Technical Lead (Civils & Structures Design )

Technical Lead – Civils & Structures Design

Location: York
Sector: Rail ¦ Civils & Structures
 

Shape Technical Excellence Across Our In-House Design Team

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Technical Lead to join our growing, specialist in-house Design & Engineering team based in York.

This is a critical position within the business, offering the opportunity to play a central role in the delivery of technically challenging rail infrastructure projects across the UK.

As Technical Lead, you will be responsible for the development of engineering solutions, technical assurance, programme and budget management, SHEQ compliance, and the coaching and mentoring of engineers across the design team. You will act as a technical authority on complex projects, helping to drive innovation, maintain engineering excellence and support the continued growth of our design capability.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Company car or car allowance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Additional company wellbeing and charity leave benefits
• Company contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Medicash Health Cash Plan and employee rewards scheme
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Support towards continued professional growth
• Collaborative and inclusive working environment
• Opportunity to work on nationally significant rail infrastructure programmes

About the Team

Our in-house Design & Engineering team delivers multidisciplinary civil and structural engineering solutions across a broad portfolio of rail infrastructure projects.

Working closely with major clients and framework partners, we provide engineering expertise across bridges, earthworks, drainage, stations, property assets and wider rail infrastructure, supporting projects from feasibility and concept development through to detailed design and construction delivery.

The team is involved in a diverse range of work including:

• Bridge assessment, strengthening and renewal schemes
• Earthworks and geotechnical infrastructure projects
• Drainage and lineside civils improvements
• Station and property asset enhancements
• Rail infrastructure renewals and upgrades
• Multi-disciplinary rail projects involving E&P, Signalling, Telecoms, Permanent Way and OLE interfaces

The Role

The Technical Lead has responsibility for the development of technical solutions, programme and budgetary control, SHEQ considerations, and the coaching and mentoring of colleagues.

Working as a senior technical authority within the team, you will challenge project briefs, develop robust and innovative engineering solutions, undertake technical reviews, and provide expert guidance across a range of civil and structural engineering disciplines. You will also play a key role in maintaining quality standards, supporting project delivery teams and developing future engineering talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of innovative engineering solutions from feasibility through to detailed design.
• Challenge project briefs and identify technically robust and commercially effective alternatives.
• Provide technical leadership on complex and non-standard civil and structural engineering designs and assessments.
• Undertake and oversee technical reviews, design checks, Designer's Risk Assessments and Decision Logs.
• Lead site inspections and surveys to inform engineering solutions.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentoring to engineers and technical staff.
• Promote technical excellence and continuous improvement across the design function.
• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, Safe by Design principles, company procedures and industry standards.
• Manage project programmes, budgets and resource requirements to achieve financial and delivery targets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and project teams.
• Support the business through innovation, technical research, knowledge sharing and professional development initiatives.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced Chartered Engineer with a strong technical background and a passion for developing people and delivering engineering excellence.

Essential Requirements

• Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) accredited with a relevant Engineering Institution.
• Extensive experience in civil and structural engineering design within the rail sector.
• Significant experience across bridges, earthworks, drainage and associated rail infrastructure.
• Proven capability in developing and checking complex engineering designs and assessments.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and buildability considerations.
• Advanced knowledge of British Standards, Eurocodes and relevant railway engineering standards.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary rail projects and coordinating with E&P, Signalling, Telecoms, Permanent Way and OLE disciplines.
• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience coaching, mentoring and developing engineers.

Desirable

• Detailed knowledge of CDM Regulations.
• Experience in railway bridge and station structure assessment and design.
• Higher academic qualifications or specialist technical expertise.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take a leading technical role within an established and respected in-house design team, influencing the delivery of critical rail infrastructure projects while helping to develop the next generation of engineers.

You'll work on challenging and varied projects, collaborate with industry-leading professionals, and play a key role in driving technical excellence, innovation and best practice across our engineering portfolio.

If you're a Chartered Engineer who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges and developing high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.