Asset Engineer [Buildings Fabric

Network Rail; Manchester; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A major rail infrastructure firm in Manchester seeks an experienced property engineer to manage operational properties and oversee technical inspections. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with asset policies, developing maintenance plans, and collaborating with teams to optimize infrastructure projects. A HND/HNC or equivalent, coupled with significant engineering experience, is essential. Starting salary ranges from £43,588 to £51,719, with various employee benefits including discounts on travel and a contributory pension.

Benefits

Salary starting at £43,588

Pro-rata annual leave entitlement

Discounted online shopping offers

Subsidies on rail season tickets

Contributory pension schemes

2 weeks paid reserve leave for Armed Forces community

Qualifications

• HND/HNC or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
• Significant relevant experience of operational property engineering.
• Working towards membership of a relevant professional institution.

Responsibilities

• Manage the building fabric of operational properties.
• Oversee inspections and ensure compliance with asset policy.
• Develop and manage maintenance and renewal plans.

Skills

Operational property engineering

Knowledge of policies and standards

Experience managing maintenance plans

Education

HND/HNC or equivalent qualification

Degree in a relevant subject (desirable)

Incorporated or Chartered Engineer (desirable)

Job description

Every day will be different, but you can expect to be involved in the following activities: The role involves managing the building fabric of our operational properties. You'll oversee inspections, ensure compliance with asset policy and technical strategy, and recommend remedial and renewal works backed by detailed asset records. You'll help develop and manage prioritised maintenance and renewal plans, aligning workbanks with strategy and budget. From producing remits to overseeing delivery, you'll ensure schemes are scoped correctly, risks are managed, and outcomes are achieved. As sponsor for complex and specialist schemes, you'll take full accountability for delivery. You'll also support enhancement projects, carry out engineering analysis, and develop business cases to drive investment in safe, sustainable infrastructure. Collaboration is key—you'll work across teams and with external partners to review proposals, identify synergies, and optimise plans. You'll monitor asset trends, support incident investigations, and engage with stakeholders to uphold asset stewardship and manage tenant dilapidations.

Qualifications

• HND/HNC or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
• Significant relevant experience of operational property engineering
• Knowledge of policies and standards relating to operational property
• Working towards membership of a relevant professional institution
• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject (desirable)
• Incorporated or Chartered Engineer (desirable)

Please note, there may be the requirement to work on‑call and undertake different shift patterns (night shifts / weekends). Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our processes and procedures.

We're proud to be named as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equity for the fourth year running. Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria. This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network. In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail.

Benefits

• Salary: Starting at £43,588 and increasing to £51,719 per annum.
• Pro‑rata annual leave entitlement (28 days contract dependant)
• My benefits - our discounted online shopping site
• A range of discounted offers including childcare vouchers, healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
• 75% discount on leisure travel (Discretionary)
• A choice of contributory pension schemes
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
• Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework; any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.