Principal/Associate Rail Modelling and Simulation Analyst – Manchester / Birmingham / London
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A little more about your role…
Our Rail Operations Performance and Modelling team continues to expand, and we are seeking a Principal / Associate Rail Modelling and Simulation Analyst with deep expertise in Discrete Event Simulation (DES), particularly using AnyLogic software.
We are growing our rail‑focused simulation capability, and this role will be central to strengthening our position as industry leaders in rail‑based DES. As WSP’s UK AnyLogic expert, you will champion the use of simulation across the rail sector—driving adoption, shaping best practice, and clearly demonstrating the value of advanced, visually rich modelling to both internal teams and external clients.
You will work closely with the Rail Operational Planning Technical Discipline Lead to evolve, innovate and expand our AnyLogic offering, ensuring we continue to deliver high‑quality, insight‑led solutions that support better operational, performance and investment decisions across the rail industry.
In project delivery, you will act as technical lead for all AnyLogic rail simulation and visualisation work, overseeing contributions from both UK and India‑based teams. You will guide the development of high‑impact visual outputs, enabling clients to clearly understand complex operational scenarios and performance outcomes. You will also play a key role in developing our people—mentoring and accelerating the growth of junior modellers as they build capability in AnyLogic and rail‑specific simulation approaches.
As a senior representative of our modelling team, you will engage confidently with clients to articulate the benefits of simulation and the power of visualisation as both an analytical and communication tool.
Beyond project delivery, you will contribute to WSP’s wider digital community of practice, helping to shape our digital modelling strategy, contributing to thought leadership, and supporting the continued growth of our digital advisory services.
In this role your responsibilities will include:
- Acting as a visible presence within the UK (and international) rail industry, serving as a key point of contact for clients and promoting the use of AnyLogic as a rail simulation tool, clearly communicating its capabilities and ability to influence industry outcomes.
- Leading innovation in the application of AnyLogic, strengthening and broadening the range of analysis we deliver to solve complex rail operational and performance challenges.
- Developing AnyLogic and analytical capability within the team, mentoring junior modellers and supporting the Railway Operations Planning Technical Discipline Lead in managing and developing team competencies.
- Leading the production of high‑quality proposals for AnyLogic‑led work, proactively contributing to work‑winning activities and collaborating with WSP colleagues to maximise opportunities.
- Acting as a technical “guiding mind” for AnyLogic projects, managing delivery from inception to close‑out within time and budget constraints, and ensuring that WSP quality assurance processes are applied prior to final submission.
- Working closely with clients to define modelling requirements, scope studies, identify and obtain required inputs, and undertake data analysis and preparation.
- Producing clear, concise and professional‑quality reports, presentations and proposals that positively influence client understanding and decision‑making.
- Leading lessons‑learned activities and knowledge sharing across projects, team forums and industry engagements, defining and promoting good practice in AnyLogic modelling.
- Engaging with modelling and digital counterparts across other WSP regions to share expertise, identify work‑winning opportunities, and enable effective resource collaboration.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
You will hold a degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science or a related discipline, with significant professional experience in rail simulation and modelling, including expert‑level use of AnyLogic. Professional registration is desirable.
Your experience is expected to include:
- Strong familiarity with engineering design, simulation, coding and data analysis tools, with advanced proficiency in AnyLogic.
- A structured, logical and analytical approach to problem‑solving, with the ability to operate effectively in complex and ambiguous environments.
- A proactive mindset, capable of identifying issues early and applying sound judgement to develop practical, evidence‑based solutions.
- A commitment to knowledge sharing, with strong presentation and influencing skills, able to engage credibly with technical and non‑technical audiences.
- A forward‑thinking outlook, able to visualise longer‑term opportunities and contribute to the strategic development of services and capability.
- Proven ability to establish, build and sustain strong professional relationships with clients, partners and internal stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with a collaborative and inclusive approach to working across teams.
- High attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety, quality, programme, budget, professional development and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial / Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related discipline.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
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