Principal Design Engineer

Location
Blackfriars, GB

Department Name
EP Engineering Design - E&P Systems G2

About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments
click here.
We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit
Evenbreaks Career Hive
for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you

Vacancy Details
Duration:
Permanent

Location:
This role is based in London Puddle Dock, Blackfriars Station. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered.

Band & Salary:
Band 2B £71,163 - £84,437

Brief Description
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a Principal Design Engineer who can lead and oversee complex design projects across Network Rail's infrastructure portfolio. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in computational modelling, distribution and traction power engineering, with a strong track record of delivering safe, efficient, and innovative design solutions. They should be confident in providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels are essential.

About The Role (External)
About the team..
Network Rail's Traction Power Modelling Team is fundamental to the delivery of ongoing electrification projects, getting the most out of existing assets and will be critical to the future delivery of decarbonisation. This includes exciting opportunities in optimising newer technologies such as battery EMUs and use of lineside energy storage systems.

The teams primary role, is to determine the electrical power required by new and existing electrification schemes and establish the capability of the traction supply to run current and future electric rolling stock in accordance with new timetable requirements. The outputs can be diverse and have a direct impact across all disciplines within an electrification or traction power enhancement programme.

Some of the key supporting functions of the traction power modelling team are as follows:

• Production of whole route traction power strategies.
• Production of the total system design for electrical infrastructure in addition to, modelling of the proposed end state infrastructure solution required for new electrification or capacity enhancements.
• Supporting electrification projects in value engineering exercises and optimisation of implementation staging.
• Supporting projects in establishing the infrastructure capacity for new rolling stock introduction and limitations as part of timetable changes.
• Optimised network design for battery EMUs and the full range of possible supply solutions.
• Bespoke research and development activities to enhance future capabilities.

What does the average day look like?
A typical day as a Principal Design Engineer at Network Rail is dynamic and collaborative, focusing on delivering safe, cost-effective, and high-quality design solutions across the network. You'll work closely with engineers across routes, regions, and functions, to develop regional strategies whilst managing projects through PACE stages to ensure they meet sponsors' requirements and Network Rail's safety and business objectives. You will also remit and manage framework contractor delivery to augment our existing capability.

This role is to provide technical leadership for the team of traction power system designers and modellers who are responsible for designing the next generation of electrified railways in the UK. The successful individual will manage the teams' work bank and traction power modelling projects allocated to the supply chain. They will provide line management for the team, be responsible for resolving technical issues and interface with internal clients to support the delivery of key projects and programmes.

Essential Criteria

• Chartered Engineer with 5 years relevant experience
• Planning and estimating skills
• Knowledge of industry standards relating assets
• Experience of engineering management
• Awareness of financial and commercial systems
• Construction Design Management (CDM) competency

Please See Attached Job Description For Full Details.
Desirable Criteria

• Extensive experience of managing and delivering traction power modelling projects.
• Detailed knowledge of Single Line, Route Feeding, Alternative Feeding and Major Feeding Diagrams and their creation.
• Knowledge of Network Rails VISION/OLSO and ELSSA software packages.
• Appreciation of all relevant standards and National Technical Specification Notices which apply to traction power modelling.
• Experience of the production of remits and management of delivery from supply chain contractors.
• Adaptable to changing requirements and priorities for tactical and strategic delivery.
• Able to describe complex technical issues to senior leadership in a simple and concise manner.
• An acute commercial awareness.

How To Apply (External)
Additional Information…
Closing date:
8 th December. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps:
Interviews will be held W/C 5 th January 2026, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

Some of our great benefits:
Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets.

Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more….