Project Engineer

Senior Technology Engineer (Innovation & Drones)

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Location: Stratford, London (Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week onsite)

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Duration: 6 months (Strong potential to convert to permanent)

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Rate: £450 - £470 per day (Inside IR35)

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Clearance: BPSS

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Application Deadline: URGENT – Thursday 21st May at 17:00

About the Role

Are you a tech-forward engineer passionate about automation, drone technology, and AI? We are seeking a Senior Technology Engineer to join a high-profile innovation team dedicated to modernising high-speed rail infrastructure (HS1).

This is a transformational, hands-on contract role where you will drive the innovation agenda, directly reducing manual maintenance by introducing bleeding-edge automation and remote condition monitoring technologies.

Key Project Focus Areas

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Drone Technology: Leading the deployment of drones for inspecting hard-to-reach assets (ventilation shafts, steep embankments) and environmental monitoring (vegetation management).

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Vision & Camera Tech: Deploying advanced train-borne cameras and utilising cutting-edge tools (such as One Big Circle / AiVR / Transmission Dynamics) for automated track and overhead line (OLE) inspections.

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Data & Machine Learning: Monitoring infrastructure behaviour through software powered by machine learning algorithms to drive predictive, data-led maintenance decisions.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

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Lead technology and innovation projects seamlessly from concept through to live deployment.

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Act as the technical authority and Subject Matter Expert (SME) across assigned drone and vision AI projects.

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Engage closely with maintenance teams, asset managers, and senior stakeholders to ensure buy-in.

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Oversee engineering assurance, safety, and compliance for all newly introduced technologies.

What We Are Looking For

While a rail background is desirable, strong technical capability and innovation deployment experience are our top priorities.

Essential Criteria:

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Proven experience introducing or deploying new technologies / digital transformation projects.

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Direct exposure to drones (UAVs) and/or remote condition monitoring solutions.

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A robust systems/software engineering mindset.

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Ability to operate autonomously and engage confidently with senior stakeholders in a regulated engineering environment.

Desirable Criteria:

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Rail industry experience (Engineering or Asset Management).

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Familiarity with One Big Circle, AiVR, Transmission Dynamics, or similar automated inspection platforms.

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A Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Technology (Chartered Engineer status is a plus).

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Note: A PTS (Personal Track Safety) qualification is NOT required for this role.

Why Apply?

This role offers immense visibility and the chance to work with genuine cutting-edge technology (AI, automation, drones) on critical national infrastructure. It also offers a highly realistic pathway into a permanent position for the right candidate.

How to Apply (Strict Deadline)

This is an urgent requirement with a single-stage MS Teams interview process.

Due to immense interest, the application window closes strictly on Thursday 21st May at 17:00. Please submit your CV immediately for consideration