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# Principal Engineer (Systems Safety)

- **Company:** SYSTRA
- **Location:** York, UK (Remote available)
- **Salary:** £66,370.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Interoperability, Requirements Management
- **Published:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5935619369

## About the Role

* A relevant engineering degree or equivalent industry experience, with Chartered status.
 * Experience delivering major infrastructure projects across the full lifecycle, ideally within the rail sector.
 * Strong practical knowledge of CSM-RA and the Railway Interoperability Regulations, including their application within large, multidisciplinary programmes.
 * A sound understanding of railway engineering design, operations and maintenance, including the principles and standards governing rail systems.
 * Experience in systems engineering and its application beyond system safety and interoperability.
 * Experience working with regulatory bodies, including the Office of Rail and Road, and coordinating with clients, contractors, design consultants and independent assessors.
 * Experience using and managing requirements management tools.
 * Knowledge of construction practices and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
 * Familiarity with engineering design standards applicable to the UK rail network, including relevant British and European standards.
 * Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop teams and foster cooperation across organisational boundaries.
 * Experience facilitating system safety meetings, training sessions and workshops.
 * The ability to manage competing priorities, plan workloads effectively and deliver across projects of varying complexity.

## Description

We are seeking a Principal System Safety Engineer to lead the delivery of system safety, interoperability and regulatory compliance across major rail infrastructure programmes. Working within a multidisciplinary, multi-contractor environment, you will provide strategic leadership and assurance throughout design, construction, integration, commissioning and entry into service. You will work closely with engineering and operational teams, clients, delivery partners, independent assessors and regulators to ensure that railway systems meet safety requirements, interoperability regulations and technical compatibility requirements between vehicles and infrastructure.

 * Lead and coordinate system safety and interoperability activities, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulatory requirements and relevant company and client standards.
 * Develop and manage the system safety and interoperability delivery strategy, addressing complex interfaces, phased entry into service and the requirements of multiple operators and end users.
 * Manage the System Safety and Interoperability Team, aligning priorities, resources and deliverables with programme requirements and technical assurance objectives.
 * Work closely with Network Rail, clients, contractors, designers, assessment bodies and the Office of Rail and Road to coordinate assurance activities and resolve safety and interoperability issues.
 * Oversee the application of the Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-RA) and the Railway Interoperability Regulations throughout the project lifecycle.
 * Maintain the project Hazard Record and oversee the production of safety plans, system definitions, management plans, National Technical Specification Notices (NTSN) compliance matrices, safety reports and safety justification documents.
 * Coordinate and review evidence demonstrating compliance with system safety, interoperability and technical compatibility requirements.
 * Assess changes from a system safety perspective, ensuring that risks are identified, evaluated and appropriately managed.
 * Lead and facilitate hazard identification, hazard review and hazard and operability workshops, promoting effective design risk management across project teams.
 * Monitor and audit project activities and work packages to assess compliance, identify delivery risks and capture lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
 * Provide technical advice, guidance and leadership on system safety, interoperability and regulatory matters.
 * Develop and deliver training, workshops and briefings for internal teams and external delivery partners.