OVERVIEW
This is a 6-month contract (with strong potential to convert to a permanent role), reporting into the Head of Innovation – Network Rail High Speed (HS1).
The role will play a key part in driving the innovation agenda across the HS1 asset base, with a focus on reducing manual maintenance activity and introducing automation and emerging technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Great opportunity to work on cutting‑edge innovation projects, with strong hands‑on involvement in emerging technologies (drones, AI, automation). The role will provide good visibility and impact within a high‑profile innovation function. A potential pathway exists into a permanent role within Network Rail High Speed.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Drive automation of manual inspection and maintenance activities
* Support delivery of efficiency and performance targets across HS1
* Translate emerging technologies into scalable operational solutions
* Contribute to innovation‑led transformation within asset management and maintenance
Day to Day Responsibilities
* Lead and progress innovation projects from concept through to deployment
* Act as technical authority/SME within assigned project areas
* Engage with maintenance teams, asset managers, and stakeholders
* Ensure engineering assurance, safety, and compliance of new technologies
* Support business cases and benefits realisation
* Attend and contribute to project/stakeholder meetings (not meeting‑heavy but regular engagement required)
Core Projects / Areas of Focus
* Vision & Camera Technology
o Deployment of cameras on passenger and engineering trains
o Use of tools such as One Big Circle / AiVR for automated visual track inspections or Transmission Dynamics for OLE inspections.
* Data & Analysis
o Monitoring infrastructure behaviour (e.g. pantograph/OLE interaction, track) through various software with machine algorithms
o Supporting data‑led maintenance decisions
* Drone Technology (Key Focus Area)
o Inspection of hard‑to‑reach assets (e.g. ventilation shafts, steep embankments)
o Environmental monitoring and reporting
o Potential user cases such as vegetation management
* Innovation Initiatives
o Supporting a range of smaller R&D and digital transformation projects.
Essential Skills
* Experience in introducing or deploying new technologies / innovation projects
* Exposure to drones and/or remote condition monitoring solutions
* Strong technical/technology mindset (software/systems understanding)
* Ability to operate autonomously and engage senior stakeholders
* Understanding of working in a regulated engineering environment.
Desirable Skills
* Rail industry experience (engineering / asset management)
* Experience with One Big Circle / AiVR / transmission dynamics
* Exposure to digital inspection, AI or automation technologies
* Candidates do not need to have both rail and tech, however strong technical capability is the priority if we can’t find both.
Qualifications
* Degree in Engineering, Technology, Software or Computer Science (desirable)
* Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) preferred.
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