School of Computing and Engineering
Rail Freight Engineer (KTP Associate)
£28,000 to £32,000 per annum (plus £2,000 per annum professional development budget)
VTG Rail UK Limited (RWA member), Birmingham (there will be some requirement to travel to other RWA member locations and the University of Huddersfield)
Fixed term appointment for 24 months
37 hours per week
R7041

We are thrilled to be hiring a Rail Freight Engineer to lead an exciting project between the University of Huddersfield and Rail Wagon Association (RWA).

Collaborating with the University's Institute of Railway Research, RWA is engaging in a unique Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to bring further innovation to the UK rail freight sector on behalf of its members.

At present, the sector is fragmented across multiple bodies, leading to operational inefficiencies. This KTP will develop new models, methods, processes, and technologies to monitor and predict wheel and other component wear and damage in rail freight wagons. These innovations will ensure the sector is more profitable, sustainable, and more capable of addressing the carbon net-zero challenge. It is an exciting opportunity for a talented graduate to make a real difference to the sector, kickstarting their career.

The Company

RWA is a trade association representing the interests of companies involved in rail freight wagons based in the UK. This includes wagon owners, keepers, users, designers, manufacturers, hirers, ECMs, consultants, maintainers, and operators. Their principal objective is to be the professional trade body for any person or persons who operate, maintain, manage infrastructure for, supply products to, supply services to or promote rail freight wagons. They do this by dealing with government, ORR, RSSB and other industry bodies to help to develop an expert and focused approach to technical engineering issues, legislation, regulation, and safety.

The Role

Over the 2-year project, you will drive a strategic programme of change. You will primarily be based at VTG Rail UK Limited, an RWA member; developing, testing, and adopting enhanced asset management systems and methods for freight wagon maintenance to be rolled out across the sector. You will also spend time working with other RWA members and at the University. You will use solid project management skills and academic understanding to deliver this project successfully, with industry and academic guidance, and a personal and professional development programme.

There could be an opportunity for the right candidate to join an RWA member organisation on a permanent basis after the initial project has concluded.

The Person

The successful candidate will have a good honours degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, with experience in analysing and presenting simulation results, test data and technical reports. An understanding of the principles of simulation models for mechanical engineering/dynamic systems will be key, as will written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Experience working in a rail or transport industrial environment is desirable.

If you have the drive to make this project a success, please apply with a supporting statement telling us what sparked your interest, what you will bring to the project to benefit each of the stakeholders and what you ultimately aim to achieve. Please note that applicants who do not address each essential criterion in their supporting statement will not be considered.

For further details about this post and to make application please click the ‘Apply’ button.

Closing Date: 21st February 2023

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