MEP Electrical Engineer – Rail Sector Lead

MEP Electrical Engineer – Rail Sector Lead Overview

This role sits within Arup’s building services electrical practice and focuses on rail and wider transport infrastructure. The position is for an experienced MEP engineering leader who can take responsibility for major rail-related building projects, guide multidisciplinary teams, and help shape the growth of Arup’s transport-sector capability across the Midlands, the UK and international markets.

Arup describes its MEP engineers as specialists who support buildings, transport infrastructure, and utilities projects around the world. In this region, the team works with clients on technically demanding schemes for transport, healthcare, science and industry, and commercial sectors. The work includes projects for organisations such as HS2, Transport for London, Network Rail, NHS bodies, universities, Rolls-Royce and other regional and global clients. The team operates collaboratively, with project groups supported by discipline teams and wider global networks that help staff develop through project work and research.

What you will do

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams from the earliest project stages through to completion, ensuring coordinated delivery across all phases.
• Take ownership of MEP design production for rail projects, working to the standards and requirements used by HS2, Transport for London, Network Rail, Crossrail and other rail bodies.
• Oversee MEP design assurance activities so that the work complies with the relevant rail-sector processes and governance requirements.
• Potentially serve as the Electrical Technical Advisor on projects, bringing specialist electrical engineering knowledge to the role.
• Collaborate with Arup colleagues across internal teams, including the Transport group, to develop joined-up and effective design solutions.
• Manage design programmes and resources, working alongside the rail programmer and the wider multidisciplinary team to support successful delivery.
• Support the Transport Lead with major bids and business development activity, while also helping to shape the rail-sector skills base and resourcing within the team and across Arup.
• Stay current with legislation, regulations and technical requirements relevant to the role.
• Work with the Project Director to support commercial performance and help ensure projects are delivered successfully.
• Communicate clearly with clients, project managers and internal stakeholders, including progress updates, identification of risks and issues, and recommendations for mitigation.
• Help create a culture of knowledge sharing, adaptability and continuous improvement across the team.
• Support colleagues in developing their capability so the team can continue to deliver a high-quality service.

What Arup is looking for

• A Chartered Mechanical Engineer or Chartered Electrical Engineer with strong multidisciplinary MEP design expertise.
• Electrical engineering experience is preferred for this appointment.
• Substantial experience delivering and managing multidisciplinary rail or transport design projects in a consultancy environment.
• Proven ability to lead MEP design work using major rail standards and processes, including HS2, Transport for London, Network Rail and Crossrail requirements.
• Strong leadership skills and the confidence to take responsibility for discipline delivery and project leadership, including coordination with sub-consultants.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with clients.
• Strong client-facing capability, including the ability to represent Arup externally and contribute to winning new work through bids.
• Experience leading engineering teams through all stages of design and construction.
• Experience representing the design or discipline team in discussions with clients and contractors.
• A quality-driven approach and a commitment to delivering well-executed work.
• The ability to adapt, support others and contribute positively to a collaborative team culture.

Projects and team context

The role is centred on rail and transport buildings, with current and recent work including major schemes such as HS2 Interchange station, rail depots and aviation hubs for large transport clients. The successful candidate will help lead local, national and international rail projects and will work in close collaboration with Arup’s Transport Group. The position is intended for someone who can not only deliver technical engineering work, but also help develop the team’s capability and influence in the transport sector.

Arup emphasises that its people work in a values-led, collaborative environment where individuality is encouraged and diverse perspectives are welcomed. The organisation says it offers socially useful work with real impact for clients, communities and employees alike.

Location and working arrangement

The role is based in Birmingham, West Midlands, with an additional listed location in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. The page does not specify a remote, hybrid or fully onsite pattern.

Reward and benefits

Arup says it provides a total reward package that includes competitive, fair and equitable pay, along with profit share. The benefits package also includes private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection cover. In addition, employees can access flexible benefits designed to support wellbeing and allow for personal, family and lifestyle needs. The company also highlights learning opportunities and the chance to grow and thrive within a member-owned organisation.

As a trust-owned business, Arup says it is able to set its own direction and choose work that aligns with its purpose. It also notes that members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver strong outcomes for clients and communities.

Inclusion, accessibility and application support

Arup states that it is an equal opportunity employer and actively supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, subject to legal limits where relevant. The company says it is committed to accessibility in both recruitment and the workplace, and invites candidates to request reasonable adjustments or support during the application or interview process.

If you are not ready to apply yet or have questions about the role, the page provides a contact for Aslam Hussain. It also asks candidates not to send CVs directly by email in order to remain GDPR compliant. The page directs applicants to Arup’s recruitment process information and includes a reminder that Arup will never ask for payment or bank details during recruitment.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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