Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership across rolling stock mechanical systems, supporting modifications, upgrades, new-build programmes, and consultancy projects within the rail industry. The role requires strong technical expertise, client engagement skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering activities in safety-critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
Act as Technical Authority for systems including bogies/running gear, couplers, doors, interiors, HVAC, brakes, structures, and wheelsets. Develop and approve engineering strategies, calculations, analyses, and technical documentation. Lead modifications, retrofits, upgrades, and testing activities for new and legacy fleets. Oversee validation activities including type tests, installation checks, and static/dynamic trials.
Project Delivery & Governance
Deliver engineering work to agreed time, cost, and quality targets. Support bidding and estimating activities, producing accurate and competitive proposals. Prepare technical reports, design reviews, safety cases, and assurance documentation. Ensure compliance with relevant rail standards and regulations including EN/BS, RIS/GMRT, and TSIs.
Client & Commercial Engagement
Support consultancy proposals and bid submissions. Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. Represent the business at technical meetings and industry forums. Identify innovative solutions aligned to client needs.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Mentor and support junior engineers. Review and approve technical work. Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes and quality standards. Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, standards, and industry best practice.
Essential Skills & Experience
~10+ years’ experience in Rolling Stock Engineering.~ Degree-qualified in Engineering or relevant STEM discipline.~ Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward chartership.~ Proven experience delivering projects in safety-critical environments.~ Strong technical report writing, communication, and presentation skills.~ Experience preparing technical proposals and supporting bids.
Desirable Skills
Experience with UK rolling stock modifications and upgrades. Knowledge of RAMS, FMEA, FTA, HAZOP, and safety assurance processes. Familiarity with TSIs, RIS/GMRT, ORR interfaces, and approval processes. Experience reviewing CAD/PLM and CAE outputs (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS). Understanding of reliability, maintainability, and whole-life cost principles. Commercial awareness and leadership experience.”, “datePosted”: “2026-05-23”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GTS Group Ltd”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__439451694__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “” } } }
Principal Mechanical Engineer – Rolling Stock Derby (Hybrid) Up to 75k + Package
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership across rolling stock mechanical systems, supporting modifications, upgrades, new-build programmes, and consultancy projects within the rail industry. The role requires strong technical expertise, client engagement skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering activities in safety-critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
Act as Technical Authority for systems including bogies/running gear, couplers, doors, interiors, HVAC, brakes, structures, and wheelsets. Develop and approve engineering strategies, calculations, analyses, and technical documentation. Lead modifications, retrofits, upgrades, and testing activities for new and legacy fleets. Oversee validation activities including type tests, installation checks, and static/dynamic trials.
Project Delivery & Governance
Deliver engineering work to agreed time, cost, and quality targets. Support bidding and estimating activities, producing accurate and competitive proposals. Prepare technical reports, design reviews, safety cases, and assurance documentation. Ensure compliance with relevant rail standards and regulations including EN/BS, RIS/GMRT, and TSIs.
Client & Commercial Engagement
Support consultancy proposals and bid submissions. Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. Represent the business at technical meetings and industry forums. Identify innovative solutions aligned to client needs.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Mentor and support junior engineers. Review and approve technical work. Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes and quality standards. Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, standards, and industry best practice.
Essential Skills & Experience
~10+ years’ experience in Rolling Stock Engineering.~ Degree-qualified in Engineering or relevant STEM discipline.~ Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward chartership.~ Proven experience delivering projects in safety-critical environments.~ Strong technical report writing, communication, and presentation skills.~ Experience preparing technical proposals and supporting bids.
Desirable Skills
Experience with UK rolling stock modifications and upgrades. Knowledge of RAMS, FMEA, FTA, HAZOP, and safety assurance processes. Familiarity with TSIs, RIS/GMRT, ORR interfaces, and approval processes. Experience reviewing CAD/PLM and CAE outputs (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS). Understanding of reliability, maintainability, and whole-life cost principles. Commercial awareness and leadership experience….