Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design Engineer Telecoms

Position Overview

As a Lead Railway Telecomm Design Engineer, your role would involve overseeing and managing the design and implementation of telecommunication systems for railway projects.

Given the critical role that telecommunication systems play in railway safety and efficiency, this position as a Lead Railway Telecomm Design Engineer is of utmost importance. It requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, leadership abilities, and a strong commitment to ensuring the reliability and safety of railway operations.

Hybrid - Must be willing to travel internationally, including flights, hotel and expenses paid.

Day rate - Outside IR35 depending on experience.

Contract - 2 years

Responsibilities

1- Design and Planning

You would lead the design process for telecommunication systems, including network architecture, communication protocols, data transmission, and interface and integration with other railway systems (such as signaling, control, and power systems).

2- Project Management

As a lead engineer, you would manage projects from inception to completion. This involves defining project scopes, creating timelines, allocating resources, and ensuring that projects stay on track and within budget.

3- Team Leadership

You would supervise a team of engineers, technicians, and other professionals. Your role includes assigning tasks, providing guidance, and mentoring team members to foster their professional development.

4- Technical Expertise

You should have a deep understanding of various telecommunication technologies used in railway systems. This includes radio systems, fiber optics, wireless networks, control center communications, SCADA and more.

5- Regulatory Compliance

Railway systems are subject to various safety and regulatory standards. Your role includes ensuring that all telecommunication designs and implementations meet the necessary industry standards and safety requirements.

6- Risk Management

Identify potential risks and challenges related to telecommunication systems and develop strategies to mitigate them. This could involve redundancy planning, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity measures.

7- Collaboration

Work closely with other engineering teams, such as signaling engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers, to ensure seamless integration of telecommunication systems with other railway subsystems.

8- Vendor Management

Engage with equipment suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors to select suitable telecommunication equipment and technologies that align with the project's requirements.

9- Testing and Commissioning

Oversee the testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of telecommunication systems to ensure they function as intended before being integrated into the operational railway network.

10- Documentation

Maintain detailed documentation of design specifications, installation procedures, troubleshooting guides, and any modifications made to the telecommunication systems.

11- Innovation and Upgradation

Stay updated with the latest advancements in telecommunication technologies and assess their potential applicability to railway systems. Lead initiatives to upgrade and modernize existing systems for improved efficiency and safety.

12- Stakeholder Communication:

Communicate with various stakeholders, including railway operators, regulatory agencies, and senior management, to provide updates on project progress and address any concerns.

Education

Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, or a related field is usually the minimum educational requirement. Some employers may require a master's degree for higher-level positions.

Experience

1- Industry Experience

The candidate shall have a minimum of 15 years of experience working in the railway or transportation industry, in telecommunications and signaling systems. Experience with railway-specific telecommunication technologies and standards is crucial.

2- Engineering Experience

Prior experience in engineering and design roles, especially in telecommunication systems, is essential.

3- Project Management

As a Lead Engineer, project management experience is valuable. You should be comfortable overseeing the entire design process, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Skills

1- Telecommunications Knowledge

A deep understanding of telecommunications principles, technologies, and protocols is crucial. This includes knowledge of network architectures, data transmission, wireless communication, fiber optics, SCADA, etc.

2- Railway Systems

Familiarity with railway systems and operations is important. You should understand how telecommunications systems are integrated with signaling, train control, and overall railway infrastructure.

3- CAD Software

Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is essential for creating detailed engineering drawings and schematics.

4- Project Management Tools

Knowledge of project management tools and methodologies will aid in managing and tracking the progress of projects.

5- Problem-Solving

The ability to analyse complex problems and come up with innovative solutions is a key skill for any engineer.

6- Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are necessary for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and writing comprehensive reports.

7- Certifications:

Relevant certifications can boost your credentials. For example, certifications in telecommunications, project management, or specific railway signaling systems can be beneficial.

8- Leadership Abilities:

As a Lead Engineer, you'll be overseeing a team of engineers and technicians. Leadership skills, including the ability to mentor, guide, and manage a team, are important for success in this role.