Associate Technical Director - Rail systems

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description:

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Design Manager – Rail Systems to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary rail systems design activities across complex infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring timely, technically sound, and integrated delivery of all rail systems design packages, working closely with clients, engineering teams, and project stakeholders. This role requires deep domain knowledge of rail systems engineering, strong leadership, and the ability to manage multiple interfaces

Role accountabilities:

• Lead and manage the end-to-end rail systems design process including signalling, telecom, SCADA, train control, power supply, and other subsystems.
• Ensure integration of various rail systems with civil and structural designs across project stages (feasibility, preliminary, detailed).
• Develop and maintain design management plans, schedules, and deliverables aligned to the project programme.
• Facilitate design reviews, manage interfaces between disciplines and stakeholders, and ensure design compliance with relevant standards (e.g., CENELEC, EN, IEC, AREMA).
• Coordinate with client teams, independent reviewers, and certification bodies to secure design approvals and safety assurance.
• Lead risk assessments and design-related technical workshops (HAZID, HAZOP, RAMS, etc.).
• Ensure quality assurance and control processes are embedded throughout the design cycle.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to design teams and junior engineers.
• Support procurement and construction phases by responding to technical queries, managing design changes, and ensuring constructability.
• Manage external design consultants and subcontractors, monitoring performance and deliverables.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical / Electronics / Railway / Systems Engineering or equivalent.
• 12+ years of relevant experience in rail systems design and integration, with at least 5 years in design management role.
• Strong knowledge of signalling (conventional, CBTC, ETCS), telecoms, and control systems.
• Demonstrated capability in leading complex, multidisciplinary engineering teams on major rail infrastructure projects, including metro, light rail, and mainline systems.
• Strong familiarity with international rail design standards and codes of practice.
• Exceptional skills in coordination, communication, and stakeholder management across diverse project environments.
• Proficient in design and collaboration platforms such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, BIM 360, and ProjectWise.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent recognized professional accreditation.
• Certified in Design Management or Engineering Management (Design), with a solid understanding of design assurance and governance processes
• Exposure to international rail projects or working in global engineering delivery centres
  
  

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why equality and inclusion is at the forefront of all our activities. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer; women, minorities, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, caste, creed, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

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