Associate Director - Systems Engineering & Systems Integration (ETCS Trackside)

About us

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) is the international consultancy arm of Network Rail, the owner of Britain’s railway, one of the largest rail operations in the world.

We have been active in the Australian, the Middle East and North American markets since 2013 and have successfully delivered over 200 consultancy contracts for government, public and privately owned organisations, and for passenger and freight owners and operators, achieving consistently excellent levels of client satisfaction.

Our work is driven by our values: passion, agility, collaboration, and impartiality

About the role

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Network Rail colleague to join our team in New South Wales (NSW) or Queensland (QLD) on a long-term secondment for two years as an Associate Director for Systems Engineering & Systems Integration with a specific focus on ETCS Trackside.  

Seconded into the team, you will be responsible for overseeing and optimising key trackside subsystems. Your expertise will be essential in providing expert consulting advice in relation to Traffic Management Systems (TMS), Digital Train Radio Systems (DTRS), Fixed Telecommunications Networks (FTN), Automatic Train Operations (ATO), and onboard systems. You will be embedded in complex rail infrastructure programmes, ensuring these systems work seamlessly together to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of train operations for our clients.

The secondment

How does it work?

During your time in Sydney or Brisbane, you will remain an employee of Network Rail. You may continue to contribute to the Railway Pension Scheme, if you are an existing member, and things like your continuous service history remain unbroken. You can also retain your safeguarded travel, if you have it.

You will leave your current job role to join us in Sydney or Brisbane. On you return to Network Rail, you will remain an employee of the company but will be unable to return to your previous role; we will help in finding a new suitable role for you.

We will obtain the appropriate visas, travel and residence documents for you and your family. We also do things like pay for your flights at the start and end of your assignment, help you to find somewhere to live, and provide a modest cash allowance to help you find your feet when you arrive.

What we offer

In addition to the benefit of remaining an employee of Network Rail, we are also offering an attractive salary that will support you and your family in NSW or QLD. Above all, you will have the opportunity to live in Sydney or Brisbane, vibrant cities that offer a fantastic lifestyle with sunny weather and a relaxed culture.

Key Responsibilities

- Leading the Trackside works to achieve business objectives by owning functional deliverables and interfaces that meet key project milestones and performance objectives.

- Providing technical guidance for the Trackside systems and ensuring the integration of TMS works with other sub-systems.

- Leading communication and liaison with the delivery team regarding technical issues related to Trackside systems.

- Offering expert advice and interpreting technical requirements to ensure compliance with statutes, system design, national and international standards, and industry practices.

- Providing technical expertise for implementing operational specifications, policies, and procedures to ensure efficient, effective, and safe working environments.

- Ensuring all technical Trackside deliverables are completed in accordance with the System Integrator program and meet the required quality standards.

- Planning and executing support services for other teams, ensuring specialist advice is provided.

- Collaborating with the wider team and stakeholders to deliver an integrated solution.

- Maintaining a collaborative approach with clients and key stakeholders.

- Cultivating strong relationships with multi-disciplinary project teams, clients and suppliers.

- Supporting business development activity by assisting in tender and sales activities, identifying new opportunities, and fostering good relationships with clients.

About you

We expect you to have the following types of skills and experience:

- Substantial experience working with ETCS Trackside systems on railway signalling projects.

- Strong background in engineering on signalling projects, including leading engineering teams.

- Proven experience with ETCS.

- Track record of delivering rail projects successfully, on time, and within budget.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

- Keen attention to detail when listening to stakeholders from various disciplines and capturing their thought processes.

- Well-developed report writing skills.

- A background in railway programmes or complex multi-disciplinary engineering programmes.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

- Attention to detail and ability to capture stakeholder requirements.

- Ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines under pressure.

Although not essential, it would be an advantage if you had:

- Knowledge of one or more of the ETCS L2 sub-systems (TMS, Onboard, ATO, FTN, DTRS) or equivalent sub-systems.

- Previous experience working as a management consultant in the rail industry.

- Recognition as a subject matter expert in the field (e.g., CEng, CPEng, RPEQ).

- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., Engineers Australia).

- Experience during the development and entry into service phase of new rail infrastructure.

Work pattern

We expect you to work in our office for 2-3 days a week. However, this may vary based on business needs, and there may be occasions when we need you in the office more than this to support the delivery of client assignments.

How to apply

Click 'Apply Now', create an account (if you don't already have one), and submit your application with your resume.

Background Employment Checks

You will undergo background pre-employment checks, including a national criminal history and reference checks. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.