK in recent decades, forming a critical operational and testing hub within the wider programme. It is being delivered as a distinct 6–8 year programme of work within a larger infrastructure portfolio, with the principal delivery contract expected to be awarded in spring 2026.

This role is positioned as the single technical point of contact for the successful contractor and will guide the depot through its full lifecycle, from detailed design, through construction, testing and commissioning, and ultimately into operational readiness. The post holder will lead technical assurance, system integration and interface management across multiple railway systems and disciplines, ensuring delivery in line with contractual, statutory and technical requirements.

The depot also sits within a key early test stage of the wider network, with elements of the works brought forward to support system-wide testing and integration. As such, the role has a strong systems engineering focus, requiring a clear understanding of how power, controls, communications, M&E, operational systems and other railway assets mesh together as a coherent whole.

Key responsibilities include leading risk-based technical assurance, coordinating interfaces across contracts and disciplines, discharging formal CDM 2015 and NEC Supervisor duties, managing technical change, and supporting cost, programme and readiness decisions. The role works closely with commercial, project management and environmental teams, as well as senior engineering leadership.

This opportunity will suit an experienced systems or railway engineer with a strong background in complex infrastructure environments, particularly those comfortable operating across multiple system boundaries rather than within a single technical silo. Experience of large depots, operational facilities or system integration environments is highly relevant, alongside strong stakeholder management and assurance capability.

This is a high-profile role offering long-term programme continuity, exposure to one of the UK’s most complex rail system assets, and the opportunity to influence how a major depot is brought into service.