If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging career in the rail industry, you might want to consider becoming a rail systems engineer. A rail systems engineer is responsible for providing insight and technical engineering expertise on railway projects and systems such as traction power, train and traffic signal controls, fare collection, rail vehicles and more. In this blog post, we will explore what a rail systems engineer does, what skills and qualifications are required, and how to make the transition from your current role.
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What does a rail systems engineer do?
A rail systems engineer is involved in the planning, design, development, integration, testing, commissioning and operation of railway systems. They apply systems engineering principles and methods to ensure that the railway system meets the needs and expectations of the stakeholders, such as customers, operators, regulators and suppliers. They also ensure that the railway system is safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable throughout its lifecycle.
Some of the typical tasks of a rail systems engineer include:
- Defining and managing the requirements for railway systems and sub-systems
- Analysing and selecting the best design options for railway systems and sub-systems
- Defining and managing the interfaces between railway systems and sub-systems
- Modelling and simulating the behaviour and performance of railway systems and sub-systems
- Integrating and verifying railway systems and sub-systems
- Validating, transitioning and handing over railway systems and sub-systems to operation
- Monitoring and optimising railway systems and sub-systems during operation
A rail systems engineer may work on a variety of railway projects, such as new lines, upgrades, extensions, maintenance or decommissioning. They may also work on different types of railway systems, such as conventional signalling, telecommunications, train control, automated rail operations, asset management or integrated rail solutions.
What skills and qualifications are required?
To become a rail systems engineer, you will need a combination of technical skills, soft skills and professional qualifications. Some of the essential skills and qualifications are:
- A degree in engineering or a related discipline, preferably with a specialisation in systems engineering or rail engineering
- A professional accreditation or certification in systems engineering or rail engineering from a recognised body, such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE)
- A solid understanding of systems engineering principles and methods, such as systems thinking, requirements management, design analysis, interface management, modelling and simulation, integration and verification, validation and transition
- A sound knowledge of railway engineering concepts and standards, such as traction power, train control, signalling, telecommunications, safety by design or asset management
- A familiarity with railway operations and regulations, such as network rules, safety management systems or rail safety legislation
- A proficiency in using various tools and software for systems engineering or rail engineering tasks, such as requirements management tools (e.g. DOORS), modelling tools (e.g. MATLAB), simulation tools (e.g. VISSIM) or testing tools (e.g. LabVIEW)
- A strong communication skill for interacting with various stakeholders, such as clients, sponsors, suppliers or operators
- A good problem-solving skill for analysing complex issues and finding optimal solutions
- A high level of attention to detail for ensuring quality and accuracy of work
- A willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to changing environments
How to make the transition?
If you are interested in becoming a rail systems engineer, you may need to take some steps to prepare yourself for the transition. Depending on your current role and experience level, you may need to:
- Update your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications for a rail systems engineer role
- Research the rail industry trends and opportunities in your area or country
- Network with other professionals in the rail industry or join relevant associations or groups
- Look for job openings or internships in rail engineering companies or consultancies
- Apply for training courses or workshops in systems engineering or rail engineering topics
- Seek mentoring or coaching from experienced rail systems engineers or managers
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the rail industry and its challenges
I talk to an Expert and ask what it takes to be a rail systems engineer
In this section, I share views and experiences from an expert in the field on becoming a rail systems engineer, based on their own career path and the people they have worked with. We discuss the following topics:
- It does not matter whether you start as a systems engineer or transition from another engineering discipline, as long as you have the passion and the aptitude for systems engineering.
- Training and education are very important for developing your knowledge and skills in systems engineering. You can take courses and qualifications from INCOSE, or other sources such as Udemy to enhance your competence and credibility.
- Technical expertise in the domain or industry that you are working in is valuable for understanding the context and the challenges of the system that you are engineering. You can be either a generalist or a specialist, depending on your preference and career plan.
- Being a systems engineer is different from being a design manager. A systems engineer is responsible for developing and managing the requirements, as well as verifying and validating that the system meets them. A systems engineer also has to consider other aspects of the system lifecycle, such as integration, operation and maintenance.
- If you are interested in learning more about systems engineering and how to become one, you can visit the INCOSE website and the website of your local INCOSE chapter for more information and resources.
This is a summary of their views and experiences on becoming a rail systems engineer. I hope you found it informative and helpful.
Conclusion
Becoming a rail systems engineer can be a rewarding career choice for anyone who is interested in applying their engineering skills and knowledge to the rail industry. A rail systems engineer is responsible for providing technical insight and expertise on railway projects and systems, ensuring that they meet the needs and expectations of the stakeholders and are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. To become a rail systems engineer, you will need a combination of technical skills, soft skills and professional qualifications, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt. If you are ready to make the transition, you can follow the steps outlined in this blog post to prepare yourself for the role.
We hope you found this blog post informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
Sources:
(1) Railway Engineer Salary, Job Description & Duties | Go Construct. https://www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-me/rail-systems-engineer/.
(2) Rail Systems Engineering | Rail Consultancy – Rail Systems Australia. https://railsystemsaustralia.com.au/about/.
(3) Systems Engineering in Network Rail Infrastructure Projects – INCOSE UK. https://incoseuk.org/Documents/Groups/Railway/Systems_Engineering_in_NR_IP.pdf.
(4) Rail systems engineering | Campaigns | News and insights – Ricardo. https://www.ricardo.com/en/news-and-insights/campaigns/rail-systems-engineering.
