Technician [Distribution & Plant] - Ashford Old Railway Works

Network Rail; Ashford; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Rail season ticket subsidy

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Healthcare scheme

Job summary

Network Rail in Ashford is seeking a Distribution & Plant Technician to maintain, test, repair and install HV and LV electrical systems that keep the railway powered and safe. You'll work as part of a specialist maintenance team, carrying out inspections, faultfinding and regular maintenance to ensure trains, signals and stations stay on track.

This safety-critical role requires practical skills, strict adherence to procedures, and a proactive approach to safety.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 1 or 2 (or equivalent practical experience).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Experience with safe systems of work and railway electrical maintenance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver maintenance, faultfinding and inspections on HV/LV railway electrical systems.
• Diagnose faults and keep infrastructure safe and operational.
• Maintain, renew and repair equipment such as switchgear, circuit breakers and telecoms gear.
• Record work and ensure documentation is up to date.
• Work with Team Leader and D&P team to uphold safety and quality.
• Operate in days, nights and weekends as required.
• Deputise for Team Leader when needed.

Skills

High/low voltage

Safety minded

Fault finding

Strong communication

Education

NVQ Level 1/2 or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

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.

Technician - Distribution & Plant: Power Up Your Career!

Location: Ashford Old Railway Works

Salary: Standard Maintenance Contract £45,669

Hours: Full-Time

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

About The Role

Keep the Power Flowing. Keep the Railway Moving.

As a Distribution & Plant (D&P) Technician, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining, testing, repairing, and installing the electrical systems that keep the railway powered, safe, and operational. From HV switchgear to points heating, generators to telecoms equipment - your work keeps trains, signals, and stations running reliably every day.

Working as part of a specialist maintenance team, you'll support the Team Leader, carry out inspections, fault finding, maintenance, and sometimes step up to lead the team. This is a hands on, safety critical role where no two days look the same.

Your Role in the Team

You’ll help maintain and repair high-voltage and low-voltage railway infrastructure, including:

• HV switchgear
• DC circuit breakers
• Battery chargers
• Points heating systems
• Generators
• EICR testing
• Telecoms & lighting equipment

Much of this work takes place off-track, but you'll also work outdoors, in all conditions and at height.

This role demands technical skill, precision, and a commitment to safety & compliance.

Stepping Up As Team Leader (When Required)

Once fully competent, you'll have opportunities to deputise for the Team Leader, including:

• Setting up and maintaining safe work arrangements
• Monitoring and controlling the quality of work
• Ensuring team members have the right competencies
• Making sure tools, vehicles and equipment are safe and fit for use

You’ll act as a role model for safety, confidently challenging unsafe behaviour to ensure everyone goes home safe.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver work safely and efficiently in line with standards and procedures
• Carry out inspections, maintenance, renewals & faultfinding
• Diagnose and rectify faults to keep the network running smoothly
• Ensure tools, vehicles & equipment are ready for use
• Accurately record work and maintain essential documentation
• Work closely with the Team Leader and wider D&P team
• promote safety awareness and compliance across all tasks

What We’re Looking For

• Experience planning & implementing safe systems of work
• Strong team player with a passion for safety
• Knowledge of D&P inspection, faulting, maintenance & renewals
• Relevant technical competencies - or willingness to achieve them
• NVQ Level 1 or 2 (or equivalent practical experience)
• Full UK driving licence
• Strong attention to detail & excellent communication skills

What Will Help You Stand Out

• Familiarity with railway industry standards

Working Toward Or Holding Electrical Qualifications

• Ability to step up & support the Team Leader
• Experience in safety critical environments

Important Information

This is a safety-critical role, so you'll need to pass a medical assessment and be subject to drug & alcohol testing.

You'll work a mix of days, nights & weekends, so flexibility is essential.

Why Join us ..............

Your Growth, Your Future

We'll invest in your development with structured technical and non¿technical training.

With dedication and the right mindset, you can progress into Team Leader roles and beyond.

Why you’ll love it here

• 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.
• 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. 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.