Multi Skilled Engineer

FirstGroup; West of England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

GWR at St Philips Marsh Depot in Bristol is recruiting a Multi‑Skilled Technician to provide in‑service maintenance across a DMU fleet. The role covers mechanical, electrical, and fault‑finding tasks, with opportunities to train as a Wheel Lathe Operator for tyre turning across rolling stock.

A safety‑critical, team‑oriented environment awaits, with a 4‑on, 4‑off shift pattern and strong emphasis on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a mechanical and electrical technician.
• Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills.
• An NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds qualification, or equivalent in an engineering discipline.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A positive attitude towards learning and developing new skills.
• A strong focus on safety, quality and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out mechanical and electrical maintenance activities on operational rolling stock.
• Diagnosing and rectifying faults to minimise train downtime and maximise fleet availability.
• Performing planned maintenance, inspections and servicing activities in accordance with maintenance schedules.
• Following safe systems of work and maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and workmanship.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the depot to deliver fleet performance and reliability targets.
• Operating within a fast-paced operational environment, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of services.
• Undertaking specialist wheel lathe and tyre turning duties following training and certification.

Skills

Mechanical & Electrical Technician

Fault-finding & diagnostics

Communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 3

City & Guilds qualification

Job description

Who we are:

GWR is the proud custodian of one of the most prestigious Railway networks in the world. Our services call at over 275 stations, stretching across the South West of England.

We aim to transform the way people think about rail travel by setting a new standard – a better experience for our customers. Together we will restore the railways as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun.

About the Role

St Philips Marsh Depot (SPM) is home to GWR's DMU West Fleet and plays a critical role in keeping trains safe, reliable and available for service. Operating within a demanding maintenance and examination regime, we deliver both day and night servicing to provide a safe, clean and punctual service for our customers.

As a Multi‑Skilled Technician, you'll join a highly skilled team responsible for providing comprehensive in‑service maintenance support across a diverse fleet of Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs). The role offers a varied workload encompassing mechanical, electrical and fault‑finding activities, ensuring no two days are the same.

You'll also have the opportunity to develop additional specialist skills through training as a Wheel Lathe Operator, carrying out tyre turning activities across a range of rolling stock and traction types.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Carrying out mechanical and electrical maintenance activities on operational rolling stock.
• Diagnosing and rectifying faults to minimise train downtime and maximise fleet availability.
• Performing planned maintenance, inspections and servicing activities in accordance with maintenance schedules.
• Following safe systems of work and maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and workmanship.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the depot to deliver fleet performance and reliability targets.
• Operating within a fast‑paced operational environment, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of services.
• Undertaking specialist wheel lathe and tyre turning duties following training and certification.

About You

We're looking for a motivated and proactive individual with strong technical skills and a commitment to delivering high‑quality work.

You will have:

• Proven experience as a mechanical and electrical technician.
• Strong fault‑finding and diagnostic skills.
• An NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds qualification, or equivalent in an engineering discipline.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A positive attitude towards learning and developing new skills.
• A strong focus on safety, quality and customer service.

Previous rolling stock or DMU experience would be advantageous but is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills from other engineering, maintenance or manufacturing environments.

About the Depot

Located in Bristol, St Philips Marsh Depot benefits from excellent transport links. Bristol Temple Meads station is approximately a 15 to 20‑minute walk away, while the depot is easily accessible from Junction 19 of the M4 via the M32.

The depot comprises seven key operational areas:

• Marsh Junction
• Technical Office
• Wheel Lathe
• Heavy Service Shed (HSS)
• Routine Service Shed (RSS)
• Victoria Sidings
• Coal Field

Each area plays a vital role in supporting one of the busiest maintenance operations within the region.

Working Pattern

This position operates on a 4‑on, 4‑off shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays.

As this is a safety‑critical role, successful candidates will be required to meet the relevant railway medical and fitness standards.

Additional Information

There is currently one vacancy available. A reserve list may be created from appointable candidates and will remain valid for a period of six months.

Why Join St Philip’s Marsh?

This is an opportunity to develop your skills within a diverse and technically challenging rail environment. Working alongside experienced engineers and technicians, you’ll gain exposure to a wide range of maintenance activities while playing a key role in delivering safe and reliable services for thousands of customers every day.

Must live within 1hr travel of the depot.

We all belong at GWR.

This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neuro‑divergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/