Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters.
Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key-and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference
Location: Eastleigh ECR
Contract Type: [Permanent
Salary: 69,682 + South East Allowance ( A training grade may apply based on your current position)
As an Electrical Control Operator , you'll play a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electrical power to the railway infrastructure. Working as part of a small, highly skilled team, you'll monitor and manage power supplies across a large geographical area, responding to incidents and emergencies with precision and professionalism.
This is a role where your decisions matter -you'll follow detailed electrical instructions, liaise with response teams, and ensure power configurations are correct at all times. You'll also analyse complex electrical diagrams, plan isolations, and work closely with high-voltage energy suppliers to manage outages and alternative feeding arrangements. Your ability to remain calm under pressure and make informed decisions will keep the railway running safely and efficiently.
This role requires National Security Vetting, if successful for the role you will be unable to start in post until you have passed, to apply for this role you must have a full 3 year UK footprint.
- Work to authorised electrification instructions and regulatory standards.
- Respond to electrical supply issues safely and effectively, escalating to engineers when required.
- Plan and implement electrical isolations and amendments to diagrams.
- Liaise with HV energy suppliers for outage planning and alternative feeding arrangements.
- Monitor electrical infrastructure status using supervisory systems.
- Maintain security and integrity of the Electrical Control Room.
- Mentor and coach other Electrical Control Operators.
- Participate in ongoing competency assessments and training.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences . If you have an electrical or power distribution background and thrive in a high-pressure environment, we'd love to hear from you.
- Electrical qualifications or HV practical experience.
- Strong communication skills and ability to remain calm in emergencies.
- Ability to read and interpret complex electrical diagrams.
- Experience in electrical control rooms or railway traction systems (desirable).
- Knowledge of power control systems and operational procedures (desirable).
- Adaptability to shift work, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer's leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to Work plus more.
- Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Plus, more...
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from-if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
Important Info:
This role requires security vetting . Offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing, medical checks, and BPSS clearance.
As part of the application process, you'll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV.
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard:
All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced
Ready to lead and keep Britain's railway moving safely? Apply now and join a team that values safety, leadership, and operational excellence!
