Maintenance Team Leader

Morson Edge; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Rail Team Leader to supervise a small team of technicians in a depot-based, safety-critical environment. The role focuses on fault finding, diagnostics and root-cause analysis across on-board train systems, with guidance to technicians and coordination of warranty repairs.

You will work to maintain fleet availability, reliability and safety targets, using schematics and diagnostic tools. A driving licence and shift flexibility (days, nights, weekends) are required.

Qualifications

• Essential qualifications include NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in electrical or mechanical discipline.
• Substantial post-qualification experience in a technical or engineering environment.
• Proven fault finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis experience.
• Experience using schematics, test equipment and diagnostic software.
• Ability to interpret electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of a small team of CAF Rail UK technicians.
• Carry out fault finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis on on-board train systems.
• Provide technical guidance and assistance to technicians when required.
• Use schematics, test equipment and diagnostic software to identify and resolve faults.
• Plan and coordinate warranty repairs to ensure efficient completion.
• Work with stakeholders to support train availability and performance targets.
• Assess and prioritise work according to safety and urgency.
• Undertake electrical and mechanical fault-finding and repairs.
• Monitor technician competence and conduct competency assessments.
• Ensure safety procedures and standards are followed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of maintenance processes.

Skills

Fault finding

Diagnostics

Root cause analysis

Technical troubleshooting

Education

NVQ Level 3 in electrical or mechanical

Tools

Test & measurement equipment

Diagnostic software

Job description

Job Description: Rail Team LeaderEmployment Type: PermanentDepartment: OperationsReporting to: Production ManagerLocation: DepotPeople Management: No formal line management responsibilitySafety Critical Role: YesWorking Pattern: Shift work, including days, nights and weekendsTravel Requirements: Occasional travel, if requiredDriving Licence: Required

CAF Rail UK is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Rail Team Leader to join its team, supporting a fleet of brand-new, state-of-the-art trains.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful business at the forefront of rail technology, offering the chance to develop your career within an organisation built on strong principles and over 100 years of industry-leading experience.

The successful candidate will have extensive technical knowledge of on-board train systems, with a strong emphasis on fault finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis. They will provide technical guidance and support to technicians, coordinate warranty repairs and help ensure that fleet availability, reliability and safety targets are consistently achieved.

The role requires a proactive individual with strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, who can prioritise work effectively and operate confidently in a safety-critical railway environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of a small team of CAF Rail UK technicians.
• Carry out fault finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis across all on-board train systems.
• Provide technical support, guidance and assistance to technicians when required.
• Use electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics, test and measurement equipment, and diagnostic software to identify and resolve faults.
• Plan, organise and coordinate warranty repairs to ensure work is completed efficiently and effectively.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to support train availability, reliability and performance targets.
• Assess, prioritise and classify work according to safety requirements, operational urgency and the impact on train performance.
• Undertake electrical and mechanical fault-finding activities, including wiring inspections and associated repair tasks.
• Monitor technician competence and conduct competency assessments in line with applicable standards and requirements.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with relevant safety procedures, technical standards and company requirements.
• Support the continuous improvement of maintenance processes, fault resolution and overall fleet performance.

Technical Knowledge and Expertise

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong working knowledge of on-board train systems, including:

• Large diesel engines and transmissions.
• High-voltage electrical systems.
• Traction and braking systems.
• Passenger door systems.
• Passenger Information Systems (PIS) and Public Address (PA) systems.
• CCTV systems.
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
• Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS).
• High-pressure pneumatic systems.
• Electrical wiring, mechanical systems and associated components.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in a relevant electrical or mechanical discipline.
• Substantial post-qualification experience in a relevant technical or engineering environment.
• Proven experience in fault finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis.
• Experience using technical schematics, test and measurement equipment, and diagnostic software.
• Ability to interpret electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic schematic diagrams.
• Strong technical understanding of complex electrical and mechanical systems.
• Experience providing technical support to colleagues and coordinating maintenance or repair activities.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
• A valid driving licence.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including days, nights and weekends.
• Candidates with experience in the rail, automotive or aerospace industries will be considered.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Previous experience working with modern rail vehicles and integrated on-board systems.
• Experience coordinating warranty repairs and working towards fleet availability and reliability targets.
• Experience monitoring technical competence and conducting competency assessments.
• Spanish language skills.

CAF Competencies

• Driving for Results: Delivering work efficiently and achieving agreed safety, quality and performance objectives.
• Adapting to Change: Responding positively to changing priorities, operational demands and new technologies.
• Acting with Integrity: Maintaining high standards of professionalism, honesty and safety.
• Building and Supporting Teams: Providing technical guidance and encouraging effective teamwork.
• Critical Thinking: Analysing faults, identifying root causes and making sound technical decisions.
• Serving Customers: Supporting service reliability, train availability and operational performance.
• Displaying Technical Expertise: Applying specialist engineering knowledge to diagnose faults and resolve complex technical issues.

Additional Requirements

This is a permanent, safety-critical, depot-based position requiring a strong commitment to safe working practices, technical accuracy and operational excellence.

The successful candidate must be available to work a rotating shift pattern, including nights and weekends, and undertake occasional travel when required.

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