A headshot photo of Paul who is standing in front of a large window. Paul is looking at the camera and is wearing a suit and tie and a black suit jacket.

Role: Principal Digital Engineer

Career Area: Digital and Information Management

Location: York

My role at SYSTRA

I am an accomplished digital engineer with over 45 years of experience, specialising in railway infrastructure. I’m currently serving as a Principal Digital Engineer at SYSTRA, and have dedicated the last decade to advancing digital engineering in the transport sector, particularly in rail.

My expertise lies in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 4D Virtual Design and Construction (4DVDC), with extensive experience in Autodesk and Bentley software suites.

My career has been marked by significant contributions to major railway projects, including the Transpennine Route Electrification and High Speed 2 in the UK.

My career journey

To kickstart my career, I pursued formal education to gain the technical foundation I needed. Alongside this, I actively sought certifications to advance my expertise in the rapidly evolving digital engineering landscape, which have helped sharpen my technical proficiency and align my expertise with global standards in BIM and digital engineering. 

One of the most defining moments in my career was my involvement in the Northern Programme, Western Inner Track Improvements, and Old Oak Common Paddington Approach projects. These opportunities allowed me to demonstrate my technical leadership in managing and maintaining BIM Execution Plans, providing crucial technical support, and ensuring compliance with client standards and quality requirements. Leading multidisciplinary teams and navigating complex digital engineering tasks was instrumental in honing my leadership abilities.

In 2023, my leadership capabilities were recognised when the team I developed won the Technical Team of the Year award at the SYSTRA Excellence Awards. This recognition was particularly meaningful as it highlighted the team’s collective achievements under my guidance. Further acknowledgment of my leadership came in 2024 when my team secured the NR SHELT Award for 4D innovation on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project. This achievement underscored my unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering exceptional results in complex, high-profile infrastructure projects. 

Beyond technical expertise, I have been deeply committed to excellence in project delivery and have made substantial contributions to training and mentoring within the industry. My focus on safety, sustainability and operational efficiency has contributed to enhancing the railway infrastructure sector, and I am proud to have helped set benchmarks for cutting-edge digital engineering practices. 

We asked Paul..
When did you realise this was the career path for you?

My long-standing passion for architecture, design and infrastructure started when I worked at British Rail Hudson House back in the early 1980s. My early career working for The Architect East – Provincial Group Network Hudson House York was my first step so to speak. My transition to digital engineering was sparked by the industry’s evolution, the recession in construction, and a skills shortage in engineering, aligning with my talent for leveraging technology to solve complex challenges. I was the first BIM Coordinator in our business and responsible for ensuring the entire business was ready for the 2016 BIM Level 2 GOV Mandate – which was a successful achievement.

Have you got any words of wisdom for someone starting out in a similar role?

Embrace continuous learning and stay updated with technology like BIM and AI. You should also build strong communication skills, as collaboration across disciplines is key. I’d also suggest starting with a mindset of adaptability – the field often demands innovative solutions to evolving client needs.

How does SYSTRA stand out from the rest as a great place to work?

SYSTRA fosters innovation, evidenced by achievements like the SHELT Award, and Technical Team of the Year recognition at its Excellence Awards. It also prioritises collaboration and continuous improvement, with initiatives like SYSTRA Vision and team training.

I spearheaded the development and successful launch of SYSTRA Vision, a cutting-edge digital engineering solution that revolutionises project planning and delivery. The tool is just one of a number of impressive tools and software programmes designed by the specialists here at SYSTRA – another aspect that makes SYSTRA an exciting and great place to work.

Leveraging my expertise in 4D virtual planning, I led a skilled team to integrate innovative technologies, enabling improved safety, efficiency, and collaboration on large-scale infrastructure projects. The launch of SYSTRA Vision at TCR North 2024 showcased its transformative potential, garnering industry interest and positioning the tool as a leader in digital project visualisation and management.

With such power in diversity, what unique perspective do you bring to the table?

My experience spans decades, projects and technologies, giving a holistic view of infrastructure projects. My expertise in integrating sustainability and cutting-edge technology with traditional design principles is a rare blend.

Where is the place that has inspired you the most?

The Transpennine Route Electrification project likely holds a special place. It’s a massive initiative combining technical complexity with the chance to impact a critical transport corridor.

What does true sustainability really mean to you?

Sustainability means creating resilient, efficient designs that minimise environmental impact while meeting community and economic needs. It also involves educating and influencing stakeholders to adopt greener practices.

What would a green future look like?

A green future prioritises renewable energy, sustainable transport systems and adaptive infrastructure. Projects like HS2 and TRU showcase our commitment to reducing carbon footprints whilst enhancing connectivity.

How do you look after your wellbeing outside of work?

I prioritise activities that recharge me, such as travelling to explore new places, skiing for the thrill and physical activity, and fly fishing, which I find incredibly calming and a perfect way to connect with nature. These pursuits help me maintain balance and wellbeing.

If you could spend your lunchbreak with someone you really admire, who would you choose?

Someone like Isambard Kingdom Brunel could be an ideal choice in our industry – an engineer with a vision for infrastructure that resonates with my passion for innovation and transformative projects.

If you had to pick, which mode of transport would you use for the rest of your life?

Trains would be my choice. They epitomise efficient, sustainable travel and align with my work in electrification and modern rail systems.

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