Hugh O'Neill

My biography

I am a highly experienced Chartered mechanical engineer with 39 years’ experience in the rail sector. Having recently joined Frazer-Nash, I’m getting involved in a varied range of interesting and challenging projects across a range of technical and techno-economical areas, because I’m motivated by solving problems.

My empathetic approach helps me to see things from my client’s point of view, understand what keeps them awake at night and work with them to develop the best and most cost-effective solution.

My main area of expertise is in rolling stock design and maintenance, helping our clients to run a more efficient railway and saving them money on new or ageing assets. I have expert knowledge of rail vehicle dynamics and suspensions including vehicle ride, stability, track forces, gauging and wheel-rail interaction. I am experienced in the design and development of suspension systems for traction & rolling stock.

In my previous role, I was Professional Head of Rolling Stock at RSSB leading the team drafting and revising standards, and I’m an advocate for the deployment of effective standards to remove barriers to innovation and to help industry to be more competitive. In that role, I chaired a number of industry committees involved in standardisation and represented the UK on the European and international committees for standards in railway applications.

I provide Expert Witness testimony to clients, and have extensive experience in conformance assessment, certification schemes and their accreditation. I am an experienced independent technical assessor, and offer peer reviews and due diligence services.