MEET THE DIGISIG TEAM
Russell Simpson IEng MIRSE: Operations Director
Russell has 25+ years experience of Railway Signalling Design Delivery. "I joined the railway signalling industry as a trainee signalling designer in 2000 where I was able to transfer the engineering skills learned during my engineering apprenticeship to quickly establish a strong grasp of signalling principles. I have been lucky enough to have had hands on experience of various interlocking types including RRI, SSI, Smartlock and Westlock and for most other aspects of signalling design too, such as scheme plans, location area plans, bonding, REB and location wiring, signalling design specifications and fringe specifications. I work hard and take pride in my final product and I am conscious to provide the best possible work to the user down the line whether that is a checker, tester, client or passenger."
Michael Hickey: Engineering Director
Michael has 25+ years experience of Railway Signalling Design Delivery. "I joined the Railway Signalling industry as a Trainee Signalling Designer in July 2000 after studying Electronic Servicing. I took the knowledge gained from this course and quickly with the aid of mentorship and industry-based training gained a good base understanding of how the railway worked and the signalling principles required to be able to deliver projects from a design office perspective in a safe and timely manner. I have to date got extensive signalling experience across a variety of topics such as Control Tables, Route Relay Interlockings, Computer Based Interlockings (SSI and Westlock) and all general lineside signalling design”.
Rahul Sharma BEng, MIRSE: Principles Design Licence Holder
Rahul joined us in April 23 having left his position at Alstom. Rahul has many years of expertise in various areas such as RRI & SSI Location Design, Level Crossings & REB Designs Cable Schematic Designs, Points Circuits and numerous Train Detection Systems. His Certifications include PTS, DCCR, Signal Sighting Committee Member, IST Certificate for Control Table and Signalling Layout, Signalling Designer Licence 1.1.510, Signalling Design Verifier Licence 1.1.160, Principles Design Licence 1.1.550. Rahul is also a Workplace Assessor. Memberships: Member of IRSE (MIRSE) & Member of the Incorporated Engineering Council (IEng).
Miles Wootton: Signalling Designer
In 2021 Miles joined our team as a Level 4 Rail Engineering Advanced Technician Apprentice. In April 2023 Miles was promoted to Signalling Designer. Achievements: In 2022, he was awarded the 'Most Potential Apprentice of the Year' at the Educationwise & PMTA 'Rail Engineering Business & Digital' Apprenticeships Awards. In 2023, he was honoured to be recognised as a RailStaff Awards Finalist, ranking among the top 15 in the UK for the Apprentice or Newcomer of the Year Award category. In 2024, he was awarded 'Apprentice of the Year' by Elev8 Training. Certifications: Personal Track Safety, Signal Sighting Committee Member, 1.1.510 Signalling Designer. Technical Training Courses: L4 Advanced Rail Engineering Technician (Knowledge), Signalling Works Testing MOD 5 (Test Assistant), Basic Signalling Technology (BST), Intermediate Signalling Technologies (IST), Fault Finding, Introduction to Telecoms, EULYNX Introduction. Memberships: Associate member of IRSE & Apprentice Member of IET
Jessica Kahrman: Level 4 Rail Engineering Technician Apprentice
Jessica joined our team as a Level 4 Rail Engineering Technician Apprentice, having successfully completed her A levels at school where she was Head Girl. Jessica has also completed her Duke of Edinburgh bronze and silver awards and is currently working towards her gold award. She also enjoys sports and fitness including swimming having swam competitively since a young age. This dedication shows that Jessica has the drive & determination to become a great engineer in the future
Toby Dudley: Level 4 Rail Engineering Technician Apprentice
Toby joined our team as a Level 4 Rail Engineering Technician Apprentice having successfully completed his A levels. Prior to joining DigiSig Rail, Toby has also worked as a chef and as a classically trained freelance musician specialising in viola and violin whilst also being an accomplished pianist, performing with professional orchestras including the English Chamber Orchestra. This previous experience has demonstrated Toby's ability to work under pressure and also highlights his personal dedication to whatever he applies himself to.
