An opportunity has come available for a Solutions architect you will be required to operate under customers business processes and design technical solutions based on customer requirements. In addition, they coordinate internal technical frameworks so that they align with the customers requirements and consider issues such as technical feasibility, life cycle and cost effectiveness in solution development.

The Network Rail Customer Solution Manager/architect is required to manage the GRIP 1-4 process that feeds the development release cycle and system roadmap of the Fixed Terminal System (FTS).

Main tasks

Participating in customer needs & requirements analyses in collaboration with the customer and if necessary, sales representatives

Developing technical designs to address customer requirements

Chairing meetings and workshops with the customer in relation to capturing requirements for future system enhancements

Managing the production of effort estimations for design and product development

Technical interface between the external customer and Product Management, Project Execution, Sales and Development

Providing sales with technical support during on-site meetings with the customer

Supporting product management with customer requirements from Network Rail that feed into future designs of product releases

Developing and maintaining a customer specific technical strategy and roadmap considering our product roadmap and customer’s needs

Developing technical designs and possible solution approaches with cost estimates in collaboration with Development, Pre-Sales and Product Management

Conducting feasibility studies and risk analyses in connection with standard and extra features together with the Development department

Competence

Deep understanding of Radio systems and applications, with a particular focus in the transport solutions portfolio.

Understanding of fixed communication networks and protocols including Ethernet/IP, SIP and ISDN.

Detailed knowledge of GSM-R system architecture and applications, including those specific to the UK rail environment.

Working knowledge and understanding of the UK rail environment, its specific operating conditions and setup.

Working knowledge of the Network Rail Guide to Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) framework

Responsibilities

The Network solutions architect is expected to work autonomously in a customer facing role.

A key responsibility will be representing the company in a positive manner in front of the customer at all times

The solutions architect is responsible for internal, technical coordination of the design through to an offer phase and/or handing over to the System Engineer for a delivery phase

You will be responsible for analysing, evaluating and documenting customer needs and requirements

Responsible for developing technical designs, including output specifications and solution descriptions, as well as negotiating and agreeing practical feasible solutions with the customer.