Job Title

Contractor's Engineering Manager (CEM) - Telecoms / Software-Focused Systems

Contract Details

Contract Length: Minimum 9 months

IR35 Status: Outside IR35

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Predominantly remote with occasional travel to Cheadle, Stockport

Overview

An experienced Contractor's Engineering Manager (CEM) is required to take over an existing role due to retirement. The role supports a rail-based programme currently at GRIP 6, entering SIT/SAT testing, and centres on an Online Key Management System (OKMS).

The OKMS is a software-based, cyber-secure telecoms system used by train drivers to log into operational systems. While the solution has strong software and cyber-security elements, this is not a pure software role. A telecoms engineering background is essential. Civils or signalling-only backgrounds are unlikely to be suitable.

The OKMS scope represents approximately 40-50% of the workload; however, candidates with a strong telecoms background will be able to support the role full time.

Key Responsibilities
CEM Role & Engineering Management

Act as Contractor's Engineering Manager, coordinating all engineering activities in line with the project programme and GRIP lifecycle

Coordinate design and documentation deliverables to Network Rail

Review and sign off all documentation submitted to Network Rail from delivery partners

Manage and coordinate responses to Design Review Notes (DRNs), ensuring timely closure or document updates formally accepted by Network Rail

Coordinate As-Built documentation where required

Provide all required documentation for the Network Rail Health & Safety File, agreeing formats with Network Rail

Provide IDC/IDR Certificates for GRIP stages 5, 6 and 7 (and 8 if required)

Provide Engineering Completion Certificates (ECC)

Documentation & Authoring

Update and maintain the System Definition

Update the Service Interface Register (SIR) with input from DDaT stakeholders

Produce HSM performance reports to support NRAP Product Approval (templates provided)

Maintain document control via JIRA, SharePoint and OneDrive

Assurance, Safety & Compliance

Coordinate with TÜV (Independent Auditor) regarding Subset compliance reports

Respond to auditor queries and provide supporting evidence as required

Ensure progress towards compliance with applicable subsets, supporting independent assurance for handover

Support completion and acceptance of SIT/SAT Safety Letter

Run checks on outstanding LDO actions prior to certification sign-off

Governance, Reporting & Meetings

Attend:

Monthly Network Rail Contract Review meetings

Monthly Human Factors Working Group meetings

Chair:

Twice-weekly Engineering Delivery meetings

Monthly Security Working Group meetings, reviewing security documentation, residual risks and emerging issues

Reporting:

Provide a monthly metrics pack

Provide a monthly technical debt report

Security & PSO Awareness

Maintain awareness of project security classifications, procedures and controls

Identify, manage and escalate any security breaches promptly

Support updates to security briefings and alignment with current organisational security marking systems

Consult and adhere to Network Rail security correspondence and requirements

Tools & Systems

Obtain and use access to the following systems:

Network Rail eB (document control and DRN status)

Network Rail Standards Portal

Network Rail Teams

JIRA (document control and WPM)

SharePoint / OneDrive (OKMS documentation)

Project Environment

The CEM will work closely with a multi-organisation delivery team including project management, service delivery, safety assurance, systems engineering, architecture, and security specialists.

Essential Requirements

CEM Certification (mandatory)

Strong telecoms engineering background

Experience delivering software-based, cyber-secure systems within regulated environments

Proven experience working through GRIP stages, particularly GRIP 5-7

Experience with IDC/IDR, ECC, DRNs, and Network Rail governance processes

Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and suppliers

Comforta