Overview

Assistant Design Engineer - Drainage role at Network Rail. Location: York, GB. Department: EP NRDD Geotech (662030) G2. Duration: Permanent. Location note: This role is based in York ICC with potential to be based in any Network Rail office. This is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. Band & Salary: Band 5 £27,453 - £34,506.

We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments we value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Design Engineer - Drainage to support the delivery of safe, sustainable, and efficient engineering designs across our railway infrastructure. You will have a foundation in civil engineering, with an eye for detail and a willingness to learn and develop your expertise. Collaborative and proactive, you will work alongside experienced engineers to prepare design outputs, contribute to problem-solving, and ensure compliance with standards and safety requirements. This is a great opportunity for someone keen to grow their career in rail engineering while making a real difference to the railway of the future.

The Role (External) and Team

Engineering Services is a function within Route Services. We sit as a central team to provide national skills and activities which enable regions and industry partners to deliver the railway for our customers. As a large central functional team which focus on engineering delivery, we have many roles, ranging from pure engineering to project management. We design and influence every part of the railway, including structures, track, traction power, level crossings, signalling and accessibility schemes which are essential to keep our stations moving.

What does the average day look like?

In this role, your day will be varied and dynamic, supporting the development of safe, reliable, and efficient engineering solutions across the railway. You’ll analyse project requirements, develop and evaluate engineering options, and work closely with colleagues to ensure compliance with standards and best practice. A key part of your work will involve managing design scope, assessing impacts on cost, time, and performance, and preparing technical data and reports to support detailed design. You’ll collaborate across disciplines, manage interfaces with other projects, and contribute to GRIP stages 2 to 4, all while drawing on lessons learned from past projects. Alongside your technical work, you’ll help mentor junior engineers, sharing knowledge and supporting the growth of the next generation of rail professionals.

Essential Criteria

• A demonstrable aptitude for option development.
• Strong evaluation and decision-making skills.
• A working knowledge of rail engineering; relevant successful experience working in the principal discipline and an adequate understanding of all other related disciplines.
• An ability to work and communicate effectively in a team context.
• An appreciation of all the life cycle stages of rail infrastructure.
• Construction design management, risk assessment and external audit competencies.

Desirable Criteria

• Working towards membership of an appropriate professional institution (e.g. ICE, CIWEM etc).
• Experience in design, construction and maintenance.
• A working knowledge of rail engineering.
• Basic Project Management Skills.
• Strong Interpersonal and team working skills.
• Broad knowledge of H&S legislation.
• Understanding of Environmental Requirements of Geotechnical & Drainage schemes.
• Basic knowledge of Quality Management.
• Competent in exercising the Designer’s obligations of CDM.

How to apply and additional information

Closing date: 10th September. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 15th September, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information.

Some of our great benefits:

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
• Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% subsidy on train tickets.
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
• Plus more….