Dear Readers
A reminder that we have a Stand (No. 340) at next week's AusRAIL PLUS which will take place from 25-28 November at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre so if you are there, drop by for a chat with our Team.
AusRAIL PLUS 2025 is the largest rail industry event in the Asia-Pacific region and an essential opportunity to connect with decision-makers, customers, suppliers and partners shaping the future of rail. More than 7,000 industry professionals will gather to hear from 120+ local and international experts, explore 16+ technical and concurrent streams, and meet 240+ exhibitors, sharing insights on digitalisation, AI, sustainability, safety, passenger experience and the future of rail worldwide.
Find out more and register today: https://ausrail.com
And it's a bumper week for Jobs of the Week this week. In Manila, Philippines we are looking for a Systems Integration Manager, a Testing & Commissioning Consultant / Manager and an Interface Systems Expert. In Sydney, Australia, we are looking for a Graduate Commercial Sales Administrator.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
18 November 2025. Australia. Metro West tunnelling reaches home stretch
The end of tunnelling for the Sydney Metro West project is in sight after boring machines passed the deepest part of Darling Harbour on their way to Hunter Street. The tunnel from Pyrmont has reached 35 metres below the water’s surface, passing under the Australian Maritime Museum and now heading towards King Street Wharf on the eastern shore of Darling Harbour. The 1,100-tonne tunnel boring machines Jessie and Ruby each have less than 700 metres left to finish their job at rate of advance of 90 metres a week.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
17 November 2025. United Kingdom. East Kilbride–Glasgow line just weeks away from electric trains
Passengers travelling between East Kilbride and Glasgow are just weeks away from experiencing the benefits of a cleaner, quieter and more reliable railway, as the electrification of the line enters its final phase. With only one month to go until electric trains begin running on the route, teams across Network Rail and industry partners are working at pace to complete the final upgrades ahead of the first passenger services on 14 December.
Source: Rail UK
17 November 2025. China. CRRC Presents 400 km/h CR450 EMU at the 8th CIIE
Earlier this month, the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai, providing a platform for domestic and international companies to present developments in technology and industry. A central rail-focused exhibit this year was the 400 km/h CR450 electric multiple unit (EMU), displayed in model form at the China Pavilion. The CR450 is being developed under the leadership of China Railway, with CRRC taking part in the programme.
Source: Railway News
Progress Rail has entered into a contract with the Ch. Thawee–AS Construction Joint Venture (CH-AS JV) to supply signalling and telecommunications systems for the second phase of Thailand’s double-track railway programme, focusing on the Khon Kaen–Nong Khai corridor. The 167-kilometre scheme, which includes 11 stations, will introduce a second track and upgrade existing rail assets.
Source: Railway News
17 November 2025. Australia. BHP battery locos delivered to the Pilbara
Mining company BHP has taken delivery of its first purpose-built battery-electric heavy haul locomotives for trials between its Pilbara iron ore mines and Port Hedland. Each of the Wabtec locomotives features a 7 MWh battery system which is charged using power regenerated during braking on the downhill runs. Wabtec’s Regional Senior Vice-President for ANZ&SEA Peter Thomas said ‘these FLXDrive locomotives are purpose-built to perform in one of the world’s most demanding environments, combining advanced battery technology and regenerative braking to deliver high efficiency and lower emissions’.
Source: Railway Gazette
Brightline and Sotereon.AI have entered into a partnership to implement LiDAR technology on two of the rail provider’s locomotives, marking the first use of this system on a Florida passenger rail service. LiDAR employs laser pulses to generate spatial images of surrounding areas or objects. This application to rail is designed to deliver a real-time digital model of the Brightline corridor.
Source: Railway Technology
14 November 2025. Spain. Hitachi Rail, Sistem win €126.5m HSL signalling contract in Spain
Hitachi Rail and Sistem’s UTE consortium has been selected to deliver signalling and traffic management technology on the Talayuela–Plasencia section of the Madrid–Extremadura High-Speed Line (HSL) in Spain. The contract, valued at €126.5m ($146.9m), will see the UTE consortium install interlockings, train protection systems, fixed telecommunications, and the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2. The project also includes the implementation of a Centralised Traffic Control system (CTCS), enabling remote and real-time oversight of rail operations.
Source: Railway Technology
Jobs of the Week
Testing & Commissioning Consultant / Manager, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15269
Discipline: Test and Commissioning
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Testing & Commissioning Consultant Manager to support their activities on the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase 1, (Valenzuela to Paranaque).
Looking to mobilise in Q1 2026
Phase 1: Testing & Commissioning Consultant
1. Develop the overall Testing & Commissioning (T&C) strategy, master plan, and associated documentation/templates.
2. Establish frameworks, processes, and readiness criteria to guide testing and commissioning activities across all systems.
3. Review pre-test documentation, test procedures, and test reports to confirm readiness and compliance.
Phase 2: Testing & Commissioning Manager
1. Manage and oversee static and dynamic testing programs for CP106 and CP107.
2. Chair system-wide Go/No-Go gate reviews on behalf of the E&M and Rolling Stock Project Manager.
3. Lead investigations into failed or non-conforming tests, ensuring corrective and preventive measures are implemented.
4. Verify that all tests are traceable to project design and safety requirements.
5. Ensure validation of all interface requirements during T&C, in coordination with the System Integration Manager.
6. Supervise and, where required, witness contractor site tests in collaboration with the Systems Integration & Testing (SIT) Team.
7. Direct and support trial operations, acceptance testing, and handover activities in collaboration with DOTr staff and other stakeholders.
Job Requirements
Must have relevant experience in Testing and Commissioning.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Interface Systems Expert, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15270
Discipline: System Integration
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking an Interface Systems Expert to support their activities on the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase 1, (Valenzuela to Paranaque).
Looking to mobilise in Q1 2026.
Reporting to the Interface Systems Integrator, the Interface Systems Expert will be responsible for resolving all design and interface issues between CP106 and all the Civils Package Contractors & 3rd Parties. Then focussing on Integration issues between Contractors.
General Duties:
1) Managing the Interfaces between the CP106 Contractor and all RO Civils Package Contractors & 3rd Parties.
2) Convening with the RDT, DMT, the Engineer's Architectural, Civils, QAQC, Contracts, RE & MEP Stations and Depot Teams on issues relating to the CP106 Contractor.
3) Assist DOTr during the system integration phase of train operations, and final commissioning and Handover to the Operator.
4) Manage the CP106 Contractor during the Defects Liability Period to ensure compliance to the contract, and review and approve the contractor's actions to DOTr where justified.
5) Attending the various Systems meetings held by the Engineer.
6) Submit Monthly Report on the Interface activities.
Specific Duties:
1) Attend the Rails Systems and Civils Contractors Interface meetings, take the lead and give the necessary direction to the respective Contractor on arising issues.
2) Reviewing the Civils Packages contract on the scope gap issues, contract exclusion issues, and managing the scope gaps between CP106. Preparing the schedule for these, and resolving the solutions by interfacing with all GC Departments, and discussing these with the CP101 and CP106 Contractors, and presenting these to DOTr.
3) Checking the CP102-9 Civils Packages to ensure they are correctly interfaced.
4) Reviewing correspondence from the Contractors and preparing responses.
5) Preparing and compiling the structure and work scope of the proposed Design Management Team, the intention being to complete most of the design work for the RO Section.
6) Consolidating the list of redesign works required by CP106 for packages CP105/108/109 to present to DOTr.
7) Resolving all drawing issues between CP106 and the Civils Contractors, e.g. BIM exchanges.
Documentation / Records:
1) Reviewing all MoMs for meetings attended to ensure their validity.
2) Reviewing project documentation e.g. drawings, specifications, interface documents, test procedures, as required.
3) Reviewing and approving test procedures and test reports.
Job Requirements
Must have relevant experience in Systems Interface.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Systems Integration Manager, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15212
Discipline: Test and Commissioning
Position Type: Contract
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is looking for a Systems Integration Manager to be based in Manila to work on the Metro Manila Railway Project.
Responsibilities are
Review & Assurance
- Review pre-test documentation, procedures, and test reports to confirm systems readiness, compliance with project requirements, and alignment with safety/regulatory standards.
- Validate that test documentation demonstrates full coverage of contractual, technical, and interface requirements.
Testing & Integration Management
- Plan, manage, and oversee static and dynamic integration tests across CP106 and CP107.
- Coordinate multi-system integration activities (Signalling, Telecoms, Rolling Stock, Power Supply System, PSD, and other E&M subsystems) to ensure seamless functionality.
- Chair system-wide Go/No-Go gate reviews on behalf of the E&M and Rolling Stock Project Manager, ensuring readiness criteria and risk assessments are met.
Non-Conformance & Corrective Action
- Lead investigations into failed or non-conforming tests, coordinating root cause analysis and driving corrective and preventive measures.
- Track and report the closure of non-conformances to ensure no residual risks are carried forward.
Traceability & Compliance
- Verify that all tests and outcomes are traceable to project design, functional, and safety requirements.
- Ensure compliance with international standards (e.g., EN 50126/28/29, IEC 62278/79, NFPA-130) and contractual obligations.
Interface Validation
- Ensure all interface requirements are fully validated during Testing & Commissioning, in close coordination with the System Interface Manager.
- Monitor cross-package dependencies (Civil, Trackwork, E&M, Rolling Stock) to prevent integration gaps.
Oversight & Witnessing
- Oversee and, where necessary, witness contractor site tests, ensuring proper procedures are followed and evidence is documented.
- Coordinate with the Systems Integration & Testing (SIT) Team to resolve test execution issues in real time.
Operational Readiness & Handover
- Support trial operations and system demonstration, ensuring that performance, reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS) targets are achieved.
- Coordinate handover documentation and ensure readiness of systems for revenue service in collaboration with DOTr staff and stakeholders.
Management & Reporting
- Provide regular reporting on integration and testing progress, risks, and mitigation measures to project leadership.
- Act as the focal point between contractors, consultants, and the client for all integration and system- wide T&C matters.
- Contribute to the preparation and execution of the overall project Testing & Commissioning strategy
Job Requirements:
- Degree qualified
- Minimum 15 years of experience in Systems Integration and Testing and Commissioning
- Can demonstrate how he or she has been able to recognise Project trouble spots and devise ways and means to overcome them
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Graduate Commercial Sales Administrator, Sydney, Australia
Job ID#: 15245
Discipline: Administration
Position Type: Permanent
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Graduate Commercial Sales Administrator to support their activities in Sydney, Australia.
The Graduate Commercial Sales Administrator will support the optimisation of the sales function - both internally and externally-by ensuring effective use of CRM/ERP systems, marketing activities, and commercial processes. This is an ideal role for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to develop a broad skill set across sales operations, marketing execution, and commercial administration within an industrial B2B environment.
Key Areas of Activity and Responsibility:
Sales Operations & Commercial Support
- Maintain and update CRM systems to ensure data accuracy, pipeline visibility, and reporting consistency.
- Support ERP processes related to quotations, order entry, pricing, and customer account management.
- Assist with preparing customer proposals, sales presentations, commercial documents, and internal sales reports.
- Coordinate follow-ups with customers, distributors, and internal teams.
- Analyse sales data and provide insights to support forecasting and decision-making.
- Contribute to improving sales processes, documentation, templates, and internal workflows.
Marketing & Communications
- Coordinate marketing activities including trade shows, industry events, webinars, and customer visits.
- Assist with preparing marketing content such as case studies, product sheets, newsletters, and social media posts.
- Manage company's social media presence and schedule content.
- Work with external agencies or suppliers for branding, promotional materials, and events.
- Support internal and external communication activities.
Customer Relationship Support
- Provide timely and professional customer service.
- Maintain accurate customer records and assist with customer segmentation.
- Support onboarding of new customers with required documentation.
Job Requirements:
Essential
- Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Engineering, or related field.
- 0-3 years of experience in sales support, marketing coordination, or commercial roles.
- Strong proficiency with CRM and/or ERP systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong analytical skills with confidence working with data.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Desirable
- Experience in industrial or B2B engineering sectors.
- Understanding of sales processes, customer lifecycle, and marketing funnels.
- Familiarity with digital marketing tools.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with technical and commercial stakeholders
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
