Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician

Northern Trains Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel

Pension scheme

Enhanced family benefits

Cycle to Work

Exclusive discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and career development

Recognition

Job summary

Northern Trains Limited is seeking a Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician to join our engineering team in Manchester. This hands-on, safety-critical role focuses on electrical maintenance of traction and rolling stock, fault diagnosis using diagnostic software, and contributing to safe, reliable services for customers.

You will work shifts, mentor apprentices, and uphold high safety standards as part of a supportive depot team.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 electrical bias or equivalent is required.
• Experience fault finding and resolving technical issues.
• Able to stay focused in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, service, and repair traction and rolling stock to agreed standards and safety requirements.
• Diagnose faults using diagnostic software and perform root cause analysis.
• Complete planned and reactive maintenance to keep trains safe and available for service.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to plan work and communicate updates.

Skills

NVQ Level 3 Electrical

Fault finding

Diagnostic software

Safety-critical mindset

Shift work flexibility

Apprentice mentoring

Education

NVQ Level 3 Electrical (or equivalent)

Tools

Diagnostic software

Job description

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

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.