ERTMS Programme Assurance Engineer

ERTMS Programme Assurance Engineer | Location: Flexible | £67,000 | Permanent

The Opportunity

The ERTMS Freight Programme is a nationally critical initiative that will deploy the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) across freight operations on the UK rail network. This complex, multi-stakeholder programme will drive interoperability, safety, network capacity, and operational efficiency.

The programme is seeking a passionate and driven Assurance Engineer to own and manage all aspects of regulatory, technical, and safety assurance & verification. You will ensure the successful delivery of APIS (Authority to Place into Service) and PIU (Putting Into Use) approvals in line with Network Rail and industry standards. This is a fantastic opportunity for an Assurance Engineer looking to step up and take on a leadership role within a major rail programme. We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in rail assurance and the drive to develop their expertise and take on new challenges.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of the Programme Assurance Strategy, ensuring full compliance with Network Rail''s assurance processes, including ESAC and the 4-SP framework.
• Act as the primary interface with external stakeholders and relevant bodies to secure APIS and PIU approvals.
• Identify and manage assurance-related risks, ensuring compliance with safety engineering best practice and system safety requirements.
• Provide assurance advice to suppliers, delivery teams, and other key stakeholders, advising senior leadership on assurance risks, issues, and compliance status.
• Oversee the development and approval of key documentation such as Engineering Safety Management Plans (ESMP) and Hazard Records.

The Candidate:

You will be an experienced professional with a proven track record in a rail assurance role within a complex rail systems environment. You''ll have knowledge of ERTMS/ETCS deployment assurance and a strong understanding of the CSM-REA and associated safety engineering processes.

We''re looking for someone who is a strategic and methodical thinker with excellent stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing and guiding teams across multiple organisations. The ideal candidate will be a resilient and delivery-focused team player who can communicate confidently at all levels.

Desirable skills and experience include: Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent, experience within major rail programmes (e.g., Digital Railway, ETCS Deployment, HS2), and knowledge of Network Rail''s 4-SP and ESAC processes.

Location: Hybrid and flexible

Salary: £67,000

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

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Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.