Quality Engineer

Porterbrook; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme: 1.5x employer

Flexible working

Healthcare cash plan

Job summary

Porterbrook in Derby is seeking a Quality Engineer to join our team. You will audit and improve processes across TOCs, suppliers and internal teams to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Join a team committed to delivering reliable rail solutions. The role involves hands-on auditing, close collaboration with fleet and project staff, and driving continuous quality improvements across Porterbrook’s supplier network.

Qualifications

• Engineering qualification to degree level (or equivalent) or have a suitable Quality Control / Assurance background within the rail industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Quality Management Systems, including ISO 9001:2015.
• Knowledge of build, inspection, test, and maintenance processes within the rail industry.
• Organised, methodical approach with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of RISAS.

Responsibilities

• Undertake TOC and supplier audits as required by Porterbrook's Business 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 Head of QHSE and Audit Manager with the Business Management System as required.
• Support other internal quality improvements across the business as required.
• Provide additional support to the fleet and project teams to effectively close out CARs and drive quality improvements with TOCs and suppliers.

Skills

Auditing

Quality Assurance

ISO 9001

RISAS knowledge

Rail industry experience

Education

Engineering degree (or equivalent)

Tools

MS Office

Oracle E-Business Suite

Job description

About us

At the heart of the rail network for over three decades, Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains.

By working together with our partners, we deliver high-quality, agile rolling stock solutions that ensure the railway remains safe, reliable, sustainable and fit for the future.

We don't just provide trains - we provide a customer-focused platform for long-term success. Since 1994, Porterbrook has invested over £4bn in new rolling stock including £1bn of capital in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure in the last five years.

With our strategic and empathetic funding solutions, we're actively looking to invest a further £1bn in the years ahead.

About the team

We have over 100 engineers and fleet support staff working directly on our passenger fleets, alongside experienced key relationship managers with a deep understanding of our customers' needs and expectations on their existing fleets, and investment in new rolling stock.

About the role

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

Key responsibilities

• Undertake TOC and supplier audits as required by Porterbrook's Business 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 Head of QHSE and Audit Manager with the Business Management System as required
• Support other internal quality improvements across the business as required
• Provide additional support to the fleet and project teams to effectively close out CARs and drive quality improvements with TOCs and suppliers

About you

General requirements:

• Practical experience of working within the rail industry
• 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
• Experience of the operation of railways

Skills / Experience

What you'll need to have:

• The successful candidate will hold an engineering qualification to degree level (or equivalent) or have a suitable Quality Control / Assurance based background within the rail industry
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Quality Management Systems, including ISO 9001:2015
• Knowledge of build, inspection, test, and maintenance processes within the rail industry
• Organised, methodical approach with attention to detail
• A knowledge and understanding of RISAS

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 management systems e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and RISAS
• Knowledge of UK rail traction and rolling stock

A great place to work

We have a collaborative work ethic with our team members across the company, and with our customers and suppliers. In Derby, London and the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right jobs, all striving to drive excellence through strong partnerships that create value for all.

We promote a high-performing culture where everyone is supported to achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. We have a close-knit, diverse team that looks out for each other, and supports our colleagues, communities and the next generation of the railway family.

In recognition of this we have been awarded:

• Investors in People Gold accreditation
• Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation
• Engineering and Safety Award Railway Innovation 2025

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 maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Enhanced Armed Forces policies
• Ongoing support with professional and personal development
• Long service awards
• Porterbrook Star awards
• 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
• Free parking and electric vehicle charging are available at our Derby office
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme

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

Equal Opportunities

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.

Accessibility

We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at [e-mail] We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.

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!

Our people

To find out more about our people and partnerships click the following link https://www.porterbrook.co.uk/about/our-people.