Business Function: Engineering
Grade: Fleet Level 4
Salary: £49,489.00 per annum
Role Type: On site
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday with early and late day shifts
Location: Heaton TrainCare Centre
Keeping our trains moving starts long before they reach the platform.
Behind every reliable journey is a team making sure the equipment that supports our trains is ready to perform. As part of our Plant Maintenance and Facilities team at Heaton TrainCare Centre, you'll look after the machinery and systems that keep our engineering operation running safely and efficiently.
This is a role where your skills make a real difference every day. Whether you're diagnosing a fault, carrying out planned maintenance or responding to an unexpected breakdown, you'll help keep our depot operating smoothly so our engineering teams can do what they do best. No two days are the same, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to broaden your skills as the team continues to develop.
What you'll be doing
You'll maintain, inspect and repair a wide range of plant equipment across the TrainCare Centre, helping to ensure it's safe, reliable and ready to use.
Day to day, you'll:
- Carry out planned preventative maintenance and servicing of depot plant and equipment.
- Diagnose faults and complete repairs on mechanical and electrical systems.
- Investigate recurring issues through fault finding and root cause analysis.
- Respond quickly to equipment breakdowns to minimise disruption.
- Work safely, following engineering standards and company procedures at all times.
- Work closely with colleagues across the depot to help achieve daily operational targets.
- Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve reliability and performance.
About you
Mechanical, electrical and problem-solving skills – that's the combination that will help you succeed in this role.
You'll bring:
- A Level 3 NVQ or completed engineering apprenticeship.
- Experience working with mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Knowledge of plumbing, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- The ability to diagnose faults and solve problems efficiently.
- A proactive approach and the confidence to work independently when needed.
- A flexible attitude, including the ability to work additional hours, weekends and bank holidays when operationally required.
This is a safety-critical role, so you'll also need to meet the following essential requirements:
- You live within a 45-minute car journey of Heaton TrainCare Centre.
- You'll be at least 18 years old when you apply.
- You'll be able to pass a safety-critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- You do not have defective colour vision.
What's in it for you?
At Northern, we don't just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here's a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependants on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you're in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That's why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Why Northern?
We're more than just a train operator. We're the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we're on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We've recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don't just move people from A to B – we're building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that's something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we'll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there's a place for you here in the railway.
