Assistant Engineer

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail Milton Keynes is seeking an aspiring engineer to join our team, supporting Regions in managing mobile and fixed plant assets through analysis, inspections and technical support. You will work with experienced engineers, gain hands-on experience and benefit from training opportunities to build your career in safety, compliance and engineering.

The role values attention to detail, practical problem solving and a positive attitude to develop into a future engineering leader within

Qualifications

• Aspiring engineer with HNC/HND (or equivalent) in engineering.
• Strong attention to detail and practical approach to problems.
• Willingness to learn and develop in a safety-focused engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Regions in managing mobile and fixed plant assets through engineering analysis and inspections.
• Provide technical support and help develop recommendations to improve asset performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with Network Rail colleagues and industry peers to review asset condition and maintenance data.
• Gain hands-on experience and training to build a career in compliance, safety and engineering.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Willingness to learn

Team collaboration

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent in engineering

Tools

NR Asset Management

Job description

A typical day will see you supporting Network Rail's Regions in the management of mobile and fixed plant assets through a mix of engineering analysis, inspections and technical support. You'll work closely with Network Rail colleagues and industry peers, to review asset condition and maintenance data, assist with assessments and investigations, and help develop recommendations that improve asset performance and reliability. Alongside day-to-day engineering activities, you'll work closely with experienced engineers, gaining valuable hands‑on experience, training and development opportunities to build your career in compliance, safety and engineering.

A little bit about the team...

You’ll be joining a team of 10 engineers and specialists, reporting to the Principal Engineer. The team is responsible for ensuring that Network Rail's mobile and fixed plant assets meet compliance, safety and engineering requirements by supporting safe, reliable and efficient Plant operations across the railway. It's a collaborative environment with a strong focus on learning and development, offering opportunities to gain hands‑on experience, work alongside experienced engineers and build a long‑term career.

We encourage you to review our Safety Vision , as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail.

Your experience and skills

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for an aspiring engineer with a relevant HNC/HND (or equivalent) and a passion in areas such as engineering, safety and continuous improvement. Strong attention to detail, a practical approach to problem‑solving and a willingness to learn are essential.

The ideal candidate will have a mechanical or electrical engineering background, with experience or knowledge of Plant asset management, maintenance, risk assessment, understanding of Artificial Intelligence or engineering change processes. Experience within the rail industry would be beneficial but is not essential. Above all, we’re looking for someone with a positive attitude, strong organisational skills and the drive to develop into a future engineering leader within Network Rail.

• HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in relevant engineering discipline
• Initial experience in NR Asset Management
• Understanding of relevant policies and standards
• Member of a relevant professional institution, Incorporated or chartered engineer