Associate Director – Digital Signalling and Operations

About Us

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) is the international consultancy arm of Network Rail, the owner and operator of Britain’s railway. Since 2013, we’ve delivered over 200 consultancy contracts across Australia, the Middle East, and North America, supporting government agencies, public and private organisations, and passenger and freight operators.

Our reputation is built on consistently high levels of client satisfaction and technical expertise. We are driven by our core values: passion, agility, collaboration, and impartiality.

We offer a competitive and flexible employee experience, including:

• Highly competitive market rate salaries
• Performance-related bonus incentive scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement (25 days per annum)
• Above award Parental Leave program
• Life Insurance & Total Permanent Disability cover
• Novated car leasing arrangements
• Career development pathways
• Learning & development programs
• Rewards Gateway employee discounts
• Flexible working arrangements

About the role

NRC Australia is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering professional with a strong background in Digital Signalling systems to join our Melbourne team as an Associate Director – Digital Signalling and Operations within our Systems Integration & Technical Services division.

In this leadership role, you will drive the development of capabilities and the successful delivery of Rail Systems Integration, Systems Engineering, and Railway Operations Consulting Services across Victoria, with the flexibility to support projects in other states as needed. Your primary focus will be on digital rail and signalling initiatives, particularly ETCS Level 2 programs.

You will play a key role in shaping and managing an interdisciplinary systems engineering approach for current and future digital rail programs, offering both technical leadership and project delivery expertise.

What you will be involved in:

• Providing expert technical advice for the planning and delivery of integrated Digital Signalling systems, including ETCS, TMS, and DTRS, across both greenfield and brownfield rail networks.
• Contributing technical leadership to the development of technology strategies, delivery and migration plans, and integrated solutions, leveraging both proven and emerging technologies within the context of modern Railway Operations.
• Developing operational and maintenance concepts, digital signalling principles, and comprehensive user and technical requirements using systems engineering methodologies and stakeholder engagement practices to ensure safe, efficient, and effective system implementation.
• Advising on technical compliance, ensuring alignment with statutory obligations, national and international standards, program governance frameworks, assurance processes, and industry best practices.
• Identifying, analysing, and resolving systems and integration challenges, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, customer-focused solutions.
• Applying systems engineering tools and frameworks to manage requirements, system architecture, design, standards, interfaces, verification and validation (V&V), change control, risk, and issue management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Supporting business development initiatives, including contributing to tender and sales activities, identifying new opportunities, pursuing follow-up work, and cultivating strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Extensive experience in delivering digital rail and signalling projects, with a strong focus on ETCS Level 2 systems.
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven expertise in the planning and implementation of Digital Signalling schemes, with a solid understanding of European Technical Specifications for Interoperability.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant engineering standards, including AS, CENELEC, ISO/IEC, and IEEE.
• Practical experience in applying Systems Engineering principles and engineering governance frameworks across complex infrastructure projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior executives and non-technical audiences.
• High attention to detail, particularly in capturing and interpreting stakeholder input across diverse disciplines.
• Well-developed skills in technical report writing and presentation development.
• Proven ability to prioritise tasks and deliver high-quality outcomes within defined project timelines and milestones.

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer status.
• Membership in a relevant professional engineering body.
• Experience in Railway Operations and operational integration.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of broader signalling systems, such as CBTC and conventional signalling technologies.
• Previous experience working in a consulting environment.
• Familiarity with broader systems engineering disciplines, including Human Factors and RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability).
• Knowledge of and/or experience working within the Australian rail industry.

Sound interesting?

Apply today and our Talent Acquisition team will review your application in due course.

Employment Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia. This includes Australian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals holding a valid work visa. For international candidates or Network Rail secondees, NRC may offer sponsorship to suitably qualified individuals with relevant and demonstrated experience.

All employment offers are subject to satisfactory police checks, professional reference checks, and verification of qualifications, where applicable.

NRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or veteran status. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply!

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation!