Homologation & Approvals Manager (Rail)

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)

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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.

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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.  

• 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.

• 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.