Josh Sullivan

As current Rail Management Engineer for Wessex Outer I am responsible for managing compliance and associated risks for Rail Testing, Lubrication, Welding & Grinding, UTU & OTM grinding. I specialise within defect / asset management and reactive solutions coordinating various projects to improve asset management, future rail testing techniques and standard implementation:

• TRK001/Mod07 Standard Update – Lead for Southern Region working group collaborating with national TA and key stakeholders to improve future standards and MAC tables related to track defects.
• Ensuring risks are identified at earliest opportunity and controlled
• Introduction of Bscan technology within Ultrasonics – Lead for Wessex Route, trialling and implementing Bscan technology within Ultrasonic Testing. Developed new systems / software to improve testing techniques and improve testing productivity.
• UTU Compliance and Testing Plans – Developed a UTU compliance tracker to ensure inspection frequencies are met to standard maintaining track safety.
• OTM Grinding and ECRCF management – Produced effective grinding footprints and plans to reduce RCF volumes, increase expected rail life and associated costs of renewals.
• Providing technical direction/advice of Asset Management with TMEs
• Investigating faults and root causes to provide solutions

Responsible for managing and directing the RT&L maintenance team to achieve business objectives and maintain safety of the line via Ultrasonic Rail Testing and Lubrication. When in the Section Manager Role I successfully delivered the transition from Red Zone working to Green Zone improving safety, collaborative working, managing compliance by amending working practices and reviewing MSTs to deliver an achievable work plan.

• Reacting to track faults and urgent rail defects
• Managing critical inspections such as UTU Suspects, RCF, MSTs and Rail Defects
• Managing Competencies of all staff
• Coordinating access opportunities and planning work inline with standards
• Producing effective rosters to maximise work returns
• Managing lubrication assets to maximise cost and safety efficiencies
• TGA Commissioning/De-commissioning and reacting to faults
• Personal development of staff - progression plans
• Managing Budgets and financial impact
• Conducting regular safety briefs and inspections

• Demonstrating and promoting safe working behaviours
• Assisting Section Manager to maintain essential rail testing and lubrication compliances
• Developing individual competencies and capabilities
• Assisting with planning and conducting safety inspections
• Writing and managing Ultrasonic procedures
• Supervising teams and Planning productivity

• Ensure the safe operation of trains by visual inspection and ultrasonic testing of rail to prevent rail failure
• Use various ultrasonic methods to examine possible defects and compile detailed reports
• Working in a safety critical environment and
• Managing and delegating tasks
• Making key decisions and actions
• Responding to urgent UTU reports and reporting detailed inspections

• Studied a variety of engineering qualities including computer skills, maths, technical and mechanical procedures
• Developed key leadership abilities including ILM level 2
• Completed projects by effectively applying engineering, technical and maintenance procedures
• Gained critical experience working in teams and individual problem solving
• Valuable insights and training in various departments within the railway industry including mobile operations
• Specialised in track maintenance and inspections