Network Management Engineer

NETWORK RAIL; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Defined benefit pension scheme

Discounts on train tickets

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking an Optimisation Engineer within Telecoms (FTN) to support 24/7 surveillance, fault resolution and project activities. You will work with remote management platforms and field technicians to restore service and safeguard operational reliability.

Key requirements include transmission and GSM network management, SDH/PDH/DWDM knowledge, fault diagnosis, and telecoms qualifications. The role operates on a 6-week cycle of shifts and offers hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Experience in transmission and GSM network management.
• Understanding of SDH, PDH and DWDM networks.
• Experience fault finding and maintenance of transmission networks.
• Telecoms qualifications through degree or experience.

Responsibilities

• Work a 24/7 shift pattern to progress complaints and network alarms with remote platforms and field maintainers.
• Resolve technical failures within ITIL-aligned standards and safety requirements.
• Coach technicians and provide technical support for event management of complaints and alarms.
• Support planned work and project activities on the network.

Skills

Transmission management

GSM network management

SDH/PDH/DWDM networks

Fault finding

Telecoms qualifications

Education

Telecoms degree or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered
• Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependant), with the option to buy/sell days
• Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs)
• Interest‑free travel loan for train and car park season tickets
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact
• Plus more....

Vacancy type: Permanent

Working Hours: This role is shift based. You will work 18, 12-hour shifts over a 6-week cycle which is currently favoured by existing team members.

Location: Stoke-on-Trent

Band & Salary: Band 5, £34,000 - £36,000

Message from one of the team

I joined Network Rail back in January 2007 within the IT Helpdesk as a Helpdesk Operator. By October 2010 I gained a promotion as a Technical Service Analyst within the IT Helpdesk. Towards the end of 2017 I was ready to move into a position where I was more involved in the Railway itself. That was when I decided to take the chance and apply for the role of Network Management Engineer in Telecoms (FTN). I had many years' experience in IT so it was to be a complete change in career. I was successful in my application and that is where I would see the impact of the Telecoms Network on the smooth running of both passenger and freight trains and the effects it has on 'Putting Passengers First'. Network Rail holds a huge telecoms network that carries everything from Signal Post Telephones to Solid State Interlocking. We manage and maintain over 21000 devices and 50000 services using various Management Platforms. You will get to speak to field technicians all over the country and build some fantastic relationships. Reacting to events, diagnosing faults and getting them fixed still gets me excited. It has exposed me to lots of different areas within the railway including the GSM-R and IP Networks and how they all interlink with the Fixed Telecom Network (FTN) and it is truly fascinating. I have now secured a role as an Optimisation Engineer and the knowledge and experience I have gained as a NME will be a great asset to my new role. I am very much looking forward to this new challenge and the opportunities that it will bring.

Becci Thursfield-Smith

Your experience and skills

Main responsibilities: Working a 24/7 shift pattern, you shall conduct administrative and complex technical activities to progress complaints and network alarms, working directly with remote management platforms and field-based maintainers to restore service and resolve technical failures within agreed operational service agreements, in line with the ITIL Framework and mandated Network Rail standards, highlighting safety related failures for further processing. You shall conduct administrative and technical activities to support the successful delivery of planned work for both operational failures and Investment Project activities. You shall coach and mentor technicians to conduct event management of complaints and alarms presented on remote management platforms and provide technical support to field-based maintainers.

What will you be doing?

1. To undertake day-to-day surveillance and management of the FTN, including observation, notification & direction of staff, and clearance of faults on the network. These responsibilities will also include SCADA and security monitoring.
2. To receive and validate the work information, which will enable effective capture and management of network elements.
3. To co-ordinate with Network Rail Project commissioning engineers, in bringing elements under management.
4. To interface with Project staff, Alcatel, and maintenance contractors, according to the need, to resolve issues affecting the networksTo process faults on the FTN (Core, Access, P-Mux, HDSL), involving localisation, tasking, access permission, assistance/ co-operation, escalation, clearance, and feedback.
5. To document all activities associated with the work, including alarms, test results, DCN details, and connectivity confirmation.
6. To co-ordinate with equipment suppliers and Network Rail groups as required, to resolve issues arising during integration activities.

What essential skills and experiences are required?

• Experience in one or both of transmission & GSM network management.
• Working knowledge & understanding of SDH, PDH and DWDM networks
• Practical experience of fault finding and fault resolution of transmission networks including synchronisation and protection.
• Practical experience of managing planned maintenance & network interruptions.
• Telecoms qualifications through degree or experience.

Additional Information...

Contact:

[e-mail] If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments.