Railway construction manager

Company Overview

We are a leading engineering consultancy, recently awarded several high-profile rail infrastructure projects across Europe. Our current focus is a major high-capacity corridor project in partnership with Deutsche Bahn (DB), connecting Paris and Germany. We are seeking a Lead Rail Track Engineer to guide our multidisciplinary design team through the unique requirements of DB and European rail standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership:

  • Act as the German-speaking lead interface between the design team, project managers, and DB/client representatives.

  • Guide and mentor a team of 10-15 junior and mid-level designers (English-speaking), ensuring adherence to DB (RIL) and EU standards.

  • Oversee all seven design phases, from concept to documentation, ensuring compliance with DB-specific regulations and Eurocodes.

  • Validate all project input data, including reports, soil surveys, job descriptions, and site visit findings.

  • Coordinate and review planning and design deliverables, ensuring all documentation meets DB requirements.

• Project Management:

  • Support project managers in planning, reporting, and communicating project progress to stakeholders.

  • Investigate and advise on design variations, cost implications, and technical solutions.

  • Facilitate effective communication between English-speaking designers and German-speaking stakeholders.

• Quality & Compliance:

  • Ensure all designs and reports comply with DB’s RIL codes and relevant EU standards.

  • Identify and communicate where DB standards diverge from Eurocodes, providing clear guidance to the team.

• Collaboration:

  • Work closely with remote teams and be available for periodic travel to project sites and meetings in Germany and France.

  • Foster a collaborative, supportive environment for junior designers and engineers.

Requirements

• Language:

  • Fluent in German and English (written and spoken).

• Experience:

  • Significant experience in rail track/civil engineering projects, preferably with Deutsche Bahn or similar European rail infrastructure.

  • Familiar with the German Design Approach according to HOAI,

  • Strong understanding of DB’s RIL standards and Eurocodes.

  • Proven ability to lead and mentor design teams through all project phases.

  • Experience validating technical data and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

• Skills:

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

  • Ability to interpret and apply complex technical standards and regulations.

  • Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

• Other:

  • Willingness to travel within Germany and France as required.

  • Ability to work remotely and manage teams in a hybrid environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work on landmark European rail infrastructure projects.

• Collaborate with an international, multidisciplinary team.

• Flexible, remote working arrangements.

• Opportunity for contract extension and further project involvement.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Ryan Griffin