Avanti West Coast
Senior System Engineer
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At Avanti West Coast
We're transforming rail travel across the West Coast Main Line. As a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, we connect millions of customers across England, Scotland and Wales through a safer, smarter and more sustainable railway.
We're seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to lead the integration, development and optimisation of onboard digital and fleet technology systems. This is a highly visible role where you'll shape the future of passenger-facing technology, influence strategic decision-making, and drive innovation across our Class 390 and Class 80x fleets.
The Opportunity
As the technical authority for onboard digital and software-based systems, you will act as the critical link between Fleet Engineering, Technology, Customer Experience, Asset Owners, Manufacturers and Maintainers. You'll ensure our onboard systems deliver exceptional reliability, performance, and customer outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the integration and performance of onboard digital and software-based systems across the fleet.
- Define and drive the fleet systems strategy in alignment with business, customer and technology roadmaps.
- Provide technical leadership across Class 390 and Class 80x fleets.
- Own system architecture principles, ensuring interoperability, robust interfaces and effective data flows.
- Lead onboard technology projects and fleet digital initiatives from concept through delivery.
- Manage system performance and reliability, driving continual improvement.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative engineering solutions.
- Influence senior leaders on technology strategy, priorities and system design.
- Understanding of Cyber Security, Privacy & Data Protection principles.
- Participate in the Fleet Engineering on-call rota.
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What We're Looking For
Essential Skills
- Traction and Rolling Stock Engineering.
- Technical report writing.
- Root cause analysis.
- Production of risk assessments.
- Stakeholder management.
- PowerPoints / presentation of data.
Knowledge & Experience
- Experience working in the UK rail industry.
- Working knowledge of Traction and Rolling Stock Engineering.
- Broad experience of onboard systems.
- Experience of change management, and the ability to introduce positive change.
- Experience communicating and influencing a variety of people from shop-floor staff to Directors.
Qualifications
- Degree educated Engineer in a relevant discipline with Chartered or Incorporated Status (or a plan for working towards).
- Significant project management experience- PRINCE2 or Agile qualifications or equivalent work experience.
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As well as working with a fantastic team you will also receive:
- Railway Pension Scheme
- Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
- Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
- 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
- 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operators
We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time due to high volumes of applications.
At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation.
Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are encouraged, recognised, accepted and put to good use.
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