Principal Technical Officer [Track] - Eastleigh AMM

Network Rail; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 28 days

Defined benefit pension

Rail season tickets subsidy

Leisure travel discount

Flexible/hybrid working

Volunteer leave

Carer's leave

Healthcare & Gym discounts

Cycle to work

Maternity/Paternity/adoption leave

Job summary

Network Rail in the South Region is seeking a Principal Technical Officer - Track to lead the technical assurance and improvement of track assets across our network. This safety-critical role requires hands-on leadership and a strong engineering mindset to deliver safe, reliable railway operations.

You will shape maintenance standards, supervise design work, coordinate with delivery teams, and develop others while working a flexible pattern including days, nights or weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in technical support activities and techniques.
• Strong understanding of track maintenance and construction management processes, systems, and standards.
• Knowledge of design requirements, processes and techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate, promote and embed safe working behaviours.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out work safely and in accordance with safe systems of work procedures, method statements, plans and instructions.
• Manage and check the quality of work delivered and confirm assets are compliant with standards.
• Prepare and manage work specifications, method statements and resource plans.
• Manage information to update systems, databases and records accurately.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures at all times.
• Undertake and supervise technical tasks, surveys and design work.
• Design, install, test and commission equipment as required.
• Provide technical support and guidance to teams and stakeholders.
• Undertake technical inspections, tests, investigations and analysis of technical data.
• Prioritise work arising and agree work plans for the group.
• Prepare specifications and requisitions for materials.
• Manage processes and systems for calibration and certification of tools and equipment.
• Contribute to your own development and support the development of others.

Skills

Technical support

Track maintenance

Design requirements

Safe working behaviours

Verbal and written communication

Coaching and development

Competencies and qualifications

NVQ Level 3/4 in engineering or lead.

Driving licence

Education

NVQ Level 3/4 (or equivalent) in engineering or leadership

Job description

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.

Principal Technical Officer - Track: Lead the Way in Rail Excellence!

Location: Eastleigh

Salary: £40,000 - £45000 + role associated allowances

Hours: Full-Time

Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety-Critical Role)

About The Role

We're looking for an experienced and safety-focused professional to join our team as a Principal Technical Officer (PTO) - Track. This is a key leadership role where you'll provide technical expertise, assurance, and guidance to ensure the safe and efficient maintenance and renewal of track assets across the network. You’ll act as the technical authority for track maintenance, supporting delivery teams, managing compliance with standards, and driving continuous improvement. You’ll also provide technical support to the Maintenance Engineering team, ensuring work is planned and executed to the highest standards.

What You'll Do

• Carry out work safely and in accordance with safe systems of work procedures, method statements, plans, and instructions.
• Manage and check the quality of work delivered and confirm assets are compliant with standards.
• Prepare and manage work specifications, method statements, and resource plans.
• Manage information to update systems, databases, and records accurately.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures at all times.
• Undertake and supervise technical tasks, surveys, and design work.
• Design, install, test, and commission equipment as required.
• Provide technical support and guidance to teams and stakeholders.
• Undertake technical inspections, tests, investigations, and analysis of technical data.
• Prioritise work arising and agree work plans for the group.
• Prepare specifications and requisitions for materials.
• Manage processes and systems for calibration and certification of tools and equipment.
• Contribute to your own development and support the development of others.

Your Experience And Skills

What you'll need

• Knowledge and experience of technical support activities and techniques.
• Strong understanding of track maintenance and construction management processes, systems, and standards.
• Knowledge and experience of design requirements, processes, and techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate, promote, and embed safe working behaviours within the team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to coach, influence, and develop others effectively.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post and required by business need.
• Ideally hold or be working towards NVQ Level 3 or 4 (or equivalent) in an engineering or leadership subject.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to drive as required by business need.

Important Information

This is a safety-critical role, which means you'll need to pass a medical assessment and be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Flexibility is essential as the role involves working days, nights, and weekends when required.

Perks That Pack a Punch

• 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.
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
• 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.

About Your Application

As part of the application process, you'll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV. 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. Click here for more information.

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.