Maintenance Depot Driver

Northern; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel on Northern services

Generous pension scheme

Training and development

Cycle to work

Employee discounts

EAP support

Career progression

Recognition programs

Job summary

Northern is recruiting for a hands-on, safety-critical role within our Engineering team at a TrainCare Centre. You’ll shunt trains, fuel and prep units, ensuring readiness for service in a 24/7 environment.

Training is provided with a 5–8 week programme followed by up to 6 months of supported development. You’ll join a depot team dedicated to keeping trains moving safely and efficiently.

Qualifications

• Live within a 45-minute car journey of the TrainCare Centre.
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Pass a safety-critical medical, including drugs and alcohol screening.
• Have no defective colour vision.
• Meet the required psychometric standards.

Responsibilities

• Shunt trains within the TrainCare Centre boundaries, placing units correctly.
• Fuel trains and replenish water tanks so they are ready for service.
• Carry out train preparation tasks to ensure safety and readiness before departure.
• Work in a safety-critical, time-sensitive environment and follow all instructions.
• Communicate clearly with colleagues across the depot to keep work flowing smoothly.

Skills

Stay calm under pressure

Safety procedures

Clear communication

Team-first mindset

Organisational skills

Job description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering

GRADE: MDD

SALARY: Year 1 £29,928 rising to Year 2 £36,183 and finally rising to Year 3 £46,796 per annum

ROLE TYPE: On site

HOURS: 35 per week

Keeping trains moving starts long before they reach the platform. As part of our Engineering team at one of our TrainCare Centres, you’d play a vital role in making sure our fleet is fuelled, positioned and ready for service. This is a hands‑on, safety‑critical role where your work directly affects how reliably our customers get where they need to be.

You’d be right at the heart of the depot, moving trains safely around the site, preparing them for service and helping the wider team keep everything running smoothly. No two shifts are the same, and the work you do behind the scenes keeps the whole railway on track.

What you’ll be doing

• Shunting trains within the TrainCare Centre boundaries, making sure each unit is in the right place at the right time
• Fuelling trains and replenishing water tanks so they’re fully prepared for service
• Carrying out train preparation tasks to ensure safety and readiness before departure
• Working in a safety‑critical, time‑sensitive environment and following all operational and safety instructions
• Communicating clearly with colleagues across the depot to keep work flowing smoothly

About you

You don’t need train‑driving experience to get started. What matters is how you approach the job.

You’ll bring:

• The ability to stay calm, focused and adaptable in a busy, 24/7 operational environment
• Confidence working to strict safety procedures and instructions
• Clear communication skills and a team‑first mindset
• Strong organisation skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks when things get busy

No rail experience? That’s absolutely fine. You’ll take part in a comprehensive training programme lasting around 5 to 8 weeks, followed by up to 6 months of supported development at our TrainCare Centres. Our expert teams will be with you every step of the way as you build confidence and capability in the role.

Safety‑critical requirements

This role is safety critical and regulated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). To be considered, you must:

• Live within a 45‑minute car journey of the TrainCare Centre you’ll work from
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Pass a safety‑critical medical, including drugs and alcohol screening
• Have no defective colour vision
• Meet the required psychometric standards

Applications that do not meet these criteria cannot be progressed.

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 dependents 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: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plug‑in hybrid car.
• 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: Tailored training, recognised qualifications and clear career pathways across the business.
• Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the people who make a difference 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 help remove unconscious bias and 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.