Join Network Rail ! Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team- you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here . We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .
Network Rail Works Delivery (Track) are seeking a Principal Technical Officer for multi discipline track renewal and refurbishment projects on both the East Coast & East Midlands routes, based at the Hitchin office. The role will ensure that technical activities related to the work-bank are completed safely, on time, and to the relevant standards.
Salary- £52,236
Closing Date- 1st July 2026
What's in it for you
Here are a few of the benefits we offer
- 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
- Choice of pension schemes
- 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
- Private Healthcare
- 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
- Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
- Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
- My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount
Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know and we'll do our best to assist you.
Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Key Accountabilities:
- Carry out planned works in accordance with relevant safe systems of work procedures.
- Actively promote our Life Saving Rules and Everyone Home Safe Everyday Safety Culture.
- Provide technical oversight during construction works confirming design adherence and As Built compliance.
- Responsible for overseeing the preparation, review, and approval of engineering deliverables.
- Manage and control the storage and subsequent passage of information to update systems, databases, and records such i.e. H&S File.
- Undertake analysis of technical data, verification and validation of construction deliverables.
- Participate in Design Review and Assurance processes.
- Prepare Technical Queries and Derogations.
- Provide support to the Project Engineers as required.
- Assist with compliance to CDM 2015.
- Prioritise work arising and participate in roster planning as required or directed
- Prepare and check specifications and requisition for materials.
- Ensure the compliant calibration and certification of technical tools and equipment.
- Contribute to your own Objectives and Development and that of others within the technical team.
Experience, skills, knowledge, and competencies:
- Hold or be working towards the following competencies defined by NR/SP/CTM/011: -
TR08, TR09, and TR10 - Stress Restoration / Stressing of Plain Line and S&C.
TR12 and TR13 - Raising and Removing of Speed Restrictions.
TR04, TR05 and TR11 - Track Geometry 1 and 2.
- Working knowledge and experience of Design Assurance Arrangements for Track defined by NR/L2/TRK/2500.
- Hold or be actively working towards Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE01) competency defined in NR/L2/RSE/02009.
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of NR/L2/MTC/089 Asset Management Process.
- Able to demonstrate, promote and embed company behaviours within the team.
- Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Able to coach, mentor and positively influence the development of technical team members.
- Able and willing to drive company vehicles as required by business need.
