Company Description The Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO), formerly RISSB, is the industry-led technical standards body for the Australian rail sector. ARISO develops mandatory and harmonised Australian Standards®, Codes of Practice, Guidelines, and Rules to support protected, efficient, and interoperable rail operations.

Working collaboratively with private and public operators, suppliers, consultants, and industrial unions, ARISO ensures broad industry participation in standards development. As the only accredited Standards Development Organisation for rail in Australia, ARISO maintains a catalogue of more than 200 publications that improve safety, support accreditation and assurance, and reduce costs while increasing productivity. Applicants can learn more about ARISO’s work and publications by visiting www.ariso.org.au.

Role Description The National Rail Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a full-time remote role responsible for providing specialist technical input into the development and review of rail standards, codes, and guidelines. Day-to-day activities include contributing expert knowledge to working groups, drafting and reviewing technical content, and ensuring that standards support national harmonisation and interoperability.

The role collaborates closely with industry stakeholders, including operators, suppliers, regulators, and unions, to gather insights and align standards with operational practices and safety requirements.

The National

Rail SME will also support consultation processes, respond to technical queries,



and assist with continuous improvement of ARISO’s standards portfolio. This position requires proactive engagement with emerging industry trends and regulatory changes to keep publications current and relevant.

Qualifications

- Demonstrated expertise in rail operations, engineering, or safety management, with practical experience in the Australian rail industry.
- Strong capability in standards development and technical writing, including drafting, reviewing, and interpreting technical documents and guidelines.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration, working with diverse industry participants such as operators, suppliers, regulators, and unions.
- Proficiency in analyzing complex technical issues, applying risk-based thinking, and developing evidence-based recommendations.
- Understanding of national rail harmonisation, interoperability principles, and regulatory frameworks relevant to accreditation and safety assurance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly to varied audiences.
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment, manage competing priorities, and meet project deadlines.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, transport, safety, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
- Experience participating in standards committees, working groups, or similar technical forums is highly desirable.
- Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and inclusive, non-discriminatory collaboration across the rail industry.

📌 National Rail SMEs (Various Roles) (Australia)
🏢 Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO)
📍 Australia