Associate Director – Digital Signalling and Operations

Overview

Lead digital signalling systems integration and engineering for rail projects.

Key Responsibilities

• systems engineering
• digital signalling
• systems integration
• regulatory compliance
• project delivery
• business development

Tasks

In this senior technical role, you will drive the development of capabilities and the successful delivery of Rail Systems Integration, Systems Engineering, and Railway Operations Consulting Services across Victoria, with the flexibility to support projects in other states as needed. Your primary focus will be on digital rail and signalling initiatives, particularly ETCS Level 2 programs. You will play a key role in shaping and managing an interdisciplinary systems engineering approach for current and future digital rail programs, offering both technical leadership and project delivery expertise. -Supporting business development initiatives, including contributing to tender and sales activities, identifying new opportunities, pursuing follow-up work, and cultivating strong relationships with existing and prospective clients. -Contributing technical leadership to the development of technology strategies, delivery and migration plans, and integrated solutions, leveraging both proven and emerging technologies within the context of modern Railway Operations. -Identifying, analysing, and resolving systems and integration challenges, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, customer-focused solutions. -Advising on technical compliance, ensuring alignment with statutory obligations, national and international standards, program governance frameworks, assurance processes, and industry best practices. -Providing expert technical advice for the planning and delivery of integrated Digital Signalling systems, including ETCS, TMS, and DTRS, across both greenfield and brownfield rail networks. -Applying systems engineering tools and frameworks to manage requirements, system architecture, design, standards, interfaces, verification and validation (V&V), change control, risk, and issue management throughout the project lifecycle. -Developing operational and maintenance concepts, digital signalling principles, and comprehensive user and technical requirements using systems engineering methodologies and stakeholder engagement practices to ensure safe, efficient, and effective system implementation.

Requirements

• etcs
• digital signalling
• chartered engineer
• systems engineering
• rail industry
• leadership

What You Bring

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia. This includes Australian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals holding a valid work visa. For international candidates or Network Rail secondees, NRC may offer sponsorship to suitably qualified individuals with relevant and demonstrated experience. All employment offers are subject to satisfactory police checks, professional reference checks, and verification of qualifications, where applicable. NRC Australia is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering professional with a strong background in Digital Signalling systems to join our Melbourne team as an Associate Director – Digital Signalling and Operations within our Systems Integration & Technical Services division. -Familiarity with broader systems engineering disciplines, including Human Factors and RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability). -Membership in a relevant professional engineering body. -Knowledge of and/or experience working within the Australian rail industry. -Extensive experience in delivering digital rail and signalling projects, with a strong focus on ETCS Level 2 systems. -High attention to detail, particularly in capturing and interpreting stakeholder input across diverse disciplines. -Experience in Railway Operations and operational integration. -Knowledge of broader signalling systems, such as CBTC and conventional signalling technologies. -Proven ability to prioritise tasks and deliver high-quality outcomes within defined project timelines and milestones. -Chartered Engineer status. -Previous experience working in a consulting environment. -Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or a related discipline. -Proven expertise in the planning and implementation of Digital Signalling schemes, with a solid understanding of European Technical Specifications for Interoperability. -Well-developed skills in technical report writing and presentation development. -Practical experience in applying Systems Engineering principles and engineering governance frameworks across complex infrastructure projects. -Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior executives and non-technical audiences. -Demonstrated leadership capabilities and strong interpersonal skills. -Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant engineering standards, including AS, CENELEC, ISO/IEC, and IEEE.

People Also Searched For

Benefits

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation! -Flexible working arrangements -Novated car leasing arrangements -Learning & development programs -Career development pathways -Highly competitive market rate salaries -Life Insurance & Total Permanent Disability cover -Performance-related bonus incentive scheme -Generous annual leave entitlement (25 days per annum) -Above award Parental Leave program -Rewards Gateway employee discounts

About Network Rail Consulting

-A consultancy that delivers transformative solutions to the transport industry. -With decades of experience, the company works on major projects in rail, highways, and utilities. -Known for offering expertise in infrastructure design, operations, and delivery. -Has a strong track record in helping both public and private sector clients navigate complex projects. -Involved in key projects such as transport system upgrades and large-scale infrastructure developments. -Focuses on both strategic and technical consultancy across multiple sectors like transport and energy. -Provides end-to-end project support, from feasibility studies to construction and operational delivery. -Renowned for its approach to innovation and cost-efficiency in project execution.

Sector Specialisms

Visa Sponsorship

-nrc may offer sponsorship for international candidates or network rail secondees with relevant experience.

Security Clearance

-all offers are subject to satisfactory police checks, professional reference checks, and verification of qualifications.