Operative [Signalling Maintenance] - Sittingbourne

Network Rail; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Rail season tickets subsidy

Leisure travel discounts

Volunteer leave

Carer's leave

Healthcare scheme

GymPass discounts

Cycle to work

Parental leave

Job summary

Network Rail in South East England is hiring an Operative in Signalling & Telecoms. You'll work with a close-knit team to maintain and support railway infrastructure, contributing to safe and reliable train movements.

You'll receive structured training, work outdoors in all weather, and develop skills across manual, electrical, and digital systems. A full UK driving licence and flexibility to work shifts are required.

Qualifications

• Qualification or demonstrable knowledge in engineering, electrical, or electronic systems.
• Experience in safety-critical environments.
• Full UK driving licence (Category B).
• Flexibility to work shifts (days, nights, weekends).
• Ability to commute to designated location within 35 minutes.
• Ability to pass pre-employment checks (D&A, medical, BPSS).

Responsibilities

• Working with your team to carry out essential maintenance and repairs.
• Preparing vehicles and equipment before each shift.
• Driving between work sites and transporting tools and materials.
• Performing lookout duties to keep your team safe from oncoming trains.
• Working outdoors in all weather, sometimes in physically demanding environments.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Proactive Planning

Calm Under Pressure

Rule-Following

Willingness to Learn

Job description

IRC2366411

Who We Are

Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters.

Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key-and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.

Join Us in Keeping the Nation Moving

Operative - Signalling & Telecoms (S&T)

About the role

At the heart of the railway network is a dedicated team who ensure every journey-passenger or freight-is safe, reliable, and efficient. As an Operative, you'll play a vital role in that mission, working hands¿on with a close-knit team to maintain and support the infrastructure that keeps the railway running smoothly every day.

This role is more than a job-it's a gateway to a meaningful, future¿proof career in the rail industry. Whether you're just starting out or transferring skills from another sector, we're here to help you grow and succeed.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Operative in Signalling & Telecoms, you'll be trained to work with the equipment that controls train movements-signals, level crossings, points systems, and more. Your work will directly support railway safety and performance, while you develop skills across manual, electrical, and digital systems.

Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Working with your team to carry out essential maintenance and repairs
• Preparing vehicles and equipment before each shift
• Driving between work sites and transporting tools and materials
• Performing lookout duties to keep your team safe from oncoming trains
• Working outdoors in all weather, sometimes in physically demanding environments

What We're Looking For

We welcome people from all backgrounds-no rail experience needed. What matters is your attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to working safely as part of a team.

• A qualification or demonstrable knowledge in engineering, electrical, or electronic systems
• Experience working in safety¿critical environments
• A full UK driving licence (Category B)
• Flexibility to work shifts (days, nights, weekends)
• Ability to commute to your designated location within 35 minutes
• Ability to pass all pre¿employment checks (D&A, medical, BPSS clearance)

The Skills That Matter

Skill

Why It Matters

Teamwork Collaboration is essential for safe, efficient maintenance.

Communication Clear, respectful communication keeps everyone safe and informed.

Proactive Planning Being prepared ensures smooth, efficient operations.

Calm Under Pressure You'll work near high¿speed trains-focus is key.

Rule¿Following Safety procedures must be followed confidently and consistently.

Willingness to Learn We'll support your technical and personal development throughout your career.

Your Growth, Your Future

From day one, you'll receive structured training to build your technical and interpersonal skills. Many Operatives progress into roles such as Technician, Team Leader, and beyond. Your career path is clear, and your potential is limitless.¿

What to Expect from the Application Process

Pre¿Screening Questions

Designed to assess suitability. Take your time and answer honestly.

Online Psychometric Testing

If successful, you'll complete approx. 45 minutes of online assessments. Your results are stored for six months for future applications.

Perks That Pack a Punch:

• We offer excellent benefits, including:
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
• Up to 75% off leisure travel.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
• Carer's leave to support those who matter.
• Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees.
• Plus, more....

We're All About Inclusion

• We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from - if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about safety, eager to learn, and ready to be part of a team that keeps the country moving, we'd love to hear from you. This is more than a job-it's a chance to build a career with purpose, pride, and possibility.

About Your Application

As part of the application process, you'll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV. You'll also answer a short set of questions, which should take around 5-10 minutes.

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 add a note to your application.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Safety and Compliance

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.

Drugs and Alcohol Standard

All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

Apply Now

Ready to roll up your sleeves and keep the railway on track?

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

Geographical Area:

South East England (Not inside M25)

Closing Date:

28-SEP-2026

Job Category:

Mobile Maintenance & Response

Function:

Southern Region

Organisation: