Associate – Rail System Safety (Risk & Assurance)

Overview

As an Associate in Arup’s Safety Risk & Reliability team, you will lead rail safety assurance across the full asset and project lifecycle. You’ll balance standards-based compliance with first‑principles engineering to shape safe, reliable rail systems. You’ll build senior client relationships, drive delivery quality and commercial performance, and mentor others to grow Arup’s rail safety capability. The role spans train control, infrastructure, telecommunications and operations, with a focus on innovative yet proportionate assurance. You’ll work on strategic challenges like decarbonisation and digitalisation, delivering impact for clients and communities.

Pay / Benefits

• Profit Share
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Accident insurance
• Income protection
• Flexible benefits

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of rail safety assurance and risk work on projects or major work packages with clear direction and quality expectations
• Own safety management activities including hazard analysis, safety case development, and lifecycle assurance planning
• Apply safety analysis techniques (HAZID, HAZOP, FMECA, FTA) and risk modelling as appropriate
• Resolve complex technical issues with robust, proportionate solutions
• Lead engagement with Independent Safety Assessors / Assessment Bodies and manage assurance interfaces
• Establish senior client relationships, align safety goals with programme objectives, and shape delivery approach
• Plan work and resources, monitor scope, and manage commercial performance
• Mentor and develop team capability, promoting learning and continuous improvement

Key requirements

• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with membership of a relevant professional institution
• Degree in engineering, mathematics, science or related discipline
• Experience leading system safety and risk programmes in rail and delivering safety cases and lifecycle safety arguments
• Strong grasp of UK/European rail safety frameworks (ROGS, CSM-RA, TSIs/NTSNs, EN 50126/50716/50129)
• Experience with ISA/AsBo and independent assurance processes, and senior stakeholder engagement
• Domain experience in train control/signalling, digital railway, rolling stock, telecoms, infrastructure or operational safety
• Workshop facilitation and ability to communicate complex issues to technical and non-technical audiences
• Language skills in Danish, Dutch or German are advantageous

• strong stakeholder engagement
• leadership and mentoring
• clear and collaborative communication
• safety risk management
• safety case / safety justification
• HAZID, HAZOP, FMECA, FTA

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