Associate - Rail Safety, Systems Assurance & Risk
Hybrid Working | London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol or Nottingham
Outstanding Salary + Market-Leading Benefits
Lead Safety & Risk on the Rail Programmes Defining the Next Generation of Transport
An internationally respected engineering and advisory organisation is seeking a senior Rail Safety & Risk specialist to play a leading role in the delivery of major transportation and infrastructure programmes across the UK and Europe.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced consultant or technical leader with deep expertise in rail systems assurance, operational risk, and complex infrastructure delivery - someone who thrives on solving challenging technical problems while influencing strategic outcomes at programme level.
You will join a high-performing multidisciplinary practice recognised for delivering complex, high-profile projects across mobility, infrastructure, sustainability, and digital transformation sectors.
The Role
You will provide leadership across rail system safety, assurance, and risk management activities throughout the full project and asset lifecycle - from early concept and strategic planning through to operational change, integration, upgrade, and ongoing assurance.
The role combines technical authority, client leadership, commercial awareness, and team development. You will guide clients through both established regulatory environments and emerging technology challenges, balancing rigorous compliance with pragmatic engineering judgement.
The work spans a wide range of rail and transport systems, including:
Digital signalling and train control technologies
Major rail infrastructure and operational systems
Communications and control networks
Rolling stock integration and modification
Operational readiness, maintenance, and system change
Cross-disciplinary and system-of-systems assurance
You will also support programmes involving evolving technologies and future mobility concepts, including:
Digital and data-enabled railway systems
Automation and advanced operational support technologies
Low-carbon and alternative traction strategies
Climate resilience and infrastructure adaptation
Novel operational models and emerging transport architectures
What You'll Be Doing
Technical Leadership
Direct delivery of complex rail safety and assurance programmes
Lead development of safety cases, assurance strategies, and hazard management activities
Apply advanced safety engineering methodologies including HAZID, HAZOP, FMECA, FTA, and structured risk analysis techniques
Provide technical oversight on projects involving significant operational, regulatory, or technological complexity
Coordinate engagement with independent assurance bodies and regulatory stakeholders
Client & Programme Leadership
Build trusted relationships with senior client teams and delivery partners
Advise on safety strategy, programme risk, and assurance planning
Support informed decision-making within technically complex or uncertain environments
Help shape innovative yet proportionate approaches to assurance and compliance
Commercial & Strategic Contribution
Support business growth through bids, proposals, and strategic client engagement
Contribute to resource planning and commercial performance across projects
Help expand capability in rail systems assurance and operational risk management
Team & Capability Development
Mentor and coach technical specialists and developing consultants
Encourage innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing
Support recruitment and long-term capability growth within the practice
About You
You will be an established rail safety professional with strong technical credibility and the ability to lead confidently within multidisciplinary project environments.
Likely Background & Experience:
Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) with membership of a recognised professional institution such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, or Safety and Reliability Society
Degree-qualified in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related discipline
Strong track record delivering rail safety assurance and systems risk programmes
Experience developing safety justifications and lifecycle assurance strategies
Strong understanding of UK and European rail assurance frameworks and standards
Experience working with independent assessors, assurance bodies, and evidence-based compliance activities
Excellent stakeholder engagement and workshop facilitation skills
Technical expertise within signalling, digital railway, telecoms, infrastructure, rolling stock, operational safety, or systems integration
Additional European language capability would be beneficial but is not essential.
Why This Opportunity?
This organisation is widely recognised for tackling technically demanding and socially significant infrastructure challenges. Their teams are known for combining engineering excellence with forward-thinking advisory capability across major transportation programmes worldwide.
You'll benefit from:
Exposure to nationally significant and internationally recognised projects
A highly collaborative and technically respected environment
Genuine influence over complex infrastructure outcomes
Long-term career progression within a global consultancy platform
Flexible hybrid working and an excellent overall package
Interested?
If you are looking for a senior-level opportunity where you can influence the future of rail safety, systems assurance, and infrastructure resilience within a world-class consultancy environment, we would be pleased to discuss the role confidentially.
Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business.
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