| Description: |
Lead Electronics Engineer
Derby (On-site; must be within a commutable distance)
Full-Time £40,000 £50,000 per annum (Depending on Experience) Position Overview We are seeking a technically accomplished Lead Electronics Engineer to join a growing engineering team delivering robust, high-reliability electronic solutions to the UK rail industry. This is a hands-on role covering the full product lifecycle from concept, design, and embedded firmware development through to fault diagnostics and legacy system refurbishment. The successful candidate will work across a range of rolling stock, traction, and control systems, often where components are obsolete and require creative engineering approaches. You ll operate in a safety-critical environment where best practice, quality, and compliance matter and where your experience and judgement will be trusted to lead both projects and people. Why Join - Competitive salary of £40,000 £50,000 depending on experience.
- 37-hour work week with an early Friday finish.
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays), with Christmas shutdown.
- Technical leadership within a highly respected team supporting national rail infrastructure.
- Long-term career development with continued investment in R&D and innovation.
Key Responsibilities - Lead the design and delivery of electronic hardware and firmware projects for rail-based systems.
- Design, prototype and layout analogue and digital circuits (including high-speed designs).
- Develop embedded firmware in C, C++ and/or Python for 8-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers (PIC, AVR, ARM, TMS320).
- Carry out detailed diagnostics, reverse engineering and repair of legacy or obsolete systems.
- Use simulation and modelling tools (SPICE, Matlab, Simulink) to optimise control and thermal performance.
- Supervise junior engineers and apprentices, fostering a strong safety-first engineering culture.
- Implement safe working practices when handling high-voltage or high-power systems.
- Liaise directly with customers to gather requirements, assess feasibility, and manage expectations.
Essential Skills & Experience - Degree or equivalent qualification in Electronic/Electrical Engineering.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant hands-on experience in electronic hardware and firmware development.
- Strong track record in the rail sector or other high-reliability/safety-critical industries.
- Solid knowledge of analogue/digital electronics, PCB layout (KiCad, Altium or equivalent), and schematic capture.
- Experience working with high-voltage or high-power rail electronics (e.g. traction inverters, power converters).
- Appreciation of a strong safety culture : safe use of power tools, voltages, and high-power plant, with ability to lead by example.
- Understanding of risk assessment methods and safe systems of work.
- Proven ability to liaise with customers and manage technical communications clearly and effectively.
- Practical workshop skills, SMD and through-hole soldering, wiring harness design/assembly, crimping, and machining.
Desirable Technical Skills - Experience organising and delivering complex hardware and/or firmware projects without compromising performance.
- Knowledge of control systems theory (H , LQR, etc.).
- Firmware development to industry quality standards (e.g. MISRA).
- Familiarity with in-system debugging tools (JTAG, SWD).
- Experience developing high-reliability or mission-critical systems for rail, defense, medical or nuclear sectors.
- Competence with diagnosing and restoring obsolete or unsupported equipment.
How to Apply If you are a skilled electronics engineer ready to take the lead on critical rail projects, we d love to hear from you. Apply today via The HR Guru.  |
