Signalling and Communication Systems Summer and Industrial Year Placement Scheme (2020)

As a Signalling and Communication Systems placement student 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.

Where could I work?

As a placement student you could find yourself in one of the following locations:

Summer placement location: Birmingham, London, Swindon
Industrial year locations: Birmingham, London
Degree requirements: On track to achieve a minimum 2.1 Bachelor’s 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 involved in:

• 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
• 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:

• 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

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

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

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:

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

What are we looking for?

• Passion and understanding for working in a consultancy environment
• Drive and determination
• 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

What are the benefits and rewards?

When you join us, you’ll be empowered to be the professional you want to be, working on projects you can feel proud of.

Our benefits, to name a few, include:

• dedicated support from your line manager who will create personalized objectives with you, so you can get the most out of your time with us to support you with your studies and beyond
• our top performing placement students have the opportunity to be nominated straight onto our Graduate Development Programme
• a competitive salary

Click here to find out more, or 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 placements@atkinsglobal.com.

Our deadline for applications is Monday 6th January 2020. Some of our opportunities are incredibly popular, so to avoid disappointment (where some roles may close earlier) we recommend 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.