Quality Engineer

Porterbrook; Derby; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the rail industry is seeking an exceptional Quality Engineer to join its Risk, Quality & Assurance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering external audits, supporting compliance with RISAS certification, and driving quality improvements across multiple sites. This role offers opportunities for travel and involvement in key projects, with comprehensive benefits and a strong commitment to employee development.

Benefits

Employer contributory pension scheme

Financial wellbeing support

Flexible working

Enhanced family friendly policies

Long service awards

Life assurance

Healthcare cash plan

25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in the rail industry or equivalent manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and RISAS.
• Ability to assess vehicle conditions and report defects.

Responsibilities

• Undertake audits as required by Porterbrook’s Quality Management System.
• Validate actions to close CARs for risk reduction.
• Support the Audit Manager in planning and management of audit delivery.

Skills

Auditing process compliance

Quality management systems

Communication

Planning and organization

Education

Engineering qualification to degree level

Tools

MS applications

Oracle E-Business Suite

Job description

Application Deadline: 13 June 2025

Department: Risk, Quality & Assurance

Location: Derby

Description

About us
Porterbrook is the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company, and a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future.

We’ve been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades and own a quarter of the national passenger rail fleet, with 4,000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight rolling stock.

Porterbrook mobilises private finance to drive growth and deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable railway. Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we innovate to deliver greener and smarter rail solutions.

Our values
About the team
The successful candidate will be joining the Risk, Quality and Assurance function, a small multi-disciplinary team that supports corporate and project governance, risk management and audits of Train Operating Companies, suppliers and internal Porterbrook processes. The team is part of the Operations Directorate reporting to the Chief Operating Officer.

About the role

A great opportunity for an exceptional Quality Engineer, to join the Porterbrook team.

Role Purpose
Accountable for delivering external audits as per the agreed audit schedule in line with the company’s requirements and to comply with the company’s RISAS (Railway Industry Supplier Approval Scheme) certification and ISO 9001:2015.

To support the Audit Manager, Fleet Services, Heavy Maintenance, Projects and Procurement with the successful delivery of the audit schedule, including having the flexibility to undertake ad-hoc audits at short notice and support key projects across the business as required.

The role will require visiting suppliers’ premises and hence may require up to 50% travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.

Responsibilities

• Undertake audits as required by Porterbrook’s Quality Management System, including initial planning of audit visit, delivery of audit work and reporting, including raising any CARs where corrective action is required
• Validate that proposed actions to close CARs are appropriate and reduce the risk of reoccurrence
• Provide support to fleet and project staff to ensure suppliers take appropriate actions to close CARs in agreed timescales
• Support the Audit Manager in the planning and management of the delivery of the audit plan
• Support the Audit Manager across the ISO 9001 & 45001 workstream, covering Derby, London & Long Marston sites
• Support other internal quality improvements across the business as required
• Undertake TOC and supplier audits
• Provide additional support to the fleet and project teams to effectively close out CARs and drive quality improvements with TOCs and suppliers
  
  

Skills / Experience

What you’ll need to have

• Practical experience of working within the rail industry or equivalent manufacturing industry (automotive, aerospace or heavy manufacturing)
• Proven ability to audit process compliance and identify opportunities for process improvement
• Ability to plan effectively, oversee and manage tasks and external suppliers
• Ability to work with auditees when deficiencies have been identified, playing a key role in developing them to an acceptable standard
• An effective communicator with the ability to interact and build rapport with people at all levels externally and internally
• Self-sufficient and self-motivated
• Ability to assess vehicle condition, reporting any significant defects, whilst reviewing routine exam maintenance (desirable)
• Experience of the operation of railways (desirable)
• Engineering qualification to degree level (or equivalent) or have a suitable Quality Control / Assurance based background within rail or similar industry, and preferably a relevant qualification
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Quality systems, including ISO 9001:2015
• Knowledge of build, inspection, test, and maintenance processes within rail industry or similar manufacturing environment
• Organised, methodical approach with attention to detail
• A knowledge and understanding of RISAS
• Knowledge of UK rail traction and rolling stock

It would be great if you also had

• Computer literate with ability to use MS applications. Familiarity with Oracle E-Business Suite would be an advantage but not essential
• Excellent report writing skills to deliver an articulate output of audits and inspections
• Working knowledge of quality management systems e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and RISAS
  
  

A great place to work

People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded:

• Investors in People Gold accreditation
• Investors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Silver accreditation
• National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year
• National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year

These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.

To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.

Our benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:

• 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
• Financial wellbeing support
• Flexible working
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
• Enhanced Armed Forces policies
• Ongoing support with professional and personal development
• Long service awards
• Porterbrook Star awards
• Life assurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• 25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leave
• Additional days annual leave for long service
• Season ticket loan

Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.

To apply
Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.

This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.

Porterbrook is a Disability Confident and a Living Wage accredited employer.

If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please let us know. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone can develop to their full potential.

What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.

Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!

Please note we are not accepting approaches from recruitment agencies for this role.

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