Joel Jones

As a Senior Design Engineer, I oversee the day to day running of the ETE design department and manage the output to ensure a consistently high-quality product is delivered in a prudent fashion. I am the face of the department, communicating with the client to ensure all their needs are met in a cost-effective way. I provide a platform for members of my team to grow and become better designers and all-round engineers.

As a Plain line and Conductor rail renewal CRE, I am responsible for reviewing designs to ensure that they are compliant to all applicable standards. In the design review process, I check that the best methods are being implemented and ensure the proposals avoid introducing any conflict to the railway infrastructure. I also ensure that each design undergoes strict Safe by design checks to protect individuals from harm and promote the safety of the railway. I ensure that my team works effectively, efficiently and economically to incorporate the best procedures and most practical means of installation built into each design. I also attend site surveys and collaborate with other disciplines to guarantee a product that is a coherent, collaborative, compliant design across all phases.

I communicated with the client to understand their needs and requirements for each project. I played a pivotal role in IDCs (Inter Disciplinary Checks) from a construction standpoint, detailing issues that could affect the installation of the job clearly and effectively. This role helped me see aspects of the ETE role that I was unable to see as a designer.

As a Design Engineer I was essential to the design process and mentored assistant designers starting out in the role. I became more involved with quality control according to agreed production levels and timescales. My time in this position also allowed me to develop my skills at IDCs communicating issues and resolving them with other disciplines, becoming a better communicator.

I attended site to plan installation works. This included materials, plant and manpower needed to complete the required works. I was responsible for processing orders and liaising with PWay to efficiently coordinate shift coverage and manpower requirements to complete the installation works to railway standards.

I developed an understanding of ETE design, while establishing a vast working knowledge of ETE assets and principles, while working as part of a team developing my communication skills within the department.