Shift Engineer

Arriva London North Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva plc in the United Kingdom is seeking a Running Shift Engineer to oversee safe and efficient operation, maintenance and fault resolution of rolling stock during service hours. You will ensure optimal performance and minimal disruption to passenger services through proactive diagnostics, fault finding and repairs.

The role requires reading engineering drawings, using diagnostic tools, and collaborating with control rooms and depot staff.

Qualifications

• Recognised engineering qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Railway Engineering.
• Proven experience in maintenance and fault finding of rolling stock within a railway environment.
• Strong understanding of train systems including traction, braking, doors, HVAC, and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive and reactive maintenance on rolling stock, including inspections, diagnostics, and repairs of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Respond promptly to in-service failures and breakdowns, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions to restore service or facilitate recovery.
• Perform routine checks and tests on train systems and components to ensure compliance with safety standards and operational requirements.
• Document all maintenance activities, fault reports, and repair logs accurately and comprehensively.
• Collaborate with train crew, control room staff, and depot personnel to communicate technical issues and coordinate effective resolutions.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety regulations, procedures, and relevant industry standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of maintenance strategies.
• Operate specialist diagnostic equipment and tools to identify and rectify faults.
• Carry out minor infrastructure repairs or assessments as required to ensure safe train movement.
• Provide technical support and guidance to other team members as needed.

Skills

Engineering qualification

Rolling stock maintenance

Diagnostics tools

Problem solving

Team communication

Education

NVQ Level 3

HNC/HND

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Job Summary

As a Running Shift Engineer at Arriva plc, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and fault resolution of our rolling stock during service hours, ensuring optimal performance and minimal disruption to passenger services.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive and reactive maintenance on rolling stock, including inspections, diagnostics, and repairs of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Respond promptly to in-service failures and breakdowns, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions to restore service or facilitate recovery.
• Perform routine checks and tests on train systems and components to ensure compliance with safety standards and operational requirements.
• Document all maintenance activities, fault reports, and repair logs accurately and comprehensively.
• Collaborate with train crew, control room staff, and depot personnel to communicate technical issues and coordinate effective resolutions.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety regulations, procedures, and relevant industry standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of maintenance strategies.
• Operate specialist diagnostic equipment and tools to identify and rectify faults.
• Carry out minor infrastructure repairs or assessments as required to ensure safe train movement.
• Provide technical support and guidance to other team members as needed.

Job Qualifications

• Recognised engineering qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3, HNC/HND, or equivalent) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Railway Engineering.
• Proven experience in the maintenance and fault finding of rolling stock within a railway environment.
• Strong understanding of train systems, including traction, braking, doors, HVAC, and control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Proficient in the use of diagnostic tools and equipment relevant to railway maintenance.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and liaise with various stakeholders.
• Commitment to health and safety procedures and practices.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, as required by operational demands.
• A valid UK driving licence is preferred due to potential travel between depots or incident locations.

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day.

The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe.

Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.