Ian Robinson CEng

Ian Robinson is the Service Leader Fleet Consulting at Ricardo Rail, and is a Chartered Engineer.

Why did you decide to work in the rail industry?

When I graduated in 2000, there were a lot of interesting projects happening, such as the West Coast Mainline upgrade, the Channel Tunnel rail link and the introduction of the Virgin Voyagers and Pendolinos. It was an industry with a lot of investment going into it, with new and interesting projects happening all the time. It felt an exciting time to be in the rail industry and I wanted to be a part of that.

What did you study?

I did A levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, the went on to study a BEng in Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham University.

What was your first job in the rail industry?

I started working for Network Rail as a Trainee Engineer within Network Rail’s Vehicle Acceptance Body.  I was on the ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies) Graduate Training Scheme, which involved spending time with different companies gaining a broader appreciation of the rail industry.  I was also moved between different departments within Network Rail which gave me a good and thorough grounding.

I then worked at Interfleet and GB Railfleet, and since 2014 I’ve been Service Leader Fleet Consulting at Ricardo Rail. I am a project manager and consultant on traction and rolling stock which means that I solve problems involving locomotives, wagons and passenger vehicles.

Why did you become a Chartered Engineer?

I thought that it was important to my career to become Chartered; being professionally registered makes you more employable. I have changed jobs several time and it has been useful. When I am recruiting young engineers I want them to be professionally registered as it is a sign that they are a qualified competent engineer, but also they have taken the time to do it. 

Are you still involved with the Institution?

I am very supportive of the work done by the Institution. I work with young people who are not yet chartered, as well as engineers who may not have done a degree, and I try to encourage them to become registered. I have given guidance on applications, as well as sponsoring applications and mentoring young engineers.  I also try to come along to their events and activities, as they are useful for networking and keeping up to date with developments.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on an 18-month project for Hitachi Rail Europe on the safety case for the new trains for ScotRail.  The projects I work on vary from large projects with many people working on them, to smaller jobs I do on my own.

Why would you recommend the rail industry to others?

The rail industry is an interesting and challenging industry for engineers to work in and there are a large variety of roles, most of which have a good balance between office-based activity and spending time out of the office working with the vehicles. Plus, as mechanical engineers, most of us are drawn into the profession by the lure of working with big machines and that is something we have plenty of!

What are the main challenges facing you in the rail industry?

Britain has a different safety culture than the rest of Europe, and I spend a lot of time helping companies comply with European and UK legislation; making sure that there is a common level of safety across Europe.

Find out more about becoming a Chartered Engineer.