Professional Head of Systems Engineering

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional senior leader to shape the future of rail systems engineering at one of the world's most influential infrastructure consultancies.

You'll take ownership of our technical strategy across signalling, traction power, telecoms, and systems integration — defining where we're headed, how we get there, and who leads us. You'll combine deep technical authority with commercial instinct, building client relationships and growing a high-performing team of specialist engineers.

What you'll do

• Own the technical strategy and capability roadmap for the rail systems division
• Lead and grow major client programmes and delivery frameworks
• Drive business development — shaping bids, building partnerships, and opening doors at senior client level
• Provide technical assurance and governance across live projects, ensuring compliance with RSSB, Railway Group Standards, and ISO 15288
• Mentor and develop a team of specialists, fostering a culture of rigour, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Represent AECOM with industry bodies, government stakeholders, and client leadership
• Strengthen our market reputation through thought leadership, publications, and conference presence

What you'll bring

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, and Chartered Engineer status
• Substantial senior experience in UK rail systems engineering or consultancy
• Deep expertise in one or more of: signalling, traction power, ETCS/ERTMS, or systems integration
• A proven record of leading large technical teams and complex, multi-disciplinary programmes
• Familiarity with NEC/Tier 1 contract environments and infrastructure delivery frameworks
• Strong stakeholder management and a track record in business development

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Chartered membership of the IRSE, IMechE, or IET
• Experience on major UK programmes such as HS2, TSGN, or East West Rail
• Working knowledge of the ISO 15288 systems engineering lifecycle and safety assurance frameworks
• Experience leading bids in a consultancy commercial environment

Additional Information

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview SchemeWe are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where