Placement Year Engineer (September 2026)

Closing Date for Applications

2nd March 2026 

Salary scale: Up to £24,197.79

Start date for placement: 7 September 2026

What is the purpose of this job?

Our scheme is designed to develop the engineering leaders needed by the future railway. 

During your placement year at RDG you will work within the Engineering Team helping to support the Rail Industry in producing a reliable and state-of-the-art service for passengers. Working at RDG 
you will have the opportunity to interact and network with an array of leading professionals and decision makers within the rail industry.

This scheme is a great opportunity to experience the Rail Industry first-hand through a number of technical visits around the UK and an 8-week hands on placement at a Train Depot.

What can I expect to do in this job? 

Your Year in Industry is all about your development. Your year will be extremely varied and will include several challenging deliverables. Throughout the year your core activities will be supplemented with a range of technical visits and training courses and activities designed to give you the strongest foundation to be a leader of the future within our 200-year-old industry. 

Whilst working for RDG, you will be accountable for:
• Finding solutions to meaningful problems
• Managing and administering engineering and business projects
• Conducting research on different topics affecting industry and presenting your findings to industry experts
• Supporting the Engineering Team to facilitate cross-industry technical meetings 

Requirements

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

• To be studying a degree accredited by the IET or the IMechE
• To be self-motivated, personable and enthusiastic with a professional approach to business
• To have good written and verbal communication skills as well as excellent organisational and 
time management skills.
• Passionate about engineering and keen to make a difference! 

Benefits

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 (Vitality) including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You’ll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You’ll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG, we’d love to hear from you!

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading 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.