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The rail industry offers a broad and diverse range of careers for technophiles with degrees in electrical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering or other technical and technology-related disciplines. From automated train operation to developing energy-saving trains, the railways present some fascinating challenges in need of solutions – and that’s where you come in. Become part of a world full of creative possibilities, one that holds promise for the long-term future of mobility and is a major factor in reducing carbon emissions.
The railway technology industry is a driving force behind innovation and technology. Here are just some of the groundbreaking technologies you can help advance with your skills:
Automatic train control systems ensure trains run on time, improving punctuality on busy rail routes.
Predictive maintenance uses data analysis to identify potential problems with trains or track networks before they occur.
Energy-saving technologies such as regenerative braking and engine optimisation make trains more environmentally friendly.
The European Train Control System (ETCS) makes rail transport safer and more efficient by enabling direct data exchange between trains and the rail infrastructure.
Adaptive Steering (ADL) continually adapts the vehicle control system, using the train’s speed to optimise its economic efficiency.
Technological innovations are creating barrier-free infrastructure, making stations and trains more accessible to people living with disabilities.
Digital freight tracking systems provide real-time information about the location and status of goods, making logistics more efficient and enabling more accurate freight transport planning.
Railway industry technology is constantly changing, which means that new exciting and far-reaching challenges will always lie ahead.
The world of rail professions offers countless career possibilities.
Railway undertakings (RUs) operate trains and are responsible for the safe and reliable transport of passengers and freight. RUs are responsible for timetabling, safety and customer satisfaction.
Infrastructure managers (IMs) build and operate infrastructure facilities for rail traffic, including railway tracks, stations, bridges and tunnels, and safety installations. Many railway companies are both infrastructure managers and railway undertakings.
Rail vehicle manufacturers specialise in building multiple units, locomotives, trams and other rail-bound vehicles.
Consultancy firms provide advice and engineering services for various aspects of rail transport, including railway infrastructure planning, project management and rail systems monitoring.
Suppliers and service providers specialise in supplying components, spare parts, technical services and software solutions for building, maintaining and operating rail vehicles and infrastructure.
Whether you want to enter the profession as part of a small, family-run business or join the ranks of a large corporation, the choice is yours. And as your career progresses, you always have the option of heading in a new direction.
As a professional in your technical profession, you work with colleagues in a wide variety of other disciplines, undertaking complex projects together.
Engineers, transport planners, safety experts, train drivers and rail traffic controllers work together closely to optimise operational processes and ensure the railways remain safe.
Teams of engineers, IT specialists and research scientists work together to develop and implement new technologies and smart control systems. This collaborative process is how progress is made, ensuring that rail transport becomes safer and more efficient.
Teams of maintenance staff and engineers work together to make sure that rail services, the track network and the traction power network all run like clockwork. They coordinate their actions to ensure maintenance work is carried out efficiently, minimising downtime.
Market specialists, software engineers and design specialists work together to improve the customer experience. This can include developing apps for ticketing, supplying real-time information and providing a more comfortable travelling experience.
Because rail has a central role to play in sustainable mobility, the future prospects in railway professions are excellent. What’s more, the railways are becoming even more important, for a number of reasons:
Increasing demand for environmentally friendly transport points towards rail travel as a sustainable alternative to other travel options.
Growing population density in large urban areas demands reliable and efficient transport solutions. The railways take the pressure off road traffic, transporting large volumes of people efficiently.
Railway networks are becoming increasing integrated internationally. The burgeoning interest in cross-border rail connections and infrastructure projects is stepping up the railway industry’s role as an international mode of transport.
Numerous educational programmes allow you to keep changing the course of your career in the rail industry. This will make you a sought-after specialist and secure you the best career opportunities in your area of specialisation.
On the website of the Association of Public Transport, you will find the current training and further education programmes in the rail technology sector (page available in German and French): https://www.voev.ch/de/Bildung-im-oeV/Spezialbildungen-BahnBTE
We asked newly graduated and experienced engineers: What excites you about the world of rail?
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"I chose a career as a civil engineer in the rail sector to contribute to a sustainable future, with efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. Infrastructure projects are varied, offering exciting challenges from design to implementation."
Angèle Zero
Project Manager, Südostbahn, studied civil engineering at the Ecole Centrale Paris and the Technical University of Vienna
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“The application of state-of-the-art technology in a system that has been in operation for over 100 years fascinates me every day. The informal atmosphere in the rail industry and working in interdisciplinary teams with national and international specialists is recommended for everyone!”
Fabian Angehrn
Head of Diagnostics, Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group, studied Civil Engineering at ETH Zürich
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“I’ve never encountered such a fascinating interplay between traditional heavy metal, modern technologies and social needs in any other system. The railway is efficient, environmentally friendly and definitely the mode of transport of the future. So get on board and join us if you want to make a big difference!”
Annik Jeiziner
Project Engineer, SBB Cargo International, studied Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at ETH
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"As a traffic and mobility engineer at TPF ("Fribourg Public Transport"), I plan, organize and implement train replacement concepts. Among other things in connection with planned interruptions to rail services due to roadworks. It's an exciting, varied and rewarding job, because every day we do everything we can to satisfy our customers."
Gaelle Abi Younes
Planning engineer, Transports publics fribourgeois, studied Civil Engineering at EPFL
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“The railway sector is a complex mechanism and that doesn’t just apply to the technical part of the system. We need all kinds of experience and training so that together we can keep Switzerland moving – safely, reliably and sustainably.”
Daniel Eckenstein
Overall Rail System Expert, SBB Infrastructure, studied Civil Engineering at ETH
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“I’ve always been fascinated by the production of hydropower. When I found out that there was a rail power department at SBB, I knew that was my place. As an energy and environmental engineer, I’m really pleased to be able to contribute to the development of a sustainable future.”
Giulia Delamotte
Career Starter Programme, SBB Energy, studied Science of Engineering (Energy & Environment) at SUPSI
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"As part of my job, I have the opportunity to work with various stakeholders from the public and private sectors. Municipalities, cantons and planning offices come together to discuss the future of a railway station and its surroundings. This collaboration not only provides me with a varied working day, but also gives me the opportunity to make use of my bilingual degree."
Rodaina Mardawy
Project Manager studies and best variants, BLS AG, studied civil engineering at the HEIA-Fribourg
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“As a civil engineer in railway construction, I appreciate being actively involved in the design of our infrastructure. Working on projects allows me not only to develop efficient and safe railway routes, but also to contribute to more sustainable mobility.”
Arik Baruch
Project Engineer, AFRY Switzerland, studied Civil Engineering at ETH
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“I would recommend the railway industry’s interesting and varied environment to anyone. My work on innovative projects gives me an insight into the most diverse areas of the complex railway system and I learn something new every day.”
Matthias Kühni
Project Manager Railway Automation, Südostbahn, studied Mechanical Engineering at HSR (now OST)
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“The Swiss railway system is dynamic, innovative, diversified and family-oriented. What's more, with its values punctuality, safety and efficiency, it plays an important role in today's energy transition and ever-changing demographics. In fact, many Swiss and international projects are shaping up to be extremely exciting and fascinating. As an energy-oriented electrical engineer, it's these future challenges that I find exciting!”
Marco Colautti
Project Engineer, Enotrac, studied electrical engineering at the Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture (HEIA-FR).