Job Description
We are working with a specialist engineering consultancy delivering a wide range of structural and civil engineering services across the rail industry. Their Reactive Maintenance Team focuses on rapid, practical solutions to maintain and improve rail infrastructure assets with minimal disruption to service.
Due to growing demand, an opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Civil or Structural Engineer to support inspection-led maintenance across a range of assets including bridges, platform canopies, substations, footbridges, and lineside buildings. This role is primarily site-based, servicing the Wessex route from London and Sidcup to the South West, and includes participation in an on-call rota to respond to urgent site issues.
This is a hands-on role offering excellent exposure to both inspection and design work in a safety-critical environment, supported by digital tools and an experienced engineering team.
The key responsibilities for this Assistant Civil Engineer - Reactive Rail Maintenance role are:
Undertake Structural Inspections & Surveys
Carry out a variety of inspections including condition surveys, Hidden Critical Element (HCE) inspections, bridge bashes, and dilapidation surveysIdentify structural defects and assess asset condition across footbridges, platforms, canopies, and lineside buildingsUse digital tools (e.g. form-fill apps, LiDAR data) to efficiently capture and record findings
Report Writing & Documentation
Prepare clear, concise inspection reports with photographic evidence and recommendationsPopulate master condition sheets with inspection results, deterioration risk, and proposed reinspection schedulesAssist in developing remedial specifications and engineering recommendations
Support Small-Scale Structural Design
Contribute to minor structural detailing for platform, masonry, and canopy repairsAssist senior engineers with standardised repair solutions and Value Engineering initiatives
On-Call and Emergency Response
Participate in a structured on-call rota to respond to urgent rail infrastructure issuesAttend live railway sites out-of-hours as needed to assess and support safety-critical situations
Project Support & Coordination
Liaise with contractors, clients, and in-house teams to support safe and timely delivery of remedial worksAssist with documentation including Risk Assessments, Construction Phase Plans, and project trackingCoordinate with CAD and digital teams to integrate data into reporting and design processes
Health, Safety & Compliance
Adhere to rail industry safety standards and internal HSEQ protocolsOperate in compliance with Network Rail standards and procedures (e.g. SIN 204, PTS requirements)
Experience required for this Assistant Civil Engineer - Reactive Rail Maintenance role are:
Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (BEng, MEng or equivalent)1-3 years' experience in a civil/structural engineering role (post-graduation), ideally in an infrastructure or rail environmentDemonstrated experience with structural inspections or condition surveysStrong report writing and documentation skills, including use of MS Word and ExcelWillingness and ability to work on site regularly, sometimes during unsociable hoursFull UK driving licence and willingness to travel across London, Sidcup, and Wessex routePTS (Personal Track Safety) certification or ability to obtain (training support provided)