About the work
Railway Engineering
Not just a job
Many people find that working in the world of railway engineering is much more than just a job. It is often a lifelong opportunity to be part of a special community of individuals who are shaping the face of the country. Many who entered the industry with little knowledge of what they were becoming part of, have found themselves enjoying a fulfilling career that is rich with personal and professional experiences, growth and learning opportunities, lifelong friendships and more. And the railway industry is constantly evolving, making the field of railway engineering a very rewarding line of work, and one that is in high demand. Whether you are a graduate or apprentice with long-term leadership aspirations, or are happy being boots on ballast each day, there are so many different types of roles and pathways within this industry that it can certainly provide a very rewarding and diverse range of work-life experiences.
University and college programmes, and apprenticeship schemes are a hugely important factor in enabling the railway industry to upskill its workforce, and the industry provides many graduate and apprentice opportunities. “This new generation of engineers will be developing the digital railway in the UK. There is a continuing need for young people with technical skills to complete the ambitious projects including construction of HS2 and East-West Rail, and modernisation, electrification, and digitalisation of existing lines. In the coming years, many new jobs will be created in the railway industry, which will require a qualified and sustainable workforce.” Inara Watson, PhD Researcher, London South Bank University.
“The railway industry is an exciting career prospect, especially with its focus on recognised technical qualifications.”
Inara Watson, PhD Researcher, London South Bank University
Day-to-day work
Challenges
Projects can take anything from 1-10 years to complete. Due to longevity, staff turnover can be significant on complex works such as a large station refurbishment, so engineers might not always be on a project through to completion before tackling another. The biggest challenges faced are the short time windows available for the many work tasks which require access to the infrastructure. Railways are in near constant use, so engineering works have to be scheduled into the network in such way that causes as little disruption to train services as possible. Nights, weekends and public holidays – when passenger services are in less demand – are prime times for engineering works to take place. This can mean unsocial working hours, but it can also create opportunities for flexible shift patterns and overtime pay.
What are the specialisms within railway engineering?
Different disciplines
Railway engineering specialisms are focussed around the railway’s main asset sub-systems, as outlined in the dropdown list below. A career pathway can move into several of these asset and functional specialisms. They can also encompass both technical and managerial growth, but you always need technical knowledge no matter what path you take. Career paths can intertwine between disciplines and whilst most people do tend to specialise, one discipline can provide excellent foundations for a multi-disciplinary engineering career.
Asset and functional specialisms can open the door to a wide range of career development opportunities. These include: Research & Development; Engineering Governance; Application of Artificial Intelligence / Data Management & Analysis; Systems Engineering; Project Engineering & Management; Maintenance Management; Construction Management; Engineering Safety & Risk Management; Logistics & Planning; Commercial & Contract Management; and Railway General Management. You will almost always be working as part of a larger team, so you’ll get to meet and learn from many people from different engineering disciplines and functions. This makes for a great environment for an interesting, rewarding and enjoyable career!
Asset Specialisms
The principal asset groups and the main engineering disciplines which support them:
The rails and other components that directly support trains running on the network; falls within the scope of both Civil and Mechanical Engineering.
The foundations which support the track; fall within the scope of Civil Engineering.
The cabling, or rigid conductors (and their supports) which transmit the electricity, used to power most modern trains, directly to the train; can fall within the scope of Civil, Mechanical, or Heavy Electrical Engineering.
The systems which control the routes trains take and which maintain a safe separation distance between them; falls within the scope of Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or Computing.
The data communications networks which connect assets and people together and enable assets to be controlled remotely and to relay their status to control and maintenance centres; falls within the scope of Electronic Engineering or Computing.
The transmission networks which provide electricity to run signalling, communications, stations, drainage pumps, and other railway infrastructure assets; falls within the scope of Electrical Engineering.
Used in the process of installing, renewing, and maintaining the railway network; falls within the scope of Mechanical Engineering.
Functional Specialisms
Each of the above asset types must be designed, renewed or installed, and maintained. So, most job roles within asset specialisms also fall into one of these three functional areas:
Focus on both short-term and long-term design, including railway technology evolution and innovation.
Implements new or updated infrastructure on the railway network and involves major planning and construction management tasks.
Maintenance is essential to keeping the railway system operating safely and efficiently on an ongoing basis.
Interested in career development?
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