Signalling and Communication Systems Graduate Scheme (2020)

As a graduate engineer on our prestigious 3-year programme you will help to support and deliver the technical aspects of a variety of multidisciplinary designs across a range of challenging and exciting projects in the UK and internationally. We operate across a range of markets including Cities & Development, Energy, Environment & Geoscience, Transportation and Water.

As transport infrastructure experience’s unprecedented investment, join us in Signalling and Communication Systems and help us to shape the future of transport by helping our clients deploy the latest Transport Systems technologies to provide safe, punctual, fast and environmentally efficient journeys to millions of people.

You’ll deliver the technology systems that will help our clients manage and optimise tomorrow’s transport infrastructure. Our teams drive innovative projects from industry leading signalling systems and smart motorway solutions to control centres and real-time passenger information. We advise on everything from strategic direction to the detailed design, installation and commissioning of systems on our client’s infrastructure.

So, you can look forward to plenty of variety from testing systems on site to exploring next generation technologies and design solutions.

Adventurous spirits. Impressive advances. This is your opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading consultancies. With the Atkins Graduate Development Programme, you’re in great company.

Where could I work?

As a recent graduate you could find yourself in one of the following locations;

Locations: Croydon

All roles will include the opportunity to rotate between Design, office-based assignments and into site-based construction and testing placements during the first 1-2 years of your employment. Whilst you will be based at a home office location, you will be expected to be available to travel for those site-based placements to take advantage of project opportunities as they arise.

Degree requirements: 2.1 bachelors or 2.2 Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, Systems Engineering or Software Engineering. Other relevant subjects will also be considered.

You’ll be

• Undertaking a variety of project work relating to road or rail technology projects under the direction of Project Manager(s)
• Developing user requirements through discussion with Clients, other stakeholders and the wider Project Team
• Undertaking site visits to collect and then analyse relevant data
• Supervising/Manage the installation and testing of equipment
• Production of safety critical software confirming to EN50128
• Preparing documents and drawings in accordance with the requirements of our Business and Quality Assurance Systems, Relevant Standards and Codes of Practice
• Liaising with internal and external Design Teams, Clients and Contractors as appropriate
• Reviewing policy documents and guidance notes
• Writing technical notes and project reports for clients
• Working with colleagues and clients to develop new innovative transport solutions
• Supporting clients in delivering their strategic and operational objectives
• Undertaking complex investigations into failed equipment either on site or a laboratory environment

You could work across each of the following teams:

Engineering Management 

Engineering Management forms part of the Design and Engineering practice within the wider Transportation practice. Engineering Management is the technical integration of all the Functions and Disciplines working for Atkins within a project. The Engineering Practice contains a mix of Engineering Managers and Project Engineers who deliver projects during all phases from feasibility studies to commissioning. The key responsibilities of the Engineering Management team are to:

• Own the technical scope for the elements of work being delivered by Atkins.
• Principal technical interface with the client
• Provide technical leadership across disciplines
• Co-ordination of engineering change across disciplines
• Provide technical guidance to the Project Manager
• Demonstrate compliance with the project scope
• Management of the Interdisciplinary Check Process

Depending on the size and complexity of the project will determine the level of Engineering support required, this can vary from an individual to a team of engineers. The Engineering Management team are normally co-located with the design teams until the project reaches the construction phase when the team work predominantly out of the site office.

Scheme Development

The Signalling Scheme Development Design Team is part of the wider Signalling and Communication Systems Practice. This team will develop a Signalling Project from its earliest stage, drawing out the client requirements, engaging with stakeholders then determining what is possible for the technology involved. The work from feasibility studies, optioneering through to scheme plan and outline design to gain ‘approved for construction’ status. Jobs range from small scale alterations (such as introducing longer trains or laying a new junction) through to major area re signalling schemes, utilising the latest technology.

Key Responsibilities are:

• Design of the signalling layout to all relevant standards and meet the operational requirements.
• Interfacing with other disciplines such as track, OLE, civils, electric power and telecoms to compatibility with the signalling design.
• Understanding the current operation of the area (train types, timetable, signalling control point) and the effect of the alteration
• Determining the age and condition of the current technology, any special skills or tool required for alteration

You will be involved in live projects from day 1, writing technical specifications, attending interdisciplinary meetings and preparing design for issue. A mentor shall be provided for formal signalling design and you shall begin collating evidence towards an Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) Design licence. Some travel will be required to meetings throughout the UK, at client and site offices.

Signalling Design 

Our signalling design teams are at the very core of our Signalling and Communications Systems Practice. Working with some of the most experienced engineers in the UK railway our design staff are trained in the design of a wide variety of technologies used in the safe control and operation of the rail network. They take the output from the scheme development team and turn it into detailed designs for lineside equipment, control systems and safety critical electronic interlocking systems which can then be manufactured, installed and commissioned on the live railway. Our design teams work with engineering managers, project managers and designers from all other engineering disciplines to turn concept designs into reality. Every project is unique, employing different technologies, systems and equipment and our work is safety critical.

Key Responsibilities are:

• Interpreting input concept designs and applying design principles, standards and approved processes to develop detail designs
• Producing CAD based hardware/wiring designs for signalling systems
• Design of software and data for electronic signalling systems
• Liaising with installation and testing staff during project implementation stages
• Providing design support on site during commissioning periods

As for the scheme development team, you will be expected to work towards achieving a Railway signal Engineers (IRSE). Design License. Some travel will be required to meetings throughout the UK, at client and site offices.

Transport Technology 

The Transportation Technology team is part of the wider Signalling and Communication Systems Practice within the Transportation business. We design and deliver cutting edge technology to improve the safety and efficiency of the road network. We are use a range of technologies such high speed networks, digital CCTV, radar, LED signs and control systems to monitor and manage traffic. We ensure that end to end systems are designed, delivered and commissioned. We are involved in a range of projects from leading edge initiatives on intelligent mobility to the practical aspects such determine equipment locations, cabling and power designs. Our range of expertise is applied during all stages of a project lifecycle from initial conception through preliminary design, detailed design, construction, commissioning and handover. We make extensive use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) which enables 3D models to be created by our engineering teams in coordination with other disciplines. We encourage innovation ideas within our team for all our design solutions at all levels of individual experience.

Key Responsibilities are:

Design of Intelligent Transport Systems with end to end responsibility for their implementation this includes aspects such as:

• Control System and software
• Variable Message Sign (VMS) systems for vehicle movements and information systems for diversions, speed control and enforcement.
• Inground and above ground vehicle detection systems which include traditional inductive loop sites, RADAR and image processing technologies.
• Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) traffic monitoring systems.
• Communications systems
• Power systems

From your initial start within the business you will be involved in our core design processes and the coordination of the designs with other disciplines: Highways, Structures, Drainage, Environment. Your will be under the guidance of a mentor and Senior engineer as you are exposed to projects, develop your capabilities and understanding of the business. Continual Professional Development (CPD) is an important way to demonstrate you competencies and as such we support the membership of Professional Institutions such Institution of Engineering and technology (IET).

Locations: Glasgow and York

What are we looking for?

• Passion and understanding for working in a consultancy environment, with the ability to work with clients and internal stakeholders
• Drive and determination to achieve Chartered status
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills, with the confidence to work on your own initiative or as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to apply your technical knowledge to analyse problems and create innovative solutions
• An interest in developing digital and technology-based solutions
• A flexible approach to travel as our projects and training may take you to a variety of locations in the UK and possibly abroad

What are the benefits and rewards?

For a full list of our benefits and to understand more about our graduate community, please click here. Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to one of our current graduates click here.

How do I apply?

Please click the apply button now to start your application journey! As an equal opportunity employer, we value applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. For further details on our recruitment process, please refer to our website.

We want you to perform at your best at each stage of our recruitment process and can make adjustments to ensure this. So, whether you consider yourself to have a disability or not, or would simply like to know how we can support you better, please contact us confidentially on 0121 483 5089 or graduates@atkinsglobal.com

Our deadline for applications is Monday 30th March 2020. However, due to the popularity of our programmes, some of our roles will close earlier than others. To avoid disappointment, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

NB: This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.