Senior Engineer - Rail Mechanical

Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Rail Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership across critical rail mechanical systems. The role will focus on key interfaces and assets including Platform Train Interface, wheel‑rail and guideway interfaces, light rail vehicle dynamics, mechanical systems and structures, rail tunnel ventilation systems, and depot heavy maintenance equipment and specialist tooling. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, reliable, and high‑performing rail operations through expert engineering input and stakeholder collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and subject‑matter expertise across rail mechanical systems, including Platform Train Interface, wheel‑rail/guideway interfaces, vehicle dynamics, mechanical structures, tunnel ventilation, and depot equipment. 
• Act as the mechanical engineering authority, ensuring assets are safe, compliant, and aligned with relevant legislation, standards, and industry best practice. 
• Lead and support engineering assurance activities, including design reviews, technical approvals, risk assessments, and change control. 
• Provide expert input into incident investigations, failure analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, projects, safety teams, and suppliers to manage mechanical risks across the asset lifecycle. 
• Support capital projects and mentor junior engineers, contributing to a strong engineering and safety culture across Heathrow Rail.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating as a Senior or Lead Mechanical Engineer within a rail or similarly safety‑critical transport environment. 
• Strong technical expertise across rail mechanical systems, including Platform Train Interface (PTI), wheel‑rail/guideway interfaces, vehicle dynamics, mechanical systems, and structures. 
• Demonstrable experience providing engineering authority and technical assurance, including design reviews, technical approvals, risk assessments, and change control. 
• Sound understanding of rail engineering legislation, standards, and safety management principles, applied within an operational environment. 
• Experience supporting or leading incident investigations, failure analysis, and implementation of corrective actions.  
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, projects, safety teams, and suppliers. 

• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to a range of stakeholders.

  Desirable

• Experience working in a complex, high‑profile infrastructure environment, such as an airport or major transport hub. 
• Knowledge of rail tunnel ventilation systems and/or depot heavy maintenance equipment and specialist tooling. 
• Experience contributing to or leading capital projects, enhancements, or major renewals. 
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards chartership. 
• Experience mentoring or developing junior or graduate engineers. 
• Familiarity with light rail systems and interfaces with third‑party operators.