Principal Systems Engineer
Salary: £50,786 – £67,422
Contract: Permanent
Location: London – Hybrid
Annual Leave: 30 Days + Excellent Benefits
Closing date: 6th May 2025
Be Part of the Future of Rail
The railway in Britain is undergoing its most significant transformation in a generation, and Rail Delivery Group (RDG) is at the heart of this change. With the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), we are driving a new era of simpler, smarter, and more accessible ticketing, revolutionising how millions of people travel.
Our Digital Ticketing Services (DTS) division leads industry-wide transformation in ticketing and payments, working to simplify rail travel through digital solutions. We collaborate with train operators, regulators, and technology providers to modernise ticketing, contactless travel, and retailing. DTS delivers programs and projects that improve ticketing systems, enhance customer experience, and ensure seamless integration across the rail industry.
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to join our dynamic DTS Engineering team, working on an exciting national initiative: the Tap Converter project.
This Department for Transport-backed project will enable Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) to submit token-based tap data from Bus, Tram or Rail networks and receive accurate national rail fares in return. It’s a vital part of enabling seamless Pay As You Go travel across different authority boundaries.
As Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll lead on the technical design and implementation of this programme, ensuring quality engineering practices are applied throughout. You’ll be a key player in shaping the future of smart ticketing on the railway – a visible, meaningful improvement for millions of travellers.
Key Responsibilities
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who blends technical leadership with a strong understanding of customer needs and user experience. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, translating complex requirements into clear technical solutions while keeping the end-user front of mind. Confident in both written and verbal communication, you're able to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. You’re also someone who enjoys supporting others – from mentoring colleagues to leading one-to-ones – and you’ll play an active role in creating a collaborative and forward-thinking team culture.
Essential Skills & Experience:
Why Work for RDG?
We offer a highly competitive package, including:
Career Development & Progression
This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to shape the future of digital travel. As Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge mobile and smartcard technology and play a key role in delivering national infrastructure. You’ll work closely with stakeholders across the rail industry and government, with the opportunity to grow into senior leadership or technical architecture roles.
Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail
If you are interested in joining RDG as a Principal Systems Engineer and contributing to the future of digital ticketing, we’d love to hear from you!
Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.
Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.
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Founded in 2011, The Rail Delivery Group is a transportation company that promotes cooperation and provides industry leadership for train companies in the UK. The organization provides customer experience improvement, train punctuality management,...
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