AtkinsRéalis
Principal Engineer

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Job Description
Overview
Lead delivery with vision.
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It's 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 you. Flexible and remote working is a central part of our culture. So talk to us about what's ideal for you – from reduced weeks 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.
AtkinsRéalis is one of the world's leading rail engineering companies. Its rail business is the largest in its field in Europe. Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) is an integral part of the UK railway system providing traction power to electric trains on all major main lines. The AtkinsRéalis OLE design team is one of the longest-established teams in the UK, with roots dating back to British Rail. We have been the OLE Lead Design Organisation on the majority of the recent new electrification schemes in the UK.
Stay challenged as a Principal Engineer in our First Principles team in our OLE Practice in Rail Systems. You'll be shaping the future of transport on a huge variety of work from high profile rail programmes to niche, local projects. Our sector is evolving, and we're fast adopting new technologies, digitally transforming the way we design. And, as part of a friendly, genuinely collaborative workplace, you'll be supported to keep growing your career in the direction that interests you.
Your role
As a Principal Engineer in our OLE First Principles (Basic Design) team.
- Will lead talented colleagues known for diversity of thought, expertise, and knowledge.
- Will work independently and within larger multi-discipline workgroups, leading and managing packages to completion within budget and programme. Use your influence to deliver high-quality rail projects driven not just by profit but also by doing what's right.
- Will work in a busy and niche First Principles design team in producing and checking basic design drawings, technical reports, and calculation sheets from first principles, foundation designs, structural analysis, and presenting designs to the Client.
- There will also be a requirement to provide specialist input from a basic design perspective to support the OLE Practice Manager in bid.
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A pre-employment medical and drug and alcohol screening will be required.
About you
- Demonstrable understanding of UK OLE systems and previous extensive experience in Designing, Checking Designs.
- Demonstrable understanding of mechanical design principles in overhead line.
- Previous experience of acting as a CRE/CEM or Technical Lead on Projects.
- Good understanding of the Rail Industry in the UK and the Contractor Client relationship.
- Knowledge of relevant International, National, Railway Group, and Network Rail Standards on wind loading, foundation design, structural analysis.
- In-depth knowledge of BS EN 1993-1-1 (Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures).
- Experience in the use of a structural analysis package such as Staad, ideally including a code-check post-processor.
- The ability to apply engineering judgment in the assessment of effect lengths for non-standard construction.
- The ability to liaise effectively with other specialists such as FEA analysts and aerodynamicists.
- The ability to apply first principles in the solution of problems where standardized techniques do not exist with the use of Mathcad, STAAD, Microstation CAD software.
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 organization, 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.
Rewards & benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial, and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.


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About AtkinsRéalis
We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data, and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers, and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Find out more.
Additional information
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 creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive, and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.
Worker Type
Employee
Job Type
Regular
At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds, and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion, or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.
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