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Homologation & Approvals Manager (Rail)

Laser Precision Solutions (LPS)

Amsterdam
Full-time
5-10 years experience
On-site

€80,000 - €124,000 per year

Key Skills

Railway Admission and Authorisation
Regulatory Strategy
EU Railway Framework
GB Approvals Regime
French and German Authorisation Processes
TSIs and National Railway Standards
Design for Admission
RAMS
CSM-RA Risk Assessment
Hazard Log Management
Safety Cases
EMC Testing
Laser Safety
On-Track Testing
Technical File Preparation
Stakeholder and Regulator Engagement

Job Description

Salary: 80-124k Experience: 7+ years Start Date: Immediate About Us We provide rail operators with laser-based rail cleaning systems that reduce disruptions, improve safety and lower environmental impact. Our team is a mix of experienced engineering and software development professionals, dedicated to addressing low adhesion challenges through innovation, collaboration and commitment to quality. Our ‘LaserTrain’ product can clean autonomously at speeds up to 75 mph without relying on consumable products like water or sand, contributing to significant reductions in downtime and enhanced safety across railway networks during critical slip-slide seasons. At present, we have 4 systems commercially active in the US and ambitious plans to expand our cleaning fleet across Europe and the UK in coming years. In addition, we are developing our Track Contamination Detector product. About The Role Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Team Size: New role, working across all engineering teams | Reports to: Harm Medendorp (CEO) Visa Requirements: No specific requirements (for this role travel is optional) At LPS we design for admission. Rather than certifying a finished design, you will be embedded in our engineering process from the concept stage, turning regulatory requirements into design criteria — every design iteration should make approval simpler, not harder. Your work will shape new LaserTrain designs and our entry into new territories. As the Homologation & Approvals Manager, you will lead the admission of the LaserTrain onto European rail networks, with a first focus on the UK, France, and Germany. You own the regulatory strategy end-to-end: from choosing the right authorisation route and identifying the applicable standards, to building the evidence and securing approval from safety authorities and infrastructure managers. Responsibilities: Develop and own the EU admission strategy and roadmap for the LaserTrain, prioritising the UK and France, including the authorisation route per country. Act as the primary contact for regulators, assessment bodies and infrastructure managers, such as ERA, ORR and Network Rail, EPSF and SNCF Réseau, EBA and DB InfraGO, and NoBo/DeBo/AsBo approved bodies. Identify the applicable regulations and standards (TSIs, national rules, GB NTSNs and Railway Group Standards, EN 50155, EN 50121, EN 45545, EN 60825, CSM-RA) and translate them into clear, verifiable design requirements. Embed design-for-admission in the LPS engineering process: reviewing designs at every stage and challenging the team to reduce size, weight and interfaces with the host vehicle. Plan and manage the test and evidence campaign (EMC, fire safety, shock and vibration, laser safety, on-track testing), compiling technical files and safety cases. Lead the risk assessment and hazard log together with the engineering and safety team. Manage the admission budget, schedule, external assessors and consultants. Support clients and host-vehicle owners in their part of the authorisation process. Building LPS's regulatory knowledge base so future admissions — new countries and the Track Contamination Detector. Requirements Completed a technical education in Engineering (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical or Systems Engineering). 7+ years of work experience, including demonstrated experience leading admission or authorisation processes in the rail industry (vehicles, vehicle modifications or on-board equipment). In-depth knowledge of the EU railway framework (4th Railway Package, Interoperability and Safety Directives, TSIs, ERA One-Stop Shop). Experience with the GB approvals regime and/or the French (EPSF) or German (EBA) authorisation processes is a strong pro. Familiarity with RAMS (EN 50126) and the Common Safety Method for risk assessment (CSM-RA). Ability to influence engineering decisions and translate regulations into pragmatic design criteria. Ability to articulate solutions to team members outside of your field. Clear and effective communication skills in English; French and/or German is a strong advantage. What We Offer The opportunity to be part of a small (but fast growing) dynamic international team working in a pleasant, informal environment. Staff receive 32 holiday days per year, a company pension, and are compensated for daily commutes and international travel days. Joining our team means your opinions matter, and your ideas and decisions directly impact the overall success of our projects and initiatives. Bonus is provided based on both company and individual performance. We are recognised visa sponsors.

Core Responsibilities

Lead the LaserTrain's railway admission strategy and approvals across European markets, initially focusing on the UK, France, and Germany, while coordinating with regulators, assessment bodies, infrastructure managers, clients, and vehicle owners. Translate regulations into design requirements, manage risk assessments and testing evidence, and oversee the approval budget, schedule, assessors, and regulatory knowledge base.

Requirements

Requires a technical engineering education and at least seven years of experience, including leadership of rail-industry admission or authorisation processes. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of the EU railway framework, familiarity with RAMS and CSM-RA, and the ability to turn regulations into practical design criteria; experience with GB, French, or German approvals and French or German language skills are advantages.

Benefits

  • 32 Holiday Days
  • Company Pension
  • Daily Commute Compensation
  • International Travel Day Compensation
  • Performance-Based Bonus

About Laser Precision Solutions (LPS)

Industry: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

Company size: 11-50 employees

At LPS, we're dedicated to revolutionizing the railway industry through advanced laser technology. Focused on addressing slip-slide during autumn, our flagship product 'LaserTrain' utilizes laser technology to deep clean railheads, ensuring optimal COF levels for train operations. Recent enhancements, achieving cleaning speeds of 60mph, have garnered industry recognition. Our comprehensive cleaning solution currently offers two LaserTrain model types adaptable to individual rail network needs, effectively removing leaves, debris, rust, and oil residue, ensuring improved traction and safety for trains and passengers. The Track Contamination Detector (TCD) empowers railway operators to monitor contamination levels in real-time, providing insights for a tailored cleaning approach. Founded in 2016 with headquarters in Amsterdam, LPS currently operates in the USA, serving MTA Long Island Railroad, Metro North Railroad and Keolis Boston Commuter Services. In 2023, Metro North received the APTA Gold Award for Rail Safety, for successfully deploying LaserTrain cleaning at 100 km/h during peak hours. Our international team of developers and engineers are hands-on and collaborative. Innovation, collaboration, and commitment to quality are not just concepts for us; they define our success. During peak season (October to December), relevant functions engage with clients in the USA. The rest of the year offers a hybrid work environment, with a three days per week in the office. No dress code is applied, but proper PPE is a must in the workshop and on location. Join our journey: Whether you're a railway operator seeking efficiency or a professional wanting to contribute to our advancements, we want to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected] To stay up to date with the latest LPS news, innovations and career opportunities, follow us on LinkedIn.

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