Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician

Northern; Manchester; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel

Generous pension scheme

Enhanced family benefits

Cycle to Work scheme

Exclusive discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and career development

Recognition

Job summary

Northern in Manchester is seeking a Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician to join our on-site maintenance team. You will keep traction and rolling stock safe and available, performing servicing, repairs, fault finding and planned maintenance in a safety‑critical environment.

You should hold an NVQ Level 3 electrical bias and have experience with diagnostic software, plus a proactive mindset to mentor apprentices and uphold high safety standards.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 electrical bias or equivalent
• Experience fault finding using diagnostic software to resolve technical issues
• Ability to stay focused and methodical in a safety‑critical environment
• Flexible approach to shift work and changing operational demands
• Proactive mindset with ability to mentor apprentices and uphold safety standards
• Motivation to contribute to safe, reliable rail travel across the North

Responsibilities

• Maintaining, servicing, and repairing traction and rolling stock to agreed standards and safety requirements
• Diagnosing faults using diagnostic software, carrying out fault finding and root cause analysis
• Completing planned and reactive maintenance to keep trains safe and available for service
• Working closely with colleagues across the engineering team to plan work, share updates, and keep everyone aligned
• Communicating clearly with apprentices and peers, supporting learning and safe ways of working
• Following all safety procedures, carrying out assessments, and helping to maintain a clean, secure working environment

Skills

Fault finding

Problem solving

Teamwork

Mentoring apprentices

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

NVQ Level 3 (Electrical bias)

Tools

Diagnostic software

Job description

Business function: Engineering

Grade: Fleet A Grade Shifts

Salary: £53,221.00 per annum
Role type: On site
Hours: 35 per week

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every safe, smooth journey is a skilled engineering team keeping our fleet in top condition – and this is where you come in.

As a Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician, you’d be right at the heart of our maintenance operation. Your work keeps trains safe, reliable, and ready for service, day in and day out. This is a hands‑on, safety‑critical role where your electrical expertise, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail directly support thousands of customers across the North.

It’s more than fixing faults or carrying out routine maintenance. It’s about pride in your craft, teamwork on the depot floor, and knowing the work you do matters every time a train leaves the shed.

What you’ll be doing

• Maintaining, servicing, and repairing traction and rolling stock to agreed standards and safety requirements
• Diagnosing faults using diagnostic software, carrying out fault finding and root cause analysis, with a particular focus on electric units
• Completing planned and reactive maintenance to keep trains safe and available for service
• Working closely with colleagues across the engineering team to plan work, share updates, and keep everyone aligned
• Communicating clearly with apprentices and peers, supporting learning and safe ways of working
• Following all safety procedures, carrying out assessments, and helping to maintain a clean, secure working environment

About you

Engineering know-how, curiosity, and care – that’s what this role is built on. You’ll bring:

• An engineering qualification to NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) – an electrical bias is ideal
• Experience fault finding and using diagnostic software to resolve technical issues
• The ability to stay focused and methodical in a fast‑paced, safety‑critical environment
• A flexible approach to shift work and changing operational demands
• A proactive mindset, with the confidence to lead by example and uphold high safety standards
• The motivation to mentor apprentices and contribute to better rail travel for everyone

Safety-critical requirements

This role is safety critical and subject to Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. To be considered, you must:

• Live within a 45-minute car journey of your home depot
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Pass a safety-critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening
• Have no defective colour vision

Applications that do not meet these requirements 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.
• 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 2,500 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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the moments that shaped rail, we’re also looking ahead to the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. There’s never been a better time to play your part.

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 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.