Principal Rolling Stock Engineer - Structures

Are you looking for the opportunity to develop technically and build skills including: hand calculations, Finite Element (FE) analysis and development of bespoke bids supported by a team of respected individuals? Do you want to work with a wide client base including train and equipment manufacturers, operators, owners and overhaulers.

We are looking for you if you have experience of rolling stock structural analysis to work with an industry respected group of experts who provide technical support in rail projects at all levels of the industry from heritage fleets to new build rolling stock. This includes design, compliance reviews, incident investigation, vehicle refurbishment and life extension.

We have a diverse and inclusive work environment where world-class talent knows no distinctions. We know that different people have different priorities, which is why we're here to support your career with us. Flexible and remote working is a central part of our culture so talk to us about what's ideal for you – full time, part time, term time, job share to buying more leave over school holidays. And if you're returning from a career break, ask us how we can help you transition back into work with us.

With offices throughout the UK, AtkinsRéalis has an extensive history of supporting clients in the UK and overseas. From September 2023 SNC-Lavalin, Atkins, and Faithful+Gould are now jointly known as AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization that connects people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. With over 50,000 employees globally and a turnover of £5bn, following the acquisition of WS Atkins in July 2017, we are now in the top 3 of largest Engineering firms in the world. You can find out more about our new brand by visiting the AtkinsRéalis website, AtkinsRéalis (atkinsrealis.com).

As a Senior/Principal Engineer working within the Rolling Stock Design and Analysis Sub-Practice you will report into the Structures Service Area Lead based in Derby, UK. Whilst the location is flexible, the Structures team is predominantly based in Derby with a small footprint in London.

Job Description:

In this role you will be responsible for the delivery of structural calculations to clients or internal project teams. We are looking for you if you:

Understand client requirements and aspirations to identify and agree scopes of work covering structural assessments.

Deliver high quality structural assessments, using hand calculations and Finite Element methods, to agreed timescales and budgets.

Deliver high quality technical reports to clients while meeting client deadlines.

Have good knowledge of structural analysis which could be applied to:

• Bogies and suspension.
• Carbodies/Bodyshells.
• Wheelsets.
• Attached equipment.
• Have additional experience in Crashworthiness, Fracture Mechanics, and Rolling Stock Approvals, which would be advantageous.
• Manage resource, work packages, budgets, project and commercial risks for the successful delivery of your own projects.
• Manage the technical requirements and progress of several projects simultaneously.
• Provide impartial review to other structural projects as an independent checker, helping to ensure a consistent and high level of quality across all the work that we deliver.
• Create, manage and maintain effective cross-functional, interdepartmental relationships to ensure the organisation delivers the most cost-effective service to customers.
• Support our Structures Service Area Lead based in Derby in the delivery of a wide portfolio of projects.

Example Work Activities

The role does not necessarily require applicants with experience in all these areas. They are provided as examples of what you could be doing with us:

• Structural analysis of new rolling stock against current design standards.
• Structural analysis of retrospective modifications to existing rolling stock against design standards in place at the time of build.
• Third party review of client’s work, approach and methodology to solving structural issues.
• Design scrutiny of the introduction of new rolling stock in support of the Certification Body.
• Investigation of in-service issues / problem solving.
• Devising practical repair solutions.
• Undertake a Bid Manager role for projects relevant to the Structures team; defining scopes of work with a client, developing proposals to deliver the technical scope with appropriate commercial awareness; and
• Identify technical, commercial and safety risks associated with projects and ensure these are managed through the bid phase.

Required Attributes:

You will be experienced in the delivery of structural assessments for railway rolling stock including the ability to:

• Understand the inputs required to define boundary conditions for a problem,
  Develop Finite Element (FE) models to assess compliance to design standards,
  Produce detailed reports outlining the methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations for improvement.
• You will be qualified with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• You will be a Chartered Engineer (or working towards attaining Chartership status) with a minimum of 15 years’ industry experience.
• You will have extensive engineering knowledge relating to engineering principles, Finite Element Analysis (pre-processing [including geometry preparation and meshing], post-processing [analysis and presentation of results]), materials and manufacturing processes.
• You will be proficient in using ANSYS Workbench or Altair HyperWorks, our key FE packages, or a comparable software package suitable for complex structural assessments.
• Creation of presentations for internal teams and clients/FOCS/TOCS.

Desired Attributes:

• Experience in developing convincing bids by producing cost estimates and project timescales.
• Experience of project management including risk mitigation and project/financial planning including monthly reporting.
• Experience and knowledge of the risks associated with each aspect in the lifecycle of a design; from initial concept through to manufacturing and installation would be beneficial; covering bidding, concept and detail design, rolling stock approvals, material procurement and installation, maintenance and warranty is a key advantage.
• Experience of managing teams and the ability to act as a focal point for short periods in the absence of the Structures Service Area Lead.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis? 

Our Transportation teams are reinventing transport for a challenging yet exciting future. We're creating new ideas and smart solutions for cities, people and the environment. You'll be working alongside some of the top people in our industry, solving challenges that bring together traditional engineering and new technologies. As part of our organisation, you'll be in a privileged position, delivering what's right for governments and communities. You'll be helping us to improve our leading environmental performance while enabling others to do the same. 

Security clearance: 

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance. 

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. 

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