Defect Maintenance Assistant

Rullion Managed Services; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Rullion Managed Services is seeking a Defect Maintenance Assistant to join a DEMU Class 22X fleet project in a safety-critical rail environment. The role involves defect rectification, routine maintenance, and basic fault-finding, supported by experienced Technicians.

You’ll contribute to depot operations, safety-critical tasks, and continuous improvement while maintaining accurate maintenance records and clear handovers. A Level 3 NVQ in Engineering or equivalent is essential.

Qualifications

• Level 3 NVQ or equivalent in an Engineering discipline (Mechanical or Electrical).
• Experience within a Rolling Stock Engineering environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with SES or similar production systems and MS Office.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine rolling stock maintenance in accordance with Vehicle Maintenance Instructions (VMI).
• Undertake repair and basic fault-finding activities on DEMU Class 22X vehicles.
• Assist Technicians with maintenance and repair activities as required.
• Support the maintenance and upkeep of depot plant and equipment.
• Operate powered plant, lifting and mechanical handling equipment where trained and authorised.
• Move Class 22X vehicles around the depot site where trained and competent.
• Undertake designated Person (DP) activities where trained and authorised.
• Support wider depot operational activities as directed by management.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and ensure work areas remain safe and hazard-free.

Skills

Rolling stock maintenance

Safety-critical work

Reading technical manuals

Multi-priority management

Team orientation

Education

Level 3 NVQ/ equivalent in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical)

Tools

SES or similar production systems

MS Office

Job description

Defect Maintenance Assistant

Location: Barton-under-Needwood, DE13 | Industry: Rail / Rolling Stock

Shifts: Night Shift (Mon - Thurs / Tues - Fri) | 40 hours per week

Contract: 12 months rolling contract

Pay:

• Pre 12 weeks: £23.11 PAYE | £29.52 UMBRELLA
• Post 12 weeks: £23.11 PAYE | £30.98 UMBRELLA
• Overtime is paid at 1.25

The Role

Our client is looking for a Defect Maintenance Assistant to support the safe, reliable and efficient operation of their DEMU Class 22X fleet.

You’ll be responsible for carrying out defect rectification, repairs, basic fault-finding and routine maintenance, working both independently and alongside experienced Technicians. You’ll also support depot operations, safety‑critical activities and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out routine rolling stock maintenance in accordance with Vehicle Maintenance Instructions (VMI).
• Undertake repair and basic fault‑finding activities on DEMU Class 22X vehicles.
• Assist Technicians with maintenance and repair activities as required.
• Support the maintenance and upkeep of depot plant and equipment.
• Operate powered plant, lifting and mechanical handling equipment where trained and authorised.
• Move Class 22X vehicles around the depot site where trained and competent.
• Undertake Designated Person (DP) activities where trained and authorised.
• Support wider depot operational activities as directed by management.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and ensure work areas remain safe and hazard‑free.
• Complete accurate maintenance records and provide clear shift handovers.
• Report defects, incidents, recurring faults and safety concerns.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency and reliability.

About You

Essential

• Level 3 NVQ or equivalent in an Engineering discipline. - Mechanical or Electrical.
• Experience working within a Rolling Stock Engineering environment.
• Experience carrying out rolling stock maintenance activities.
• Understanding and experience of working safely within a safety‑critical environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with SES or similar production systems and MS Office.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Able to work safely and effectively using your own initiative.
• Flexible approach to operational requirements.

Desirable

• Level 4 / HNC or equivalent in an Engineering discipline.
• Detailed knowledge of DEMU Class 22X vehicles.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5 Why, Kaizen and Continuous Improvement.
• Understanding of local customer requirements.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Proactive and detail‑oriented.
• Safety‑conscious and committed to quality.
• A strong communicator and team player.
• Adaptable and able to respond to changing operational demands.
• Self‑motivated and capable of working independently.
• Comfortable working to tight delivery timescales.
• Competent in undertaking safety‑critical work.
• Flexible and willing to support wider depot operations.

The Opportunity

This is a hands‑on opportunity to join a busy rolling stock maintenance environment, working directly on the DEMU Class 22X fleet.

You’ll play an important role in maintaining fleet reliability and availability while developing your technical skills within a safety‑critical rail environment.

If you have rolling stock maintenance experience and an engineering qualification, we’d like to hear from you.

Due to the safety‑critical nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Drugs & Alcohol test prior to starting.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants