Principal / Head of Electrification & Plant Engineer (Rail)

About the role

We are looking for a high‑calibre Principal or Head of Electrification & Plant (E&P) to lead the E&P discipline for a major Tier 1 rail infrastructure partner in the Midlands. You will act as the ultimate technical authority, bridging design assurance and hands‑on site delivery across complex rail asset upgrade schemes.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as Lead Engineer / Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) or Engineering Manager, reviewing and signing off complex E&P designs.
• Provide technical direction to ensure trackside E&P construction, installation and testing meet Network Rail standards and safety frameworks.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of LV power distribution, points heating, signalling power supplies, depot installations and trackside lighting.
• Manage interfaces between E&P, civil works, OLE and external utilities/DNOs.
• Lead technical assurance from early design review through to final handover.
• Coordinate with client asset managers, project directors and third‑party stakeholders to resolve technical queries and manage design changes on‑site.

Required profile

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) and preferably Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with the IET.
• Proven experience with a Tier 1 or major principal contractor on multi‑disciplinary rail infrastructure projects.
• In‑depth knowledge of rail E&P assets such as feeder switches, UPS systems, DNO interfaces and points heating.
• Strong familiarity with Network Rail standards, group standards and safety regulations (RISQS, POS).
• Demonstrated experience acting as a signed‑off E&P CRE on UK rail projects.

Required skills

• Electrical Engineering
• Low Voltage Power Distribution
• Points Heating
• Signalling Power Supplies
• Depot Installations
• Trackside Lighting Systems
• Feeder Switches
• UPS Systems
• DNO Interface Management
• Network Rail Standards
• RISQS Framework
• POS Framework