Programme Engineering Director

Shape the Future of Rail Systems Delivery

AtkinsRéalis is seeking Programme Engineering Directors to lead engineering strategy and delivery across three major rail programmes: Southern Integrated Deliver (SID), Eastern Renewals Partnership (ERP) and Train Control Systems Framework (TCSF) . These are senior leadership roles within our Engineering Systems Practice, driving technical excellence and innovation across complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

Location: UK (Any of our UK AtkinsRéalis Complex Projects offices)

Business Unit: AtkinsRéalis – Complex Projects, Rail Systems

• Lead Engineering Strategy: Define and deliver programme-wide engineering approaches, ensuring alignment with client objectives and AtkinsRéalis standards.
• Visible Leadership: Be widely visible across the AtkinsRéalis Complex Projects business and particularly in the Rail Systems sector; championing the right cultural values to enhance technical delivery through a highly competent and capable design workforce. Instilling the correct behaviours within the organisation to enable consistent delivery, which is technically robust, on time and profitable.
• Assure Delivery & Safety: Oversee design reviews, verification, and risk management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to internal frameworks and external regulations.
• Collaborate & Inspire: Partner with Project Directors, lead engineering managers, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Resource & Capability: Secure and develop the right talent and supply chain partnerships to deliver excellence.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent AtkinsRéalis in technical discussions with clients and partners.
• Win Work: Through maximising additional/repeat/follow-on work from clients.

• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent).
• Proven track record leading large engineering teams and delivering complex rail systems projects.
• This is a true leadership position requiring the successful candidate to mobilise and motivate large, professional, multi-disciplined engineering teams across a number of projects, whilst not necessarily having line management responsibilities for the team.
• Experience of the rail industry is essential and with strong delivery background in at least one of the Rail Systems disciplines.
• Strong understanding of rail industry standards and safety assurance.
• Strategic thinker with ability to drive transformational change and embrace digital innovation.
• Exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills.

To apply please upload your CV and cover sheet explaining your interest in the role.

The closing date for this role is the 5th of December 2025

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

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We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

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Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

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At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.