What does a PWAY Engineer do?
Permanent Way (PWAY) engineers focus on the design, maintenance, and upgrade of railway track systems. They work across light rail, metro, and heavy rail networks to ensure that track infrastructure is safe, reliable, and aligned to operational requirements.
Responsibilities include surveying, geometry design, stress calculations, and overseeing track renewals and enhancement schemes. Knowledge of track materials, ballast behaviour, and alignment tolerances is essential, as is an understanding of relevant Network Rail standards. PWAY engineers typically work alongside signalling, civil, and electrification teams and may be involved in both day-to-day maintenance and long-term asset strategy.
How much does a PWAY Engineer earn?
In 2025, a PWAY (Permanent Way) Engineer earns a salary typically ranging from £40,000 to £55,000, depending on experience and the scale of projects. Senior PWAY Engineers can expect to earn £55,000 to £65,000, with those in lead or principal roles potentially earning up to £70,000. Contract rates for PWAY Engineers vary between £400 - £500 per day, with more senior professionals or those working on critical infrastructure projects commanding higher rates.
This information is drawn from Carrington West's salary surveys, created every 6 months to provide invaluable market analysis and salary benchmarking resources to built environment professionals. View and download the full documents below.
What industries do PWAY Engineers work in?
Carrington West recruits PWAY Engineers for contract and permanent roles in the rail sector. |
You can use the link below to search for PWAY Engineer roles, along with other roles for which PWAY experience would be beneficial, with leading public and private sector organisations across the UK through Carrington West's job search.