Signalling Engineer

Also known as: Electrical Engineer, Electronic Engineer

Job Role: Designs, constructs and maintains signalling systems that regulate train movements across the network

Skills required to be a Signalling Engineer

Analytical and critical thinking skills
Leadership skills
Ability to assess and plan
Strong communication skills
Problem solving
Ability to work independently
Ability to work well in a team
Eye for detail

Job role

Inspecting, testing and monitoring, Instruct and coordinate staff, Administrative tasks, Identify and manage risks, Interpret and evaluate technical information, Operate electrical equipment

Overview

The role

Signalling Engineers help operators to regulate the movement of trains on the network with minimum conflict or delay. A signalling engineer will choose to specialise in design, construction, maintenance or project management.

Tasks include:

• designing signalling systems
• preparing conceptual design and reports
• assisting with project planning and new project bids
• overseeing maintenance plans and operational studies
• participating in design reviews in a team environment.

Skills required

Skills required to be a Rail Signalling Engineer

Ability to plan
Risk management
Asset management
Frontline leadership

Entry pathways

Previous experience

Rail Signalling Engineers usually come from a career as an engineer or electrician. Many worked in:

construction, defence or resources sectors
electrical supply industry.

Minimum requirements

Minimum qualification for the role is usually a Bachelor or Masters of Engineering (Electrical, Computer Systems or similar).

However, it may be possible to become a rail signalling engineer with a Certificate IV in Electrical - Rail Signalling and relevant industry experience.

Further study to enhance opportunities can include:

(Requirements vary between systems, talk to your rail infrastructure manager or rail operator for specific information relating to their workplace.)

Career progression

What a Rail Signalling Engineer's career progression can look like

Rail signalling engineers may look to advance their career through roles as asset engineer, design engineer and construction operations manager.

What do I do next

What do I do next?

For more information on becoming a Rail Signalling Engineer:

check out the W ork in Rail website
talk to your careers adviser
get in touch with your industry body or union
contact your local TAFE or university
if you already work in rail, talk to your employer.

Meet the people

Meet Bryan Lai, an Interface and Integration Manager with Downer.

After studying electrical and computer system engineering at Monash University, Bryan began his career as a Signalling Engineer at Connex. Today he's responsible for integrating different signalling and communications systems so trains run safely and seamlessly across the networks.

"If I were to name the three best things about rail it would the opportunity to work with different people from different disciplines, the chance to travel and work on jobs in fairly remote locations and the very competitive salary.”

Read more about Bryan's career here.

If you have great job in rail, get in touch.