Lead Designer - Metro and Rail Depot Facilities

Lead designer – Depot Design

Job Description

1. Lead designer – Depot Design

Position Overview

The Depot Lead Designer heads the planning, design, and delivery of metro/rail depot facilities, including maintenance depots, stabling yards, and operational support facilities. This role combines technical expertise in rail infrastructure with project management and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Design Lead

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams in developing depot layouts, maintenance facilities, and operational buildings.
• Ensure designs meet operational requirements for train maintenance, cleaning, stabling, and storage.
• Coordinate track layouts, overhead line equipment, signaling systems, and facility infrastructure.
• Develop design standards and technical specifications for depot facilities.

Project Management

• Manage design schedules, budgets, and deliverables across project phases.
• Coordinate with client stakeholders, operations teams, and rolling stock manufacturers.
• Lead design reviews and manage approval processes with authorities and clients.
• Identify and mitigate design risks and resolve technical issues.

Technical Oversight

• Ensure compliance with rail industry standards, safety regulations, and local building codes.
• Review and approve structural, mechanical, electrical, and architectural designs.
• Coordinate integration of specialized systems (wheel lathes, lifting equipment, washing plants).
• Optimize depot capacity, workflow efficiency, and future expansion capabilities.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Interface with civil, systems, and operations engineering teams
• Coordinate with other disciplines including signaling, power, telecommunications.
• Engage with construction teams during design-build delivery.
• Present designs for clients and stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in civil engineering or related field
• 10-12 years’ experience in rail/metro infrastructure design
• Strong knowledge of depot operations, maintenance requirements, and rolling stock.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit/BIM)
• Understanding of rail standards (national and international)

Preferred Skills

• Experience with BIM Level 2/3 implementation
• Knowledge of sustainability 
• Familiarity with depot planning tools and simulation software