Principal Systems Engineer (Tap Converter)

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

• Lead on systems engineering for a high-impact mobile ticketing programme, contributing to architectural design, requirements analysis, and integration planning.
• Act as the subject matter expert on smartcard systems, influencing technical design decisions and helping shape national rail ticketing standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering practices, tools, and processes to ensure efficient delivery.
• Collaborate with Solution Architects, Business Analysts, and delivery partners to develop robust, scalable designs.
• Communicate technical requirements to a wide range of stakeholders, including non-technical audiences.
• Mentor other engineers and contribute to building a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent professional experience. 
• Extensive experience working on ITSO Smartcard ticketing and related technologies in public transport. 
• Familiarity of RSPS3002 and national rail ticketing standards. 
• Knowledge of contactless EMV (cEMV), with proven experience working in payments technology and with fare collection. 
• Familiarity of EMV standards, including PCI and ISO.  
• Experience delivering complex IT integrations, with a focus on contactless EMV and ITSO based technologies. 
• Proficient in reviewing RESTful APIs and web service integrations using JSON. 
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and mentoring engineers. 
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics to non-technical audiences. 
• Skilled in defining data models, data mapping and flows. 

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance (AXA PPP) including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

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.