Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. The emphasis of our scheme is on developing world-class electrical, systems and technology engineers who seek to become the senior engineers, subject matter experts and leaders of the future.
The role
Your work will include finding solutions to meaningful problems, spanning multiple transport modes. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams from across TfL and with customers, local government, and the supply chain to deliver city-defining programmes and cutting-edge technology. Some current works include:
- Piccadilly Line Upgrade – Transforming the existing signalling system and procuring a new fleet of modern trains;
- Step-Free Access – Improving accessibility across the Tube and Overground networks by making more stations step-free;
- Bus Electrification – Enabling greener, cleaner travel by upgrading existing buses to zero tailpipe emissions.
London never stops and the engineering challenge which we face in modernising and upgrading our systems. Our network plays a massive role in being a strong, green heartbeat for London and as Engineers, we help shape the decisions that will lead this objective.
You will support reliable operation of one of the world's leading transport networks and shape London’s future transport network.
Sustainability
Sustainability is intrinsic to the way we work, and we ensure that we operate in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the environment. Much of what we do, directly contributes to the decarbonisation and public health of London.
What will I be doing?
Your one-year IET-accredited development programme will be made up of three placements of 3-4 months in duration, and you will receive all of the training and support needed to succeed in your role.
Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience that you need for a successful engineering career. We will also support your route to gaining Chartered Engineer status with the IET, and your selection of a permanent role within the TfL Engineering Directorate.
Everyone’s career is different, so every journey through the scheme is unique.
You will have the freedom to choose the placements you work on within an overall framework, guided by your scheme Sponsor, Mentor, Buddy and Development Advisor. The following are examples of placements you could be on whilst on the scheme:
- Systems Performance and Integration – simulating train performance for new trains.
- Environment & Sustainability Engineering – developing technical strategies for Net Zero projects.
- Lifts and Escalators Engineering – learning about safety standards, implementing technology updates and reviewing system designs to create a more accessible network for our customers.
- Depot Operational Engineering – learning about root-cause analysis, investigating performance issues and implementing modifications.
- Business & Digital Engineering – developing Flows, Power Apps and Power BI dashboards to improve our asset performance.
- Major Projects – working with delivery teams on large construction projects such as network extensions, cycle superhighways, and Underground line upgrades.
- Building Services Engineering – local upgrades including step-free access schemes and bus station upgrades.
The emphasis of both our placement and graduate schemes is on developing ‘world class’ engineers who seek to become the senior engineers and leaders of the future.
To guide our choice of first placement and to help you to get the most out of your year with us, you will be asked to express a preference for one of the following streams on application:
- Electrical Engineering
This covers all aspects of the electrical systems and equipment that keep London's transport system moving. Your placements could include the design of electric drive upgrades for our trains, developing charging infrastructure for London’s incoming electric bus fleet, delivering transformational signalling upgrades or designing power network upgrades for renewable energy connections.
- Systems Engineering
This involves working across all transport modes, helping us be the voice of integration and system considerations on our projects to ensure we deliver in the most cost effective, carbon efficient and time efficient manner. Your placements will include Systems Engineering and Systems Integration on our major schemes, working at all phases in the project lifecycle to define system architectures, determine requirements, manage opportunities to collaborate between projects, and ensure quality design is delivered to our operating colleagues.
- Technology Engineering
This includes using new and emerging technology to solve our complex, technical problems. Placements could include working on road or rail signalling and control systems, designing and testing infrastructure to support autonomous and connected vehicles, and delivering operational solutions using augmented reality or artificial intelligence. You will also have the opportunity to ensure that our systems and assets are secure from cybersecurity attacks as well as to deliver modern communication networks including the rollout of mobile communications across the Underground.
Where can this career take me?
Our engineers have the opportunity to make a huge impact. A career with us will be varied and exciting, with opportunities across TfL Engineering.
During this year long programme, you will gain meaningful and valuable work experience which will support you in your ongoing career journey towards becoming a fully qualified Chartered Engineer. At the end of your placement, you may have the opportunity to be considered for a graduate position through our fast-track process.
What training and support will you get?
During the programme we will support you through on-the-job training in a mix of strategic, engineering and operational placements. We will also give you access to a large range of online training courses. Throughout, you’ll be supported by a scheme sponsor and a professional mentor – both Chartered Engineers. We’ll also team you up with ‘buddies’ who have similar backgrounds, interests and responsibilities to you.
What do we look for?
Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:
- Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work
- Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together
- Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate
Entry requirements
You’ll need to be in your penultimate year of your degree and be on track to achieve a minimum of 2:2 BEng/BSc or MEng/MSc in electrical, electronic, systems or mechatronic engineering or a closely related subject accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Candidates on IET accredited pure Mechanical Engineering degree programmes will only be considered for the Systems Engineering stream.
If your university is included in the IET list of accredited degrees and your specific degree course is in the process of being accredited, we will consider the suitability of your qualification on a case-by-case basis. Please provide the following details: degree subject, modules undertaken in the final year, and final year project title. Please state to best of your knowledge when the course is expected to receive accreditation.
Assessment process
The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which will need to be completed within an allocated time frame. We highly recommend that you read through this document thoroughly so that you can familiarise yourself with the process.
What we offer
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards include:
- Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
- Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
- Minimum 28 days Annual leave (Pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays.
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
- Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more