MEET THE DIGISIG TEAM
Russell Simpson MIRSE: Operations Director
Russell has 20+ 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 20+ 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 Siting Committee, 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 currently working towards obtaining his Workplace Assessor Competency. Memberships: Member of IRSE (MIRSE), Signal Siting Committee Member. Rahul is also currently working towards achieving his Membership with the Incorporated Engineering Council (IEng).
Connor Hutchings: Signalling Designer
In 2021 Connor joined our team at Digisig Rail as a Level 4 Rail Engineering Advanced Technician Apprentice then in 2023 Connor was promoted to Signalling Designer. In 2024 he Won the Most Innovative Apprentice of the Year. Certifications: Personal Track Safety, Signal Sighting Competence, 1.1.510 Signalling Designer Technical Training Courses: Fire Warden Training, Risk Assessment Training, Level 4 Advanced Rail Engineering Technician (Knowledge), Signal Sighting Competence, Personal Track Safety (PTS), AC & DC, MOD 5, Intermediate Signalling Technologies (IST), Basic Signalling Technology (BST), Fault Finding, Rail Engineering science, Rail engineering Maths, Fire Warden Training, First Aid Course, Installation techniques. Memberships: Affiliate Member of the IRSE
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: Affiliate member of IRSE & Apprentice Member of IET
Ben Blakemore: Signalling Designer
Ben joined our team in November 2022 as a Level 4 Rail Engineering Advanced Technician Apprentice, and in just a short time, he’s already achieved so much. Certifications: Baccalaureate (A levels), Level 4 Advanced Rail Engineering Technical Knowledge, Signal Sighting Competence, Personal Track Safety and Mod 5, 1.1.510 Signalling Designer Licence. Training Courses: CDM Regulations, Environmental Awareness, Mental Health Awareness, Risk Assessment Training. Ben’s recent attainment of the 1.1.510 Signalling Designer’s Licence highlights his dedication, focus, and growing expertise. It’s been a true privilege to witness his progress and success and we’re incredibly proud of the impact he’s made at Digsig Rail.
