Homologation & Approvals Manager (Rail)

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.