Operative [Signalling Maintenance]

Network Rail; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great pension

30 days annual leave

Rail travel discount 75%

Full training provided

Job summary

Network Rail in Scotland is hiring Rail Signalling Operatives. This entry-level role requires no prior experience; you will receive full training and start on a salary of £38k, with night and weekend shifts and a hands-on, safety-focused work environment.

You will maintain signals, crossings and trackside equipment, work as part of a team, and help keep passengers and freight moving. Strong problem-solving, communication and a willingness to work outdoors in all weather are essential.

Qualifications

• A full clean driving licence.
• Problem solving skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Teamwork skills.
• Strong safety ethic.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts (day/evening/weekends).
• Willingness to undertake physical manual work outdoors in all weather.
• Willingness to undertake medical assessment and drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Maintain rail signals.
• Identify, diagnose and fix faults such as replacing electrical components in signals trackside.
• Respond to calls and undertake planned work.
• Work as part of a team.
• Physically search for faults along the track.
• Liaise with Fault Control and other teams to keep passengers safe.
• Check signal monitoring systems online.
• Measure tracks to ensure correct distance and height.
• Use special equipment to check for defects.
• Report obstacles, accidents, and issues.

Skills

Driving licence

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Safety mindset

Shift flexibility

Outdoor work

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. 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.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

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

Scotland's Railway is part of this large family and it covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.

About The Role

Get your career on track

£38k starting salary

With a starting salary of £38k* and no experience needed, a career in rail signalling is one that pays. Whether you're a school leaver, looking for a career change, or returning to work after some time out, we want to hear from you. No skills or qualifications required, here at Network Rail we're looking for potential.

So, what's the catch? Well, life trackside is challenging, it's physical, you need determination, but the rewards are worth it. Our Rail Testing & Lubrication Operatives work outdoors and around the clock to maintain drainage, fencing, vegetation and level crossings to help keep Britain's trains moving. Have you got what it takes?

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete some pre-screening questions. Please read each question carefully before responding.

What do Rail Signalling Operatives do?

Our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains across 10,000 miles of track each day.

Our Rail Signalling Operatives keep Britain's signals (the traffic lights of the track) in tip top condition to keep passengers and freight moving safely and without interruption. No single day is the same, from unexpected weather events to third party damage, you'd be responsible for maintaining and fixing all signalling assets. You'd be looking after a range of assets, including level crossings, switches, track circuits, line side location cases and (yes, you guessed it) signals.

To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, this work is often done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important but we'll provide your roster 4 weeks in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain rail signals
• Identify, diagnose and fix faults such as replacing electrical components in physical signals trackside
• Respond to calls and undertake planned work
• Work as part of a team
• Physically search for faults along the track
• Liaise with different teams, such as Fault Control, to keep passengers safe
• Check signal monitoring systems online
• Measure tracks to ensure correct distance and height
• Use special equipment to check for defects
• Report obstacles, accidents, and issues

What are we looking for?

• A full clean driving licence
• Problem solving skills
• Good communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• A strong safety ethic
• Willingness and ability to work shift patterns with a mixture of daytime, evening and weekend work
• The ability to undertake physical manual work outdoors, whatever the weather
• Willingness to undertake medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing, as part of our recruitment process and whilst you're working for us (it's a safety requirement)

What's in it for me?

• Competitive starting salary for Off Track Operatives with the potential to increase for Off Track Technicians
• A fresh start - you don't need to pay for expensive training courses or re-sit any exams, this is an entry level job and full training will be provided
• Development in a range of practical trades and skills to get you to the next career level; many maintenance workers progress to management roles - there's no stopping you at Network Rail
• Great pension plus the chance to join Network Rail's leading defined contribution pension scheme after five years' service
• 75% discount on leisure rail travel for you and your family
• 30 days' annual leave
• Extra earning potential: 35-hour week with overtime opportunities (there may be a requirement to work on call)
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Choice of pension schemes
• Discounted leisure train travel for you and your family
• 75% subsidy on Rail and Underground season tickets
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• My Benefits platform - giving national and local discounts on retailers, gym membership and more

Don't meet every requirement?

Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don't meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role.

We're a Disability Confident organisation and we'll try our best to adapt to suit individual needs.

We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone! Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know-we'll do our best to assist you.

Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.

You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact [e-mail].

All applicants must complete and pass the pre-screening questions in order to be considered for this vacancy.

Grade: Maintenance Grade Terms and Conditions (Standard Maintenance Contract)

Salary: £38,482

Closing date: Midnight on 28th October 2026 - late applications will not be accepted.

We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date (based on application volumes) so if you are interested in this vacancy, we encourage you to make your application as early as possible.

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know-we'll do our best to assist you.

Please NOTE - all offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks: Click here for more information.

Your Experience And Skills

You matter to your team

The team depends on you. You're the one who shows up first and leaves last, who makes sure the van and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and who drives the team from site to site. Every day you'll support your team in maintaining equipment and will provide lookout duties to keep the whole team safe.

You matter to us

Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we'll provide you with all the training to develop both technical skills and non-technical skills. If you're joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail. Today's operatives are tomorrow's Technicians and Team Leaders, and we offer a clear career path for you.

Your Skills Matter

• Teamworking - our maintenance teams depend on each other and you'll be able to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.
• Communication - you'll have good communication skills so you can work safely and effectively.
• Proactive planning - being punctual, having the van and equipment ready and anticipating the needs of the team are essential to keeping our passengers and freight moving.
• Working under pressure - working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you'll need to remain calm under pressure.
• Following rules and instructions - it is important that you understand and respect the rules, but also feel confident to challenge if you see a situation is unsafe.
• Willingness to learn - you'll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions.

It matters that this is the right role for you.

Here's some additional information which might help you.

• Shifts Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
• Outdoor working - Our Operatives work outside in all weathers and so you'll be comfortable working in different conditions.
• Safe working - offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment (if not already held). This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.
• Driving - As an Operative you'll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
• Commute times - You'll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you're applying for.

Essential Criteria

• Experience of working in an environment where safety is vital
• Willing and able to work shifts, including days, nights and weekends
• A team player
• Keen to develop new skills
• Good communication skills, both in person and in writing
• Meet the required benchmark for application screening questions (all applicants)