Principal Systems Engineer

Thomas & Adamson; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting and engineering firm is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer in Birmingham. You will lead multi-disciplinary design activities on transport infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and efficient delivery. Candidates should have a BEng in Electrical Engineering and extensive experience in safety-critical projects, preferably in the UK rail sector. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a commitment to sustainability.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

27 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Hybrid working model

Electric car scheme

Structured training and development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading engineering on complex, safety-critical projects.
• Proven track record working on UK rail industry projects.
• Understanding of relevant UK legislation and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary design activities for transport infrastructure projects.
• Act as technical lead for system design decisions.
• Oversee and coordinate contractors to ensure compliance with project requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Conflict resolution

Organisational skills

Education

BEng in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

Egis is a global player active in consulting, construction engineering, and mobility services. We design and operate intelligent infrastructure and buildings that respond to the climate emergency and contribute to balanced, sustainable, and resilient development. With 18,000+ employees across 120 countries, Egis delivers innovation-driven solutions to improve quality of life while supporting communities in achieving net-zero goals. In the UK, Egis is delivering high-profile, climate-conscious projects across transport and energy sectors, partnering with major airports, regulators, city governments, and transport operators to tackle their most complex challenges.

About the Role

As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the Systems Engineering team, leading multi-disciplinary design activities across a range of high-impact transport infrastructure projects, including the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA). You will be accountable for the overall integrated systems performance and optimisation across the project lifecycle, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery.

This role includes leadership of both internal engineering teams and external contractors, along with the development and delivery of key systems engineering processes. You will play a key part in system integration and interface management, aligning various disciplines and stakeholder groups in a complex supplier and partner environment.

The role may also include international project work and travel across the UK and Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead for system design decisions, reviewing proposals, resolving technical issues, and advising on optimal solutions.
• Lead and manage a design team, including mentoring junior engineers, providing technical direction, and ensuring high performance across disciplines.
• Oversee and coordinate contractors to ensure compliance with project and client requirements, design specifications, and delivery milestones.
• Interface with a wide range of stakeholders, including operators, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Manage the review and assurance of High-Speed Rail systems design, including preliminary and detailed stages.
• Drive interdisciplinary coordination and interface management across multiple systems and engineering packages.
• Ensure systems are aligned with operations, safety, maintenance, and long-term performance objectives.
• Develop and implement systems engineering processes including:
• Requirements Engineering (RE)
• Risk Analysis and Management (PRAM)
• Systems Integration (SI)
• Systems Modelling
• Value Management
• Configuration & Change Control (CM & CC)
• Verification & Validation (V&V)
• Deliver accurate and timely project documentation and reports.
• Support the development of tenders and technical input for bids.

• Promote and uphold high standards in safety, quality, and sustainability.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including the ability to build consensus in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Confident communicator, capable of presenting complex information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in diverse and multicultural environments.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure.
• Collaborative mindset with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.

What do we need from you

Essential Requirements

• BEng degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related field. HNC/HND also considered with relevant experience.
• Extensive experience leading engineering on complex, safety-critical projects.
• Proven track record working on UK rail industry projects, ideally including High-Speed or Light Rail.
• Understanding of relevant UK legislation, safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Strong background in multi-disciplinary systems delivery within a regulated environment.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer status (e.g., IET or similar).
• Technical expertise in at least one core systems discipline (e.g., Signalling, SCADA, Telecoms).
• Prior experience on Midlands Metro or similar multi-stakeholder transport projects.

What's in it for you?

Why Join Egis?

• Competitive salary + annual bonus (depending on level)
• 27 days holiday + bank holidays
• Private medical insurance (for you and your family)
• Life assurance & bereavement support
• Hybrid/flexible working model
• Electric car scheme & cycle to work scheme
• Mobile phone allowance
• Travel loans, workplace nursery scheme
• Structured training and development

Meaningful work contributing to sustainability and net zero goals

Our Commitment

At Egis, we care about the legacy we leave behind. From design to delivery, we put environmental and social impact at the centre of every project. Through our Egis Foundation, we invest in real action on climate and education, driving responsible growth and innovation worldwide.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications are reviewed based on merit, experience, and alignment with the role criteria. We believe diversity strengthens our teams and encourages a culture where every employee is included, heard, and respected.