Rail

The purpose of the railway system is to provide transport that is safe, effective and affordable. The main components of this system are trains, tracks, bridges, earthworks, drainage and environment, electrical power systems and fixed plant, train control systems, telecoms and data management. Civil and structural engineers get involved in designing, constructing and maintaining infrastructure to meet the need for improved performance at a reduced price.

Graduates engineer the future of rail travel

New technology is being employed to produce a reliable railway seven days a week. Civil and structural engineers need to work out how to improve today’s systems, which include components such as bridges and viaducts up to 150 years old. Railway engineers are also changing the way that the railway is maintained over its whole life, from an approach called ‘find and fix’ to one of ‘predict and prevent’. They are devising means of examination and creating models of the impact of age, wear and climate to work out optimal work regimes, including when to renew works.

On the job: starting out as a railway engineer

You could be developing products, managing a part of the railway system or engaging in a construction project ranging in size from a small bridge through to a new control system for a large urban station. To gain the breadth of knowledge needed to move into senior positions you must take up roles doing maintenance, design, construction, people management and research in the first few years, and some personal mobility is essential.

The essentials for a career in rail engineering

The railway sector needs engineering skills from any discipline, including civil and structural, electrical, mechanical and environmental. To succeed, engineers need to be able to accept responsibility and make decisions.

Using a mix of skills

In the rail sector, you are able to apply engineering expertise in a business management environment. While it can be tough meeting tight deadlines, you can take on responsibility quickly.

Jerry England is director of engineering for Network Rail. He joined the company in 2006 and has 30 years’ experience in infrastructure industries, including oil, gas, utilities and highways.